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Alabama Department of Labor

Labor Market Information Division
SOC: 51-4194 Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners
Perform precision smoothing, sharpening, polishing, or grinding of metal objects.
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Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
OJT: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Tasks: Dress grinding wheels, according to specifications. Monitor machine operations to determine whether adjustments are necessary; stop machines when problems occur. Inspect, feel, and measure workpieces to ensure that surfaces and dimensions meet specifications. Set up and operate grinding or polishing machines to grind metal workpieces such as dies, parts, and tools. Remove finished workpieces from machines and place them in boxes or on racks; set aside pieces that are defective. File or finish surfaces of workpieces, using prescribed hand tools. Select and mount grinding wheels on machines, according to specifications, using hand tools and applying knowledge of abrasives and grinding procedures. Perform basic maintenance, such as cleaning and lubricating machine parts. Remove and replace worn or broken machine parts, using hand tools.
License: License not required.
Outlook: Satisfactory
Alabama Employment Outlook
Alabama Wage Data
Hourly Wage   Annual Wage
Entry $11.86   Entry $24,661.00
Mean $15.69   Mean $32,623.00
Experience $17.60 Experience $36,604.00

The data is based on the May 2017 Occupation Employment Survey employment and wage estimate file. The wages have been aged using the most current ECI factors reflecting wages as of June 2018.

Alabama Projections
Estimated Employment 2016Projected Employment 2026Annual Average OpeningsAnnual Growth Rate
33034040.29
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Occupational Videos
51-4194.00 Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners