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Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary in Philadelphia, PA

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Philadelphia, PA have a median annual salary of $47,650, with 710 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $37,580 at the 10th percentile to $63,720 at the 90th percentile.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS · Data year: 2025 · Last updated: 2026-09-22

Salary overview

Median annual salary

$47,650

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$22.91

Employment

710

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$37,580
10th
$40,590
25th
$47,650
Median
$50,140
75th
$63,720
90th

Local compared with national

Philadelphia, PA

$47,650

Median annual · 2025

United States

$46,550

Median annual · 2025

The Philadelphia, PA median is 2.4% above the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $1,100).

Top skills

  1. 1.Operations MonitoringImportance 4.0
  2. 2.Operation and ControlImportance 4.0
  3. 3.Quality Control AnalysisImportance 3.1
  4. 4.Reading ComprehensionImportance 3.0
  5. 5.Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.0
  6. 6.Critical ThinkingImportance 2.9
  7. 7.MonitoringImportance 2.9
  8. 8.Complex Problem SolvingImportance 2.9
  9. 9.TroubleshootingImportance 2.9
  10. 10.Active ListeningImportance 2.8
  11. 11.SpeakingImportance 2.8
  12. 12.CoordinationImportance 2.8

Career information

Education and experience

Experience
None
Job zone
2

Technology used

  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Manufacturing reporting system
  • Mazak Mazatrol SMART CNC
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Windows
  • SAP software

Common tasks

  • Move machine controls to index workpieces, and to adjust machines for pre-selected operational settings.
  • Measure workpieces and lay out work, using precision measuring devices.
  • Inspect or measure finished workpieces to determine conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as gauges or micrometers.
  • Set and adjust machine controls according to product specifications, using knowledge of machine operation.
  • Observe machine operations to detect any problems, making necessary adjustments to correct problems.
  • Activate machine start-up switches to grind, lap, hone, debar, shear, or cut workpieces, according to specifications.
  • Study blueprints, work orders, or machining instructions to determine product specifications, tool requirements, and operational sequences.
  • Lift and position workpieces, manually or with hoists, and secure them in hoppers or on machine tables, faceplates, or chucks, using clamps.
  • Select machine tooling to be used, using knowledge of machine and production requirements.
  • Mount and position tools in machine chucks, spindles, or other tool holding devices, using hand tools.

Related careers

Occupations recorded as related in the dataset. A relationship does not imply a guaranteed transition.

Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary in other locations

Other occupations in Philadelphia, PA