Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpener Salary in 2026
How Much Do Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners Make?
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners earn a median annual salary of $48,970 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $33,770 at the 10th percentile to $74,120 at the 90th percentile — a range of $40,350. The highest-paying state is Washington at $72,390.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $33,770 |
| 25th percentile | $39,520 |
| Median (50th) | $48,970 |
| 75th percentile | $60,210 |
| 90th percentile | $74,120 |
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpener Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washingtontop | $72,390 |
| Idaho | $65,500 |
| New Jersey | $64,510 |
| Oregon | $59,850 |
| Nebraska | $58,240 |
| Georgia | $57,740 |
| Ohio | $56,470 |
| Massachusetts | $54,760 |
| Kentucky | $53,780 |
| Kansas | $52,390 |
| Minnesota | $51,700 |
| Louisiana | $50,900 |
| California | $50,060 |
| South Carolina | $50,030 |
| Missouri | $49,700 |
| Maine | $48,840 |
| Mississippi | $48,320 |
| Wisconsin | $48,080 |
| Colorado | $47,170 |
| Michigan | $46,020 |
| Indiana | $45,830 |
| North Carolina | $44,230 |
| Iowa | $43,400 |
| New York | $43,260 |
| Pennsylvania | $42,680 |
| New Hampshire | $42,000 |
| Alabama | $40,440 |
| Oklahoma | $40,110 |
| Florida | $38,870 |
| Arkansas | $38,650 |
| Texas | $38,190 |
| Tennessee | $35,600 |
| Virginia | $34,310 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpener Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$33,770 – $39,520 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$48,970 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$60,210 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $74,120+ |
How to Earn More as a Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpener
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earn $91,850 — $42,880 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($60,210) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpener Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpenerthis career | $48,970 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanics | $63,760 |
| Maintenance Workers, Machinery | $60,500 |
| Forging Machine Operator | $49,240 |
| Rolling Machine Operator | $48,630 |
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SOC: 51-4194.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.