What You Need to Know About Tool Grinder, Filer, or Sharpener
Tool Grinder, Filer, or Sharpener Definition Perform precision smoothing, sharpening, polishing, or grinding of metal objects.
Tool Grinder, Filer, or Sharpener Responsibilities
- Inspect, feel, and measure workpieces to ensure that surfaces and dimensions meet specifications.
- Inspect dies to detect defects, assess wear, and verify specifications, using micrometers, steel gauge pins, and loupes.
- Straighten workpieces and remove dents, using straightening presses and hammers.
- Attach workpieces to grinding machines and form specified sections and repair cracks, using welding or brazing equipment.
- Monitor machine operations to determine whether adjustments are necessary, stopping machines when problems occur.
- Fit parts together in pre-assembly to ensure that dimensions are accurate.
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Qualities of a Tool Grinder, Filer, or Sharpener
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Equipment Maintenance: Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Repairing: Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Related Job Titles
- CNC Operator (Computer Numerically Controlled Operator)
- Cutting Tool Sharpener
- Crankshaft Grinder
- Die Reamer
- Tool Grinder Operator
Is There Going to be Demand for Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners?
There were about 9,500 jobs for Tool Grinder, Filer, or Sharpener in 2016 (in the United States). There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Tool Grinder, Filer, or Sharpener. There will be an estimated 1,100 positions for Tool Grinder, Filer, or Sharpener per year.

The states with the most job growth for Tool Grinder, Filer, or Sharpener are Georgia, Connecticut, and New Jersey. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Missouri, or Michigan. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of a Tool Grinder, Filer, or Sharpener
The salary for Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners ranges between about $25,090 and $60,740 a year.

Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners who work in Washington, New Hampshire, or Iowa, make the highest salaries.
How much do Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $31,840 |
Arizona | $35,070 |
Arkansas | $40,720 |
California | $41,060 |
Connecticut | $43,370 |
Florida | $35,320 |
Georgia | $38,400 |
Idaho | $44,240 |
Illinois | $45,790 |
Indiana | $43,260 |
Iowa | $47,170 |
Kansas | $31,240 |
Kentucky | $40,090 |
Louisiana | $38,040 |
Maine | $41,510 |
Maryland | $57,390 |
Massachusetts | $43,060 |
Michigan | $43,160 |
Minnesota | $37,070 |
Mississippi | $33,800 |
Missouri | $33,230 |
Montana | $34,810 |
Nebraska | $44,740 |
New Hampshire | $48,080 |
New Jersey | $29,250 |
New York | $40,910 |
North Carolina | $43,660 |
Ohio | $41,170 |
Oklahoma | $39,060 |
Oregon | $44,470 |
Pennsylvania | $42,290 |
South Carolina | $42,380 |
South Dakota | $35,560 |
Tennessee | $38,530 |
Texas | $39,750 |
Vermont | $43,310 |
Virginia | $31,650 |
Washington | $62,380 |
Wisconsin | $33,850 |
What Tools & Technology do Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Dassault Systemes SOLIDWORKS
- IBM Lotus Notes
- Edgecam
How to Become a Tool Grinder, Filer, or Sharpener
What education or degrees do I need to become a Tool Grinder, Filer, or Sharpener?

What work experience do I need to become a Tool Grinder, Filer, or Sharpener?

Where Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners Work

The table below shows the approximate number of Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners employed by various industries.

References:
Image Credit: US Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class John Linzmeier via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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