Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic pay in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue

In Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue (WA), the median pay for grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is $25.93 an hour ($53,930 a year). About 1,050 people work in this job there.

$25.93Median hourly pay
$47,700–$61,350Middle half of workers, yearly
1,050People in this job in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue (WA)

That is 16% higher than the U.S. median ($46,550). It is 9% higher than the Washington median ($49,300).

Pay range for grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue (WA)

Earns more thanHourlyYearly
10% of workers$19.41$40,380
25% of workers$22.93$47,700
Half of workers (median)$25.93$53,930
75% of workers$29.49$61,350
90% of workers$34.95$72,690

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

Metro areaMedian yearly payPeople in this job
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue (this page)$53,9301,050
Longview-Kelso$53,62050
Mount Vernon-Anacortes$50,30040
Spokane-Spokane Valley$46,680340
Yakima$46,02040

Washington unemployment rate: 4.9% (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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue (WA)

JobMedian yearly pay
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$54,920
Machinists$74,560
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers$66,240
Tool and Die Makers$116,850

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.