Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Kansas
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | Kansas | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,500 | $45,190 | -10.4% vs US |
| State Rank | #36 of 49 states | ||
| Employment | 810 jobs | 70,110 jobs | 1.2% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in Kansas
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $32,010 | $15.39 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,870 | $17.73 |
| Median | $40,500 | $19.47 |
| 75th Percentile | $47,180 | $22.68 |
| 90th Percentile | $53,060 | $25.51 |
Related Links
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Kansas in 2026?
With a median salary of $40,500 in Kansas and a 2014–2024 salary trend of +28.2%, 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 Kansas?
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Kansas 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: Kansas currently ranks #36 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 Kansas?
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 Kansas compared to the national average?
The median salary for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Kansas is $40,500, which is 10.4% below the national median of $45,190.