Human edge, steady

Tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners

Perform precision smoothing, sharpening, polishing, or grinding of metal objects.

AI Resistance Index 44 of 99

In the middle of the pack: more resilient than 44% of the 831 careers we score. AI exposure is low (the Bureau of Labor Statistics rates it low), and US jobs are projected to change by -6.8% by 2035, expected to shrink. The work leans on physical dexterity.

AI struggles with much of this work. Hiring is expected to grow slower than average, or to shrink.

Median pay (2025): $50,060
Job growth to 2035: -6.8%
Openings a year: 500
People doing it (2025): 5,800
Usual route in: High school diploma, then moderate on-the-job training

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Where people already use AI for this work

Adjust equipment to ensure adequate performance
Select materials or equipment for operations or projects
Measure physical characteristics of materials, products, or equipment

From Microsoft Research, Working with AI (2025).

Work AI rarely helps with

Operate cutting or grinding equipment
Position workpieces or materials on equipment
Monitor equipment operation

What the work looks like

Monitor machine operations to determine whether adjustments are necessary, stopping machines when problems occur.
Select and mount grinding wheels on machines, according to specifications, using hand tools and applying knowledge of abrasives and grinding procedures.
Set up and operate grinding or polishing machines to grind metal workpieces, such as dies, parts, and tools.
Inspect, feel, and measure workpieces to ensure that surfaces and dimensions meet specifications.
Perform basic maintenance, such as cleaning and lubricating machine parts.

From O*NET 31.0, US Department of Labor.

What the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects

Fewer of these jobs, as some tasks in tool grinding are programmed, requiring fewer of these workers.

Careers using similar strengths, with a stronger outlook

Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plasticHuman edge, steady, Index 52, -3.4%
Tire buildersHuman edge, steady, Index 75, +0.8%
Coating, painting, and spraying machine setters, operators, and tendersHuman edge, steady, Index 78, +2.5%
Ophthalmic laboratory techniciansHuman edge, steady, Index 68, +2.2%

Also known as: Grinder, Grinder Operator, Saw Filer, Tool Grinder, Crankshaft Grinder, Cutter Grind Tool Technician (Cutter Grind Tool Tech), Cutter Grinder, OD Grinder Operator (Outer Diameter Grinder Operator).

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Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2025 to 2035; O*NET 31.0; Microsoft Research (2025); Anthropic Economic Index (2026); Eloundou and colleagues (Science, 2024); Felten, Raj and Seamans (2023). How we score. Updated 12 October 2026.