Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic pay in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands
In Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands (TX), the median pay for grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is $20.81 an hour ($43,280 a year). About 1,290 people work in this job there.
That is 7% lower than the U.S. median ($46,550). It is 2% higher than the Texas median ($42,250).
Pay range for grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands (TX)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $13.69 | $28,480 |
| 25% of workers | $17.54 | $36,480 |
| Half of workers (median) | $20.81 | $43,280 |
| 75% of workers | $22.25 | $46,290 |
| 90% of workers | $24.85 | $51,680 |
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic pay in Texas metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Tyler | $52,880 | 50 |
| Waco | $47,480 | 50 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands (this page) | $43,280 | 1,290 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington | $42,700 | 640 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos | $42,250 | 150 |
| Killeen-Temple | $41,490 | 40 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur | $39,720 | 110 |
| El Paso | $38,540 | 30 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels | $37,960 | 80 |
Texas unemployment rate: 4.4% (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)
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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.