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

In Missouri, the median pay for grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is $22.25 an hour ($46,270 a year). About 1,210 people work in this job there.

$22.25Median hourly pay
$40,010–$59,440Middle half of workers, yearly
1,210People in this job in Missouri

That is about the same as the U.S. median ($46,550). Missouri ranks 21st 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 Missouri

Earns more thanHourlyYearly
10% of workers$17.86$37,140
25% of workers$19.24$40,010
Half of workers (median)$22.25$46,270
75% of workers$28.58$59,440
90% of workers$30.78$64,030

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

Metro areaMedian yearly payPeople in this job
St. Louis$46,230740
Springfield$46,170180
Kansas City$44,860300

Missouri unemployment rate: 3.5% (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 Missouri

JobMedian yearly pay
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$53,160
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$48,310
Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$50,930
Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing$38,640
Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$48,840
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers$51,950
Machinists$58,710
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$44,120

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.