Shot blaster vs grinder

The differences between shot blasters and grinders can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a shot blaster and a grinder. Additionally, a shot blaster has an average salary of $48,815, which is higher than the $33,001 average annual salary of a grinder.

Shot blaster vs grinder overview

	Shot Blaster	Grinder
Yearly salary	$48,815	$33,001
Hourly rate	$23.47	$15.87
Growth rate	4%	1%
Number of jobs	203	3,409
Job satisfaction	-	4
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 78%	High School Diploma, 58%
Average age	28	48
Years of experience	4	4

Shot blaster vs grinder salary

Shot blasters and grinders have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Shot Blaster	Grinder
Average salary	$48,815	$33,001
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $99,000	Between $26,000 And $40,000
Highest paying City	-	Tualatin, OR
Highest paying state	-	New Mexico
Best paying company	-	Kennametal
Best paying industry	-	Automotive

Differences between shot blaster and grinder education

There are a few differences between a shot blaster and a grinder in terms of educational background:

	Shot Blaster	Grinder
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 78%	High School Diploma, 58%
Most common major	Business	Precision Metal Working
Most common college	-	-

Shot blaster vs grinder demographics

Here are the differences between shot blasters' and grinders' demographics:

	Shot Blaster	Grinder
Average age	28	48
Gender ratio	Male, 97.9% Female, 2.1%	Male, 91.3% Female, 8.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.8% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.9% Asian, 1.0% White, 66.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, -1.1%	Black or African American, 4.0% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 14.7% Asian, 6.3% White, 70.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	7%	3%

Differences between shot blaster and grinder duties and responsibilities

Shot blaster example responsibilities.

Blast rail freight cars with steel grit to achieve require blast profile per paint specifications or customer's request.
Deliver hands on training for current employees and new hires to increase awareness of and compliance with OSHA and state regulations.
Sandblast trailers, wash and clean trailers prep trailers for painting booth.

Grinder example responsibilities.

Machine carbide, harden tool steel, harden stainless steel, and ceramic.
Verify dimensional compliance using micrometers, calipers, ultrasonic testing and similar types of dimensional inspection devices.
Set up and run O.D.
Support for lathes and EDM (i.e.
Grind drills, end mills, taps etc.
Set up and run surface grinder at 200 to 300/ hour.

Shot Blaster vs. similar jobs

Shot Blaster related careers

Shot Blaster related jobs

What similar roles do

Blaster responsibilities

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse construction and extraction jobs