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Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners Salary in IA

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners in IA have a median annual salary of $51,760, with 60 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $43,140 at the 10th percentile to $72,010 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

$51,760

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$24.88

Employment

60

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$43,140
10th
$45,120
25th
$51,760
Median
$71,560
75th
$72,010
90th

Local compared with national

IA

$51,760

Median annual · 2025

United States

$50,060

Median annual · 2025

The IA median is 3.4% above the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $1,700).

Top skills

  1. 1.Operation and ControlImportance 3.9
  2. 2.Operations MonitoringImportance 3.6
  3. 3.MonitoringImportance 3.1
  4. 4.Equipment MaintenanceImportance 3.1
  5. 5.TroubleshootingImportance 3.1
  6. 6.RepairingImportance 3.1
  7. 7.Critical ThinkingImportance 3.0
  8. 8.Equipment SelectionImportance 3.0
  9. 9.Quality Control AnalysisImportance 3.0
  10. 10.Active ListeningImportance 2.9
  11. 11.SpeakingImportance 2.9
  12. 12.Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 2.9

Career information

Education and experience

Experience
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Job zone
2

Technology used

  • ANCA ToolRoom
  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
  • IBM Lotus Notes
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Vero Software Edgecam
  • Zoller

Common tasks

  • 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.
  • Set up and operate grinding or polishing machines to grind metal workpieces, such as dies, parts, and tools.
  • Inspect, feel, and measure workpieces to ensure that surfaces and dimensions meet specifications.
  • Perform basic maintenance, such as cleaning and lubricating machine parts.
  • Remove finished workpieces from machines and place them in boxes or on racks, setting aside pieces that are defective.
  • Study blueprints or layouts of metal workpieces to determine grinding procedures, and to plan machine setups and operational sequences.
  • Dress grinding wheels, according to specifications.
  • Remove and replace worn or broken machine parts, using hand tools.
  • Fit parts together in pre-assembly to ensure that dimensions are accurate.

Related careers

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

Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners salary in other locations

Other occupations in IA