Crushing, grinding, and polishing machine operators set up and run equipment that processes materials in manufacturing and production settings. You monitor machines, inspect output, and communicate with your team. Most positions require a high school diploma and on-the-job training.
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You set up, operate, and maintain crushing, grinding, and polishing machines that process materials in factories and production facilities. Your day involves monitoring equipment and materials as they move through the process, controlling machines to meet specifications, and inspecting finished products for quality. You handle and move materials, communicate with supervisors and coworkers about production needs, and watch for problems that need attention. You also perform routine equipment inspections to keep machines running smoothly and safely.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders earn a median of $48,540 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is softer here. Employment is projected to fall 3 percent from 2024 to 2034, though there are still about 2,700 openings a year from turnover.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most positions start with a high school diploma or equivalent. Employers typically provide on-the-job training where you learn to operate specific equipment, read production specifications, and follow safety protocols. You'll develop skills in monitoring equipment, active listening, reading comprehension, and critical thinking as you work. Some employers may offer formal training programs or apprenticeships. The preparation level is moderate, meaning you can move into this role with some foundational knowledge and willingness to learn hands-on.
Most people enter this field through high school completion and employer-provided training. If you're deciding between jumping into a job right away or exploring related paths first, Pathly can map the crushing, grinding, and polishing machine setter, operator, and tender path that fits you and work through your options with your counselor.
You're drawn to hands-on work with machines and materials. You pay attention to detail, follow procedures, and stay alert to how equipment is performing.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
Start with a quick quiz and assessments that surface your personality, your EQ, and what really motivates you, so your next steps are built around who you actually are.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).