Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Colorado
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | Colorado | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,460 | $45,190 | +0.6% vs US |
| State Rank | #19 of 49 states | Top 20 state | |
| Employment | 720 jobs | 70,110 jobs | 1.0% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $38,120 | $18.33 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,110 | $19.28 |
| Median | $45,460 | $21.86 |
| 75th Percentile | $52,500 | $25.24 |
| 90th Percentile | $60,680 | $29.17 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Colorado in 2026?
With a median salary of $45,460 in Colorado and a 2014–2024 salary trend of +34.9%, grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic are still in strong and growing demand.
How can grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic increase their salary in Colorado?
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Colorado can increase earnings by targeting higher-paying industries which tend to offer compensation well above the state median. Additionally, relocating to a higher-paying state could offer a significant income boost: Colorado currently ranks #19 out of 49 states for this occupation. Pursuing advanced credentials, specializations, or roles with greater responsibility are proven ways to move toward the 75th or 90th percentile of earners.
Which industries pay the most for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Colorado?
State-level industry data is limited for this occupation. Nationally, the top-paying industries are:
| Industry | Annual Median |
|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Manufacturing | $72,680 |
| Alumina and Aluminum Production and Processing | $68,330 |
| Iron and Steel Mills and Ferroalloy Manufacturing | $55,410 |
How are Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic paid in Colorado compared to the national average?
The median salary for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Colorado is $45,460, which is roughly in line with the national median of $45,190.