Occupations/51-4033.00
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Set up, operate, or tend grinding and related tools that remove excess material or burrs from surfaces, sharpen edges or corners, or buff, hone, or polish metal or plastic work pieces.
Usually a high school diploma, plus some experience or short training.
AI automation risk
73%
Higher automation risk
Human characteristics
27%
Fewer uniquely human demands
Task orientation
76%
Higher automation risk
A day in this job
- Mostly routine
Inspect or measure finished workpieces to determine conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as gauges or micrometers.
- Mostly routine
Observe machine operations to detect any problems, making necessary adjustments to correct problems.
- Mostly routine
Move machine controls to index workpieces, and to adjust machines for pre-selected operational settings.
The tasks we can read here lean routine. That sits next to the AI risk rank — it is not a forecast that the job disappears.
Core tasks
- 01Inspect or measure finished workpieces to determine conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as gauges or micrometers.
- 02Measure workpieces and lay out work, using precision measuring devices.
- 03Observe machine operations to detect any problems, making necessary adjustments to correct problems.
- 04Move machine controls to index workpieces, and to adjust machines for pre-selected operational settings.
- 05Study blueprints, work orders, or machining instructions to determine product specifications, tool requirements, and operational sequences.
- 06Select machine tooling to be used, using knowledge of machine and production requirements.
Model drivers (O*NET 1–5)
- Repeating same tasks3.69
- Degree of automation2.90
- Time sitting1.87
- Originality (ability)2.00
- Conflict situations2.65
- Hands-on objects/tools4.93
- Outdoors / weather1.53
- Disease exposure1.19
- Decision freedom3.87
Top abilities
- Control Precision4.00
- Near Vision3.75
- Manual Dexterity3.75
- Reaction Time3.62
- Problem Sensitivity3.62
- Multilimb Coordination3.50
- Arm-Hand Steadiness3.50
- Rate Control3.25
Essential skills
- Reading Comprehension3.12
- Active Listening2.88
- Writing2.38
- Speaking3.00
- Mathematics2.75
- Science1.50
- Critical Thinking3.00
- Active Learning2.62
- Learning Strategies2.25
- Monitoring3.12
CIP matches
Schools offering related programs
11 shown
Earnings are College Scorecard medians for that program, 1 and 2 years after completion. A dash means the Department suppressed the cell or the campus is not in the field file.
| Institution | Program | Tuition | Admit | Grad 6-yr | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Minneapolis Community and Technical College Minneapolis, MN · Public | Machine Tool Technology/Machinist 48.0501 | $5,900 | 100% | 28% | 1 yr $54,035 2 yr $55,512 Associate · CIP 48.05 |
Saint Paul College St. Paul, MN · Public | Machine Tool Technology/Machinist 48.0501 | $6,100 | 100% | 29% | 1 yr $40,551 2 yr $42,363 Certificate · CIP 48.05 |
Minnesota State University Moorhead Moorhead, MN · Public | Machine Tool Technology/Machinist 48.0501 | $9,800 | 71% | 61% | 1 yr $38,289 2 yr $34,704 Certificate · CIP 48.05 |
Century College White Bear Lake, MN · Public | Machine Tool Technology/Machinist 48.0501 | $6,000 | 100% | 31% | 1 yr $35,594 2 yr $34,704 Certificate · CIP 48.05 |
University of Minnesota-Rochester Rochester, MN · Public | Machine Tool Technology/Machinist 48.0501 | $14,200 | 72% | 73% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Certificate · CIP 48.05 |
Anoka-Ramsey Community College Coon Rapids, MN · Public | Machine Tool Technology/Machinist 48.0501 | $5,800 | 100% | 33% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Certificate · CIP 48.05 |
Hennepin Technical College Brooklyn Park, MN · Public | Machine Tool Technology/Machinist 48.0501 | $6,200 | 100% | 38% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Not reported |
Miami Dade College Miami, FL · Public | Machine Tool Technology/Machinist 48.0501 | $2,900 | 100% | 41% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Certificate · CIP 48.05 |
Northern Virginia Community College Annandale, VA · Public | Machine Tool Technology/Machinist 48.0501 | $5,700 | 100% | 35% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Certificate · CIP 48.05 |
Anoka Technical College Anoka, MN · Public | Machine Tool Technology/Machinist 48.0501 | $6,300 | 100% | 48% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Not reported |
Macomb Community College Warren, MI · Public | Machine Tool Technology/Machinist 48.0501 | $4,200 | 100% | 22% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Not reported |