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Grinder Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Grinder/Finisher

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.25/hr

The Grinder is a member of the Fabrication team. This position reports to the Fabrication Lead. JOB FUNCTIONS Include the following, but other duties may be assigned. • Read and interpret ...

You will also grind, sand, and file uneven surfaces, polishing and coating metal, and etching decorative details. VIRGINIA METALFAB Virginia MetalFab was founded in 2002 to provide the equine ...

Tired of 9-5 Grind

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$60K - $100K/yr

Tired of the 9-to-5 grind? Ready to earn BIG while seeing the country?Join one of America's most essential and rewarding industries-trucking.Why Choose Trucking?● Competitive Pay - Make $60,000 ...

Manual Machinist II

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Perform grinding operations to finish parts to precise dimensions, including setup and operation of surface grinders and cylindrical grinders. * Blueprint Interpretation : Read and interpret ...

Manual Machinist II

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Perform grinding operations to finish parts to precise dimensions, including setup and operation of surface grinders and cylindrical grinders. * Blueprint Interpretation : Read and interpret ...

Inside Machinist

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$50K - $59K/yr

Grinders * Trained on operating and providing maintenance to surface or gate grinders based on department need (preferred, but not required) * Flange Facer * Operate face flanges on valves and other ...

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Grinder information

See Virginia salary details

$12

$18

$27

How much do grinder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for grinder in Virginia is $18.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $20.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a grinder?

A grinder is a machine operator who selects specific tools and equipment to finish products according to design specifications. As a grinder, your duties include the inspection of items coming off an assembly line, the removal of defective pieces, and the use of grinding machinery and CNC mill equipment to smooth or polish the surface of the products. Your responsibilities include setting up and operating tools and machinery, examining materials to identify defects, and selecting the appropriate tool or machine to correct defects and create a finished product that meets quality assurance standards.

What are grinder job specializations?

Grinders are skilled workers who operate grinding machines to shape, finish, or smooth metal and other materials. They use various types of grinding equipment, including bench grinders, surface grinders, and cylindrical grinders, to remove excess material and achieve precise surface finishes. Grinders are essential in industries like automotive, aerospace, and tool making, ensuring components meet exact specifications. Their work requires attention to detail, manual dexterity, and a strong understanding of safety protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a grinder, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Grinder, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and experience with metalworking or machining, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with grinding machines, precision measurement tools (like calipers and micrometers), and safety protocols is essential. Strong hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently set exceptional candidates apart. These skills ensure high-quality, precise output and maintain safety and efficiency in manufacturing environments.

What are some common challenges faced by grinders and how can they be addressed on the job?

Grinders often face challenges such as maintaining precision and consistency in their work, managing physical fatigue, and ensuring safety while operating heavy machinery. To address these, it's important to follow strict safety protocols, regularly inspect and maintain equipment, and take scheduled breaks to prevent strain. Additionally, collaborating closely with supervisors and quality control teams helps ensure that finished components meet required specifications and quality standards.

What is the difference between Grinder vs Machinist?

AspectGrinderMachinist
Required CertificationsOften requires precision machining certificationsRequires CNC or machining certifications
Work EnvironmentWorks primarily with grinding machines to finish partsOperates various machine tools to produce parts
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, metalworking, and tool-makingWidely used in manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive industries

While both grinders and machinists work in manufacturing environments and require technical skills, grinders focus on finishing parts with grinding machines, whereas machinists operate a variety of machine tools to create or modify parts. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers find the right fit in manufacturing roles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Grinder jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Grinder jobs in Virginia are:

What job categories do people searching Grinder jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Grinder jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Grinder jobs in VA?

For Grinder jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Grinder job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $39,177 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Grinder/Finisher

Bauer Compressors

Norfolk, VA • On-site

$14.75 - $18.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY
The Grinder is responsible for operating grinding machines during the assembly and manufacturing process to perform precision smoothing, polishing, or grinding. The Grinder will utilize quality standards while achieving maximum efficiency. The Grinder is a member of the Fabrication team. This position reports to the Fabrication Lead.
JOB FUNCTIONS
Include the following, but other duties may be assigned.
• Read and interpret blueprints in order to smooth, polish or grind parts.
• Communicates effectively to the immediate supervisor the status of needed parts to grind units.
• Selects, calibrates, and uses a variety of grinding machine attachments and other standard manufacturing equipment.
• Deburrs, buffs or polishes materials to specifications.
• Examine work pieces for defects ensure conformance to specifications.
• Ensures that safety devices are operative.
• Operate standard hand and power grinding tools.
• Utilize any specialized tooling that is required in the respective area. Complete any required certifications for specialized tooling.
• Work at different workstations in production on an as-needed basis.
• Ensure all activities comply with company and ISO policies and procedures.
• Utilize Shop Floor Manager (SFM) labor reporting.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
• High school education or equivalent.
• A minimum of one (1) year experience and/or training; Or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Solid verbal communication skills.
• Ability to follow directions and work independently.
• Demonstrated attention to detail.
• Proven ability to use general measuring devices such as tape measures, scales, angle finders, and metal thickness gauges.
VALUED BUT NOT REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
• Trade school training highly preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
• Able to operate a forklift truck and overhead crane.
REPORTING TO THIS POSITION
• No direct reports.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands, fingers, handle, or grasp; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. Vision abilities required. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to thirty (30) pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds using a crane for assistance.
Normal working schedule: Monday through Thursday, 6:00am EST to 4:30pm EST; occasional overtime and weekend hours required at times. The noise levels in some manufacturing facilities frequently may exceed the normal dBA. The employee is required to wear all necessary personal protective equipment (safety shoes, safety glasses, hearing protection, masks, etc.) while working or when walking through the plant. In addition, the employee may be required to wear a respirator and/or dust mast depending on the nature of work performed.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.