Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic pay in Illinois

In Illinois, the median pay for grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is $22.20 an hour ($46,180 a year). About 4,100 people work in this job there.

$22.20Median hourly pay
$40,190–$54,000Middle half of workers, yearly
4,100People in this job in Illinois

That is about the same as the U.S. median ($46,550). Illinois ranks 22nd of 48 states and territories for this job’s median pay.

Pay range for grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic in Illinois

Earns more thanHourlyYearly
10% of workers$18.04$37,530
25% of workers$19.32$40,190
Half of workers (median)$22.20$46,180
75% of workers$25.96$54,000
90% of workers$30.48$63,400

Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic pay in Illinois metro areas

Metro areaMedian yearly payPeople in this job
Peoria$49,300260
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin$46,4203,110
Rockford$44,580310
Kankakee$44,13040

Illinois unemployment rate: 4.7% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Education, experience and outlook for grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic

  • Typical education to start: High school diploma or equivalent (BLS)
  • Related work experience most have: 3 to 6 months (O*NET)
  • Training on the job: Moderate-term on-the-job training (BLS)
  • Job outlook: -10.8% over ten years, declining · about 4,500 openings a year (BLS)

Related jobs in Illinois

JobMedian yearly pay
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$48,990
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$44,350
Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing$41,360
Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$49,740
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$54,930
Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$48,290
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$63,360
Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$54,180

Other job titles for this job

GrinderAutomatic Grinder OperatorBench GrinderBillet GrinderBit GrinderBlade GrinderBrass BufferBuffererBuffing Line Set Up WorkerBuffing Machine OperatorBuffing Machine TenderCell Operator

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.