Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in South Carolina
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | South Carolina | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,210 | $45,190 | +6.7% vs US |
| State Rank | #6 of 49 states | Top 10 state | |
| Employment | 2,020 jobs | 70,110 jobs | 2.9% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in South Carolina
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $37,810 | $18.18 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,490 | $19.47 |
| Median | $48,210 | $23.18 |
| 75th Percentile | $56,510 | $27.17 |
| 90th Percentile | $62,100 | $29.86 |
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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 South Carolina in 2026?
With a median salary of $48,210 in South Carolina and a 2014–2024 salary trend of +18.5%, 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 South Carolina?
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in South Carolina 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: South Carolina currently ranks #6 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 South Carolina?
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 South Carolina compared to the national average?
The median salary for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in South Carolina is $48,210, which is 6.7% above the national median of $45,190.