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Polishing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Polishing information

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$33

How much do polishing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for polishing in the United States is $20.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a polishing job?

Polishing jobs involve smoothing and finishing surfaces to enhance their appearance, texture, or functionality. Workers use tools such as polishing wheels, abrasives, and buffing compounds to remove imperfections, scratches, or oxidation from materials like metal, wood, stone, or glass. These roles are common in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, jewelry, and furniture making. Polishing helps prepare products for further finishing or makes them ready for sale by improving their visual and tactile qualities.

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

To thrive as a Polisher, you need strong manual dexterity, attention to detail, and experience with various polishing techniques, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with polishing machinery, abrasives, safety equipment, and sometimes certifications in surface finishing or industrial safety are typically required. Reliability, patience, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team are important soft skills. These skills and qualities ensure that finished products meet quality standards, safety protocols are followed, and productivity remains high.

What are some common challenges faced by polishing technicians and how can they be managed effectively?

Polishing technicians often face challenges such as maintaining consistent quality across different materials, minimizing surface defects, and managing repetitive tasks that can lead to fatigue. To overcome these, it's important to develop keen attention to detail, utilize proper safety equipment, and follow established procedures for each material type. Regular training and collaboration with team members can also help improve efficiency and ensure high-quality results, while rotating tasks can reduce fatigue and maintain focus throughout the workday.

What is the difference between Polishing vs Finishing?

AspectPolishingFinishing
Primary FocusSmoothening and enhancing surface shineRefining and completing the overall product appearance
Tools & TechniquesPolishing compounds, buffing wheelsSanding, grinding, coating
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, automotive, jewelryManufacturing, woodworking, metalworking
CertificationsOften requires safety and equipment handling trainingSimilar certifications, depending on industry

Polishing primarily focuses on creating a smooth, shiny surface, while finishing involves completing the product with additional refinements and protective layers. Both roles are essential in manufacturing and craftsmanship, often overlapping but serving distinct purposes in the production process.

How to become a polisher?

To become a polisher, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and gain experience through on-the-job training or apprenticeships. Skills in handling polishing tools, attention to detail, and knowledge of materials are important; some positions may require certifications in safety or specific polishing techniques.
More about Polishing jobs

What cities are hiring for Polishing jobs?

Cities with the most Polishing job openings:

What states have the most Polishing jobs?

States with the most job openings for Polishing jobs include:

Infographic showing various Polishing job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,101 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Metal Finishing, Polishing

Orchid Orthopedic Solutions

Happy Valley, OR • On-site

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Combining Strengths. Expanding Possibilities. Tecomet and Orchid are now one company. Explore more at www.tecomet.com.

ABOUT US

The Oregon City, OR Site was established in 1969 and joined the Orchid team in 2012. The site focuses primarily on investment casting and 3D wax printing and machining and finishing and coating of orthopedic implants for extremities and large joint markets.


Robotic wax assembly, internal tool and design, finished machining, polishing, and sintered bead coating are key capabilities of the site. Our 80,000 square foot, FDA registered site employs approximately 175 team members. We ship nearly 1 million hip and knee joint implants to our customers who, in turn, provide solutions that enable patients to live longer, active lives. Fully integrated, our site manufactures medical implants from start to finish complying with the ISO 13485:2016 standard.


A career with Orchid provides growth opportunities, a great benefits package including performance bonuses, insurance, 401(k) with company match, and paid time off. For more information, please visit www.orchid-ortho.com.


SHIFT

ORE - Shift 1 ($0) (United States of America - Oregon)

A BRIEF OVERVIEW

The Operations Technician, Metal Finisher, Polishing I, uses conventional polishing and belting equipment for the specific belting and/or polishing operations based on engineering drawings and customer specifications.
WHAT YOU WILL DO

  • Use automated finishing equipment to acquire specified finished called-out on engineering drawings.

  • Use masking equipment to protect parts during manual operations.

  • Use conventional buffing/polishing equipment along with appropriate buffing materials (wheels, compound and machine speed) to acquire specified finishes called-out on engineering drawings.

  • Use conventional belting equipment for specific belting operations based on the information on engineering drawings.

  • Use air and/or electric handheld tools for specific detailing areas on parts that are usually confined or the inside diameter of a cylindrical part

  • Use hand truck, pallet jack, carts and tables to safely transport product.

  • Maintain work area, tools and equipment in a clean and organized condition.

  • Detect and report faulty equipment, defective material and any unusual conditions to the department Supervisor or Lead

  • Follow designated safety rules and regulations.

  • Support Lean Manufacturing and EHS initiatives.

  • Dimensionally inspect work, using appropriate tools including, but not limited to; calipers, comparators, pin gauges, measuring instruments and surface plates, etc. as required.

  • Perform weekly housekeeping per 5S schedule.

  • Follow work orders to perform operations on various parts and products

  • Reinforces safety expectations.  Ensures safety operating practices are demonstrated.  Reports issues/concerns to Supervisor.

  • Support quality and compliance by adhering to all procedures, work instructions, and forms per the Quality Management Systems (QMS).

  • Completes all required training.


EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

  • High School Or Equivalent (Preferred)


EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS

  • No previous work experience required (Preferred)

  • Manufacturing Experience (Preferred)


KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS THAT ENABLE SUCCESS

  • Problem Solving - Working Experience

  • Quality Inspection Metrology Tools - Working Experience

  • Standard Operating Procedures - Working Experience

  • Quality Management - Basic Knowledge

  • Mathematical Ability - Basic Knowledge

  • Manufacturing Safety - Working Experience

  • Active Learning - Basic Knowledge

  • Information Capture - Working Experience

  • Hand Dexterity - Extensive Experience

  • Time management - Working Experience

  • Data Entry - Basic Knowledge

  • Communication - Basic Knowledge

  • Blueprint Reading - Basic Knowledge

  • Accuracy and Attention to Detail - Working Experience


PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • Must be able to remain in a stationary position - Frequently

  • Must be able to move about the inside of the building - Occasionally

  • Must be able to move equipment around the building - Occasionally

  • Must be able to ascend/descend stairs or ladders - Occasionally

  • Must be able to position oneself and move under/around/over equipment - Occasionally

  • Must be able to handle/adjust/inspect/position various items and equipment - Frequently

  • Must be able to communicate and exchange information with others - Occasionally

  • Must be able to perform tasks that require repetitive handling/adjusting/inspecting/positioning of items and equipment - Constantly

  • Must be able to distinguish and detect information such as writing and defects - Constantly


WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Noise - Occasionally

WHAT WE OFFER

  • Opportunity to work in a growing company

  • Ability to help people live a longer, more active life

  • Comprehensive benefit package

  • Ability to work in an organization that values:

    • Integrity First: We do the right thing

    • Teamwork: We are one Orchid

    • Results: Our results matter

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Candidates offered employment may be required to submit to a pre-employment background check and pre-employment drug-screening based on position requirements

  • Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time

  • Candidates must be able to provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States through eVerify

At Orchid, we fully support a diverse and inclusive workplace and we are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, hair type, age, status as a protected veteran, or disability.

Orchid Orthopedic Solutions only pays fees for solicited presentations of job seekers submitted through our preferred vendor job board by recruiters, employment agencies, or other parties.