Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic pay in Tennessee
In Tennessee, the median pay for grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is $21.50 an hour ($44,710 a year). About 1,340 people work in this job there.
That is 4% lower than the U.S. median ($46,550). Tennessee ranks 31st 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 Tennessee
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $16.77 | $34,880 |
| 25% of workers | $18.20 | $37,860 |
| Half of workers (median) | $21.50 | $44,710 |
| 75% of workers | $23.34 | $48,540 |
| 90% of workers | $26.56 | $55,240 |
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic pay in Tennessee metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Memphis | $47,320 | 150 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin | $46,670 | 310 |
| Morristown | $43,680 | 30 |
| Clarksville | $39,770 | 90 |
| Knoxville | $39,170 | 130 |
| Chattanooga | $38,890 | 160 |
Tennessee unemployment rate: 3.4% (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 Tennessee
Other job titles for this job
Open grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic jobs on JAI Bot
No open jobs in this field right now. Search all jobs or set up a free job alert.
Hiring grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic? Use the free hiring guide for a job description and interview questions, then post the job on JAI Bot. Every job shows typical pay to job seekers.
Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: 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.