How To Become A Grinder Operator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a grinder operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

A grinder operator is proficient in using the grinding machine. Grinding machines are used for crushing or grinding the outer or inner cylindrical or tapered metal surfaces. You are expected to handle the setting up, operation, maintenance, and repairs, where necessary. You must be able to follow specific instructions in charts while grinding or using the grinding machine.

Some other activities expected of you are choosing the right workpieces by measuring workpieces using measuring instruments like micrometers or gauges for conformance to specification, maintaining and updating inventory, and documenting every procedure. You will also be expected to work with TIG welders inspecting the assembled metal product for flaws.

A grinder operator must possess a good deal of physical ability, coordination, and communication skills. The mean annual salary for a grinder operator is about $29,000. A high school diploma will usually suffice for this role, along with experience and proficiency in using the grinder or a willingness to learn. You might also be expected to get your Forklift Safety and Inspector certification.

ScoreGrinder OperatorUS Average

Salary

3.0

Avg. Salary $37,978

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

8.3

Growth rate 7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

8.7

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.77%

Asian 2.16%

Black or African American 14.80%

Hispanic or Latino 16.23%

Unknown 4.22%

White 61.81%

Gender

female 12.48%

male 87.52%

Age - 44

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44

Stress level

8.3

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.8

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

3.8

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a grinder operator

Explore grinder operator education requirements

Most common grinder operator degrees

High School Diploma

57.6 %

Diploma

15.0 %

Associate

12.7 %

Start to develop specific grinder operator skills

Skills	Percentages
Grinders	15.27%
Grinding Machines	12.90%
CNC	8.67%
Grinding Wheels	7.11%
Calipers	5.52%

Complete relevant grinder operator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New grinder operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a grinder operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real grinder operator resumes.

Research grinder operator duties and responsibilities

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Utilize micrometers, calipers and preset gauges to monitor parts against require specifications.
Inspect and measure work pieces using measuring instruments, such as gauges or micrometers for conformance to specifications.
Operate grinders proficiently minimizing downtime and maximizing output adhering to company safety standards

Prepare your grinder operator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your grinder operator resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a grinder operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable grinder operator resume templates

Build a professional grinder operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your grinder operator resume.