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

In South Carolina, the median pay for grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is $23.10 an hour ($48,040 a year). About 1,730 people work in this job there.

$23.10Median hourly pay
$45,020–$58,340Middle half of workers, yearly
1,730People in this job in South Carolina

That is 3% higher than the U.S. median ($46,550). South Carolina ranks 11th 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 South Carolina

Earns more thanHourlyYearly
10% of workers$18.53$38,540
25% of workers$21.64$45,020
Half of workers (median)$23.10$48,040
75% of workers$28.05$58,340
90% of workers$28.87$60,050

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

Metro areaMedian yearly payPeople in this job
Spartanburg$55,080190
Charleston-North Charleston$51,930180
Greenville-Anderson-Greer$47,440170
Florence$47,38060
Columbia$45,780220

South Carolina unemployment rate: 4.1% (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 South Carolina

JobMedian yearly pay
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$45,740
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$44,420
Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing$41,990
Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$48,210
Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$47,410
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers$49,980
Machinists$57,970
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$45,270

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.