As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Grinder Operator in the United States is $45,419 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.
However, a Grinder Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Grinder Operator'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 Grinder Operator'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 Grinder Operator | $44,249 |
| Intermediate Level Grinder Operator | $44,731 |
| Senior Level Grinder Operator | $45,935 |
| Specialist Level Grinder Operator | $46,623 |
| Expert Level Grinder Operator | $46,795 |
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 Grinder Operators. 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
|
$55,411 |
22%
|
|
Information Capture
|
$54,048 |
19%
|
|
Quality Management System
|
$52,232 |
15%
|
|
Analysis
|
$49,961 |
10%
|
|
Manufacturing Safety
|
$49,052 |
8%
|
|
Accuracy and Attention to Detail
|
$49,052 |
8%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Grinder Operators 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 Grinder Operator with a No Diploma is between $36,906 and $39,877).
Grinder Operator 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 Grinder Operator'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, 2026Salaries for a Grinder Operator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $47,658 in 2023 to around $46,935 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Grinder Operator salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $47,658 |
| 2024 | $47,235 |
| 2025 | $46,935 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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