What is a Tool Grinder, Filer, or Sharpener?
Job Description: Perform precision smoothing, sharpening, polishing, or grinding of metal objects.
Tool Grinder, Filer, or Sharpener Responsibilities
- Remove finished workpieces from machines and place them in boxes or on racks, setting aside pieces that are defective.
- Perform basic maintenance, such as cleaning and lubricating machine parts.
- Monitor machine operations to determine whether adjustments are necessary, stopping machines when problems occur.
- Select and mount grinding wheels on machines, according to specifications, using hand tools and applying knowledge of abrasives and grinding procedures.
- Attach workpieces to grinding machines and form specified sections and repair cracks, using welding or brazing equipment.
- Inspect dies to detect defects, assess wear, and verify specifications, using micrometers, steel gauge pins, and loupes.
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Tool Grinder, Filer, or Sharpener Skills
When polled, Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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 for this Occupation:
- Cutter Grind Tool Technician
- Die Trimmer
- Universal Grinder Set-Up Operator
- Precision Grinder
- Hand Tool Lapper
What Kind of Tool Grinder, Filer, or Sharpener Job Opportunities Are There?
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.
How Much Does a Tool Grinder, Filer, or Sharpener Make?
The average yearly salary of a Tool Grinder, Filer, or Sharpener ranges between $25,090 and $60,740.

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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners
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
Becoming a Tool Grinder, Filer, or Sharpener
Individuals working as a Tool Grinder, Filer, or Sharpener have obtained the following education levels:

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners Are Employed

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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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