As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Rough Grinder in the United States is $46,318 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.
However, a Rough Grinder's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Rough Grinder's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Rough Grinder's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Rough Grinder | $44,776 |
| Intermediate Level Rough Grinder | $45,263 |
| Senior Level Rough Grinder | $46,482 |
| Specialist Level Rough Grinder | $47,179 |
| Expert Level Rough Grinder | $47,353 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Rough Grinders. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Innovation | 2.92% |
| Container | 2.36% |
| Product Specifications | 1.94% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Active Learning
|
$56,508 |
22%
|
|
Information Capture
|
$55,118 |
19%
|
|
Quality Management System
|
$53,266 |
15%
|
|
Analysis
|
$50,950 |
10%
|
|
Manufacturing Safety
|
$50,023 |
8%
|
|
Accuracy and Attention to Detail
|
$50,023 |
8%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Rough Grinders enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Rough Grinder with a No Diploma is between $36,350 and $39,606).
Rough Grinder Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 10.5% |
| High School | 78.9% |
| Associates | 10.5% |
| Bachelors | 0.0% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Rough Grinder's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026For a Rough Grinder, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the ID Grinder role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $52,200 - a projected growth of 13% over your current level.
Salaries for a Rough Grinder can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $48,247 in 2023 to around $47,515 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Rough Grinder salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $48,247 |
| 2024 | $47,818 |
| 2025 | $47,515 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Rough Grinder and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Yes, grinders are paid. The salary data for a Rough Grinder indicates a minimum salary of $35,582, a mid-range salary of $40,722, and a maximum salary of $46,790. This reflects the compensation structure for this role, ensuring fair pay based on experience and skill level.
A grinder operator typically earns between $35,582 and $46,790 annually, with a median salary of around $40,722. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and industry. For instance, in states like California and Ohio, hourly rates can reach up to $19.95 and $17.18, respectively, reflecting the demand for skilled operators.
As of now, the salary for a Rough Grinder ranges from a minimum of $35,582 to a maximum of $46,790, with a mid-salary of $40,722. This indicates that the average annual earnings for this position fall within this range, reflecting the varying levels of experience and skill in the field.
The grinding business can be quite profitable, especially in areas with high foot traffic or proximity to markets. With salaries ranging from $35,582 to $46,790, it offers a solid income potential for business owners. It's relatively easy to start, making it an attractive option for those looking to enter the industry.
As of January 23, 2025, the salary for a Rough Grinder ranges from a minimum of $35,582 to a maximum of $46,790 annually, with a mid-salary of $40,722. This indicates that the average hourly pay aligns with these figures, reflecting a competitive wage in the industry.
Most steel mills operate 24 hours a day, with workers assigned to day, night, or graveyard shifts. Late-shift workers receive premium pay, as do those working overtime (over 40 hours per week) or on Sundays and holidays. Salaries for rough grinders range from $35,582 to $46,790, with a median salary of $40,722.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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