Grinding and polishing workers, hand
SOC Code: 51-9022
Grinding and polishing workers, hand carries a 35% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $41,690 and -21.2% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 11,800 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Grinding and polishing workers, hand (SOC 51-9022) carries an AI exposure score of 35%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 11,800 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -21.2% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $41,690, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires No formal educational credential, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Grinding and polishing workers, hand. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Verify quality of finished workpieces by inspecting them, comparing them to templates, measuring their dimensions, or testing them in working machinery.
- 2. Grind, sand, clean, or polish objects or parts to correct defects or to prepare surfaces for further finishing, using hand tools and power tools.
- 3. Measure and mark equipment, objects, or parts to ensure grinding and polishing standards are met.
- 4. Trim, scrape, or deburr objects or parts, using chisels, scrapers, and other hand tools and equipment.
- 5. Mark defects, such as knotholes, cracks, and splits, for repair.
- 6. Study blueprints or layouts to determine how to lay out workpieces or saw out templates.
- 7. Move controls to adjust, start, or stop equipment during grinding and polishing processes.
- 8. Remove completed workpieces from equipment or work tables, using hand tools, and place workpieces in containers.
- 9. Load and adjust workpieces onto equipment or work tables, using hand tools.
- 10. Repair and maintain equipment, objects, or parts, using hand tools.
Key Skills Required
- Quality Control Analysis
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Equipment Maintenance
- Repairing
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Troubleshooting
- Reading Comprehension
Knowledge Areas
- Production and Processing
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Education and Training
- Customer and Personal Service
- Engineering and Technology
- Administration and Management
- Public Safety and Security
- Computers and Electronics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Grinding and polishing workers, hand?
Grinding and polishing workers, hand has an AI exposure score of 35%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Grinding and polishing workers, hand?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Grinding and polishing workers, hand is projected to decline by 21.2% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 11,800 workers.
What skills are needed for Grinding and polishing workers, hand?
Key skills for Grinding and polishing workers, hand include Quality Control Analysis, Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, and others. Typical entry-level education is No formal educational credential.
How much do Grinding and polishing workers, hand earn?
The median annual wage for Grinding and polishing workers, hand is $41,690, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Grinding and polishing workers, hand?
The typical entry-level education for Grinding and polishing workers, hand is No formal educational credential. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Grinding and polishing workers, hand?
Grinding and polishing workers, hand roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
Explore More on PlainWorkforce
Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).