Production · SOC 51-4194
Tool grinding requires precise setup and tactile skill; automated grinders cover volume but custom sharpening stays hands-on.
Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
Timeline: CNC tool grinders handle most production-volume sharpening today, but custom tooling and die repair will keep skilled grinders employed through the early 2030s.
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$40,790 median pay
$41,230 median pay
$41,600 median pay
$40,860 median pay
$37,940 median pay
AI job-risk card
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners is resilient on AIFear. Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners is 22/100 (Resilient). Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
22 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Most exposed: Inspecting dies with micrometers and loupes for standard defects, Filing and finishing surfaces according to specification. Harder to automate: Machine setup and dressing of grinding wheels to spec, Tactile inspection of tool geometry and surface finish, Responding to machine anomalies during precision grinding, Measuring and verifying ground dimensions against tight tolerances.
Lean into Precision grinding machine operation, Tool geometry and metallurgy, Wheel dressing and truing, Quality inspection with precision instruments, CNC grinding programming. Consider roles such as CNC Grinding Technician or Tool Room Technician or Quality Inspector (Cutting Tools).
Tasks, skills and AI-exposure for this role were reviewed by an AI model against its O*NET task profile (curated roles use published research anchors). Pay and employment, where shown, are U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024) figures. This is an estimate, not a prediction about any individual's job. Compare all occupations.