The qualifications you need for a grinder job depend on an employer’s specific needs. All grinder positions require at least a high school diploma or G.E.D. certificate, preferably with a focus on shop classes. You may need additional training in machining or CNC equipment through an apprenticeship or post-secondary training program. On-the-job training is standard to help you familiarize yourself with particular product specifications. You need physical strength and stamina to bend, lift heavy objects, operate equipment, and work with your hands while standing up for hours at a time. It’s also beneficial to develop basic mathematical skills and your ability to analyze blueprints.

If you are interested in a job related to Grinder, here are some popular related job searches with the most open positions on ZipRecruiter.

Top Types Of Grinder Jobs

List of the top 10 highest paying Grinder positions in 2026, with salary ranges, according to ZipRecruiter.

Centerless Grinder Operator
Salary range: $40,000 - $54,500
Centerless Grinder Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Centerless Grinder Operator jobs pay between $40,000 (25th percentile) and $54,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Centerless Grinder Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
United Grinding
Salary range: $50,000 - $70,000
United Grinding is a typical job search query Most salaries for United Grinding jobs pay between $50,000 (25th percentile) and $70,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for United Grinding job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Centerless Grinding
Salary range: $40,000 - $54,500
Centerless Grinding is a typical job search query Most salaries for Centerless Grinding jobs pay between $40,000 (25th percentile) and $54,500 (75th percentile) annually. You’ll find many open positions nationwide for Centerless Grinding job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Cylindrical Grinding
Salary range: $34,000 - $42,500
Cylindrical Grinding is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Cylindrical Grinding jobs pay between $34,000 (25th percentile) and $42,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Cylindrical Grinding job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Od Grinder
Salary range: $34,000 - $42,500
Od Grinder is a typical job search query Most salaries for Od Grinder jobs pay between $34,000 (25th percentile) and $42,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Od Grinder job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Steel Grinder
Salary range: $30,000 - $30,000
Steel Grinder is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Steel Grinder jobs pay between $30,000 (25th percentile) and $30,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Steel Grinder job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Precision Surface Grinder
Salary range: $36,000 - $52,000
Precision Surface Grinder is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Precision Surface Grinder jobs pay between $36,000 (25th percentile) and $52,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Precision Surface Grinder job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Surface Grinder
Salary range: $36,000 - $52,000
A surface grinder operates surface grinding machines to create smooth surfaces. Their job duties are to set up, maintain, and inspect the machine. They must select the proper wheeling and tooling for each workpiece. This career requires experience with the equipment, as well as materials such as stone, metal, and glass. Most employers provide on-the-job training, but schooling from a technical college is also available. Additional qualifications include knowledge of industry computer software, hand-eye coordination, and strong mathematical skills.
Cnc Grinder
Salary range: $40,000 - $54,000
Cnc Grinder is a typical job search query Most salaries for Cnc Grinder jobs pay between $40,000 (25th percentile) and $54,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Cnc Grinder job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Centerless Grinding Operator
Salary range: $40,000 - $54,500
Centerless Grinding Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Centerless Grinding Operator jobs pay between $40,000 (25th percentile) and $54,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Centerless Grinding Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

All Jobs Grinder Jobs 10 of the Most Popular Types of Grinder Jobs in 2026