Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners Salary in the United States
As of May 2025, the median annual wage for tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners in the United States was $50,060 ($24.07 per hour), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Annual Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $35,350 | $16.99 |
| 25th | $40,800 | $19.61 |
| Median | $50,060 | $24.07 |
| 75th | $62,150 | $29.88 |
| 90th | $77,170 | $37.10 |
Quick Facts
- Occupational code: 51-4194
- Total U.S. employment: 5,600
- Jobs per 1,000: —
- Hourly salary breakdown
- All-state comparison
The numbers in context
The mean wage of $53,240 sits 6.4% above the median — the typical worker earns close to the median, while a smaller group of higher earners pulls the average up.
Pay spans a wide range: workers at the 10th percentile earn about $35,350, while those at the 90th percentile earn about $77,170 — a 2.2x gap between entry-level and top earners.
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners Salary by State
The table below ranks every state by median annual wage. Click a state for detailed local data.
| State | Median Annual | Median Hourly | vs National | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $41,720 | $20.06 | -16.7% | 220 |
| Arkansas | $38,410 | $18.47 | -23.3% | 160 |
| California | $51,300 | $24.66 | +2.5% | 620 |
| Colorado | $33,970 | $16.33 | -32.1% | 0 |
| Connecticut | $39,710 | $19.09 | -20.7% | 130 |
| Florida | $36,880 | $17.73 | -26.3% | 120 |
| Georgia | $46,800 | $22.50 | -6.5% | 240 |
| Idaho | $59,250 | $28.49 | +18.4% | 100 |
| Indiana | $48,700 | $23.41 | -2.7% | 110 |
| Iowa | $51,760 | $24.88 | +3.4% | 60 |
| Kansas | $54,100 | $26.01 | +8.1% | 0 |
| Kentucky | $44,170 | $21.23 | -11.8% | 50 |
| Louisiana | $56,380 | $27.11 | +12.6% | 40 |
| Maine | $46,750 | $22.48 | -6.6% | 60 |
| Massachusetts | $56,600 | $27.21 | +13.1% | 40 |
| Michigan | $43,470 | $20.90 | -13.2% | 260 |
| Minnesota | $51,990 | $25.00 | +3.9% | 90 |
| Mississippi | $55,510 | $26.69 | +10.9% | 50 |
| Missouri | $52,540 | $25.26 | +5.0% | 150 |
| Montana | $49,560 | $23.83 | -1.0% | 0 |
| Nebraska | $47,360 | $22.77 | -5.4% | 40 |
| New Hampshire | $46,380 | $22.30 | -7.4% | 40 |
| New Jersey | $49,470 | $23.78 | -1.2% | 0 |
| New York | $47,070 | $22.63 | -6.0% | 170 |
| North Carolina | $45,790 | $22.02 | -8.5% | 160 |
| Ohio | $56,690 | $27.25 | +13.2% | 190 |
| Oklahoma | $45,600 | $21.92 | -8.9% | 60 |
| Oregon | $60,760 | $29.21 | +21.4% | 430 |
| Pennsylvania | $39,550 | $19.01 | -21.0% | 170 |
| South Carolina | $50,220 | $24.15 | +0.3% | 80 |
| Tennessee | $36,920 | $17.75 | -26.2% | 200 |
| Texas | $46,000 | $22.12 | -8.1% | 530 |
| Virginia | $38,370 | $18.45 | -23.4% | 80 |
| Washington | $75,190 | $36.15 | +50.2% | 410 |
| Wisconsin | $51,240 | $24.64 | +2.4% | 110 |
Data source: BLS OES state file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Related Occupations
- Training and Development Specialists — $69,280/yr
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria — $37,450/yr
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics — $64,520/yr
- Social and Human Service Assistants — $45,930/yr
- Computer Occupations, All Other — $116,580/yr
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop — $31,200/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners?
The median annual wage for tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners is $50,060 ($24.07 per hour), according to the BLS OES survey for May 2025.
Which state pays tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners the most?
Wages vary by state. Use the state table above to compare median annual pay across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
How many tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners are employed in the U.S.?
There are approximately 5,600 tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners employed nationally, per BLS OES.
How much do tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners make per hour?
The median hourly wage is $24.07. See the hourly salary page for the full percentile breakdown.