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Buffing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Custodian

Freeport, NY · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Performs assigned tasks at cleaning sites including but not limited to carpet cleaning, stripping, waxing and buffing. * Assists in moving supplies and equipment as needed. * Notifies supervisor of ...

Custodian

Freeport, NY · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Performs assigned tasks at cleaning sites including but not limited to carpet cleaning, stripping, waxing and buffing. * Assists in moving supplies and equipment as needed. * Notifies supervisor of ...

Custodian

Brookville, NY

$14.75 - $19/hr

Performs assigned tasks at cleaning sites including but not limited to carpet cleaning, stripping, waxing and buffing. * Assists in moving supplies and equipment as needed. * Notifies supervisor of ...

Custodian

Freeport, NY

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

Performs assigned tasks at cleaning sites including but not limited to carpet cleaning, stripping, waxing and buffing. * Assists in moving supplies and equipment as needed. * Notifies supervisor of ...

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Metal Finisher

New Brighton, MN · Remote

$18 - $25/hr

Use buffing wheels and varying grits of abrasive compounds to achieve specified textures, ranging from a matte brushed finish to a mirror-like shine. * Defect Repair: Inspect metal surfaces by sight ...

Veteran-friendly

Janitor Associate

Louisville, KY · On-site

$13 - $16.75/hr

GENERAL RESPONSIBILTIES - Perform cleaning duties such as dusting, mopping, and sanitizing designated areas - Conduct floor care maintenance, including buffing, waxing, and polishing - Handle ...

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Buffing information

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$11

$17

$23

How much do buffing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Buffer (Buffing Technician), and why are they important?

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 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.

Which jobs are hardest to fill?

Jobs that require specialized skills, certifications, or physical demands, such as skilled trades like buffing or polishing, often experience higher difficulty in filling positions. Factors like limited qualified candidates, safety requirements, and specific tool knowledge contribute to the challenge. These roles may also involve irregular hours or physical labor, further impacting recruitment efforts.

What is buffing in the context of a job?

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 is a metal polisher job?

A metal polisher job involves cleaning, smoothing, and shining metal surfaces using tools like buffers, abrasives, and polishing compounds. The role requires attention to detail, manual dexterity, and knowledge of different metals and finishing techniques to achieve a high-quality, reflective surface.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in Canada?

In Canada, high-paying jobs that can reach or exceed $500,000 annually include executive roles such as CEOs, CFOs, and other C-suite positions, often in large corporations. Certain specialized professions like top-tier surgeons, successful entrepreneurs, and highly experienced lawyers may also earn this level of income, especially with bonuses, shares, or private practice. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced education, and leadership responsibilities.

What jobs will be left by 2030?

Buffing jobs, which involve polishing surfaces using tools like buffers and abrasives, are expected to decline due to automation and advances in manufacturing technology. Many manual finishing roles may be replaced by robotic systems or streamlined with automated equipment, reducing the demand for traditional buffing positions by 2030.

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.
More about Buffing jobs
What states have the most Buffing jobs? States with the most job openings for Buffing jobs include:
Environmental Serv Aide -Uni-SHB

Environmental Serv Aide -Uni-SHB

LifeBridge Health

Baltimore, MD

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


LifeBridge Health rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 77 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

667th of 877 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Summary: Performs trash removal and cleaning duties throughout the hospital, including dust and damp mopping; hard floor stripping; refinishing and spray buffing; carpet floor vacuuming; bonnet buffing and extracting; cleaning walls, light fixtures, vents, windows, Venetian blinds, trash receptacles and furniture.  Hangs and removes drapes and moves furniture.  Performs all duties following safety and sanitation regulations and practices.

Responsibilities: Keeps assigned areas clean and orderly; empties wastebaskets and trash; replenishes supplies.  Performs stat cleaning when necessary.  Cleans patient rooms to ensure that rooms and treatment areas are properly cleaned and prepared for new patients.  Cleans and straightens pantries on nursing units.  Performs routine maintenance and cleaning of equipment used in the performance of the job. Routinely inspects rooms and units to identify and correct basic maintenance problems.  Checks and notifies appropriate personnel of such problems. Replenishes supplies in patient rooms and public restroom


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About LifeBridge Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

LifeBridge Health is a $2B, 13,000 team member healthcare system that Cares Bravely for over 1 million patients annually throughout Maryland. We are comprised of 5 main healthcare centers: Sinai Hospital, Northwest Hospital, Carroll Hospital, Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital, and Grace Medical Center as well as several specialty and primary care locations throughout Baltimore.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Baltimore, MD, US

Year founded

1988

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