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Buffing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Buffing Operator

Waterbury, CT · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Properly set buff heads for Brushing/Buffing job. * Change compound Tanks * Change Buff wheels * Run sample and obtain approval for job. * Maintain running quality parts by performing visual checks.

Properly set buff heads for Brushing/Buffing job. * Change compound Tanks * Change Buff wheels * Run sample and obtain approval for job. * Maintain running quality parts by performing visual checks.

Color Buff & Rag

Elkhart, IN · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Performs various combinations of buffing, color buffing, tripoli ragging, and color ragging in order to obtain a high luster on instruments and components that are either complete or nearing ...

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Floor Technicians

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$16 - $16.50/hr

Their expertise includes operating equipment for waxing, polishing, buffing, and surface preparation while ensuring safety compliance and detailed maintenance reporting. Responsibilities * Perform ...

Operate buffing and polishing equipment safely and effectively. * Remove sanding marks, oxidation, swirl marks, and other finish defects. * Restore painted surfaces to meet company quality standards.

New

Operate buffing and polishing equipment safely and effectively. * Remove sanding marks, oxidation, swirl marks, and other finish defects. * Restore painted surfaces to meet company quality standards.

New

Operate buffing and polishing equipment safely and effectively. * Remove sanding marks, oxidation, swirl marks, and other finish defects. * Restore painted surfaces to meet company quality standards.

New

Buff and Pack Technician

Weyers Cave, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

The Buffing and Packing Associate plays a key role in ensuring forged parts are finished and packaged to meet quality standards. This position is responsible for operating buffing equipment to ...

New

This role is responsible for vehicle detailing as well as performing color sanding and buffing to achieve a high-quality paint finish on repaired vehicles. Apply today to take the next step in your ...

This role is responsible for vehicle detailing as well as performing color sanding and buffing to achieve a high-quality paint finish on repaired vehicles. Apply today to take the next step in your ...

This role is responsible for vehicle detailing as well as performing color sanding and buffing to achieve a high-quality paint finish on repaired vehicles. Apply today to take the next step in your ...

This role is responsible for vehicle detailing as well as performing color sanding and buffing to achieve a high-quality paint finish on repaired vehicles. Apply today to take the next step in your ...

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Buffing information

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$11

$17

$23

How much do buffing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for buffing in the United States is $17.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is buffing?

Buffing is a finishing process used to smooth, polish, or shine the surface of materials such as metal, wood, or plastic. Workers known as buffers or buffing technicians use specialized equipment like buffing wheels, compounds, and cloths to remove imperfections and achieve a high-gloss finish. This process is commonly used in industries like automotive, manufacturing, and jewelry making to enhance the appearance and quality of products. Buffing requires attention to detail and knowledge of the correct techniques and materials for different surfaces.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a buffing technician?

To thrive as a Buffer, you need practical knowledge of surface preparation, attention to detail, and familiarity with materials like metal, wood, or auto bodies, often gained through on-the-job training or vocational programs. Proficiency in using buffing machines, handheld power tools, and safety equipment is essential. Strong hand-eye coordination, patience, and a focus on quality help someone stand out in this role. These skills ensure effective finishing, safety, and consistent product quality in manufacturing or repair environments.

What are some common challenges faced by buffing professionals and how can they be addressed?

Buffing professionals often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent surface quality, managing dust and debris, and handling repetitive motions that may lead to fatigue. To address these issues, it's important to use high-quality equipment, regularly change buffing pads, and follow proper safety procedures. Additionally, working in a well-ventilated area and taking scheduled breaks can help reduce physical strain and improve job performance.

What is the difference between Buffing vs Polishing?

AspectBuffingPolishing
PurposeRemove surface imperfections and restore shine using abrasive pads or wheelsRefine surface to achieve a smooth, high-gloss finish
ToolsBuffing wheels, abrasive compoundsPolishing pads, finer abrasives, polishing compounds
Work EnvironmentAuto body shops, metal fabrication, automotive detailingAuto detailing, jewelry making, metal finishing
CredentialsBasic training, safety certificationsBasic training, safety certifications

Buffing and polishing are related surface finishing processes. Buffing primarily removes surface imperfections and restores shine, while polishing refines the surface to achieve a smooth, mirror-like finish. Both techniques often use similar tools and credentials, but they serve different stages in the finishing process.

More about Buffing jobs

What states have the most Buffing jobs?

States with the most job openings for Buffing jobs include:

Infographic showing various Buffing job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $36,516 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Buffing Operator

Anomatic Corporation

Waterbury, CT • On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Anomatic rating

2.9

Company rating: 2.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

As an essential business, Anomatic produces innovative and sustainable packaging for today's biggest brands. By leveraging over five decades of manufacturing expertise and employing an extensive technologies portfolio, we design, manufacture, and finish incomparable stock and customized solutions for numerous markets.
JOB SUMMARY
This production floor position is responsible for setting up and running a buff machine to brush/buff parts and monitor the process and make adjustments as needed to match the standard board and prepare for lacquer.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Properly set buff heads for Brushing/Buffing job.
  • Change compound Tanks
  • Change Buff wheels
  • Run sample and obtain approval for job.
  • Maintain running quality parts by performing visual checks.
  • Maintain clean work area including but not limited to:
  1. Empty trash
  2. Sweep buff area
  3. Dry floor as needed
  • Maintain proper inventories on buff wheels, brush wheels, compound, etc.
  • Track daily production and downtime.
  • Maintain, properly store, and wear appropriate safety equipment
  • Other duties as directed

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Strong basic math skills
  • Capable of lifting 50 pounds
  • Capable of differentiating part numbers and customers
  • Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Good mechanical skills helpful in troubleshooting & repair of machine
  • ]Ability to work overtime on short notice.

Anomatic takes pride in creating a safe and inclusive environment that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices of our employees and the communities in which they live. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.
#3AnomaticALL
Pay Range: $18 - $22 per hour

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About ANOMATIC

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Plastics packaging film and sheet (including laminated) manufacturing

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

New Albany, OH, US

Year founded

1965

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