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Production & Manufacturing · Iowa

How to Become a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Iowa

Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics in Iowa earn a median salary of $44,920/year, which is 1% below the national average. Iowa has a state income tax of ~4.8%. After taxes and rent, a grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic takes home approximately $1,588/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.

$45K
Median salary in Iowa
-1%
vs. national average
4.8%
State income tax
1,200
Employed in Iowa

What a grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic can afford in Iowa

Gross annual salary$44,920
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 4.8% state tax)$3,000/mo
Median 2BR rent (Iowa)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home47.1% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$44,920/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,588/mo

Becoming a grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic in Iowa

1

Meet education requirements

Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic positions in Iowa typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Iowa. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic positions in Iowa require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Iowa licensure or certification

Iowa may require specific licensing or professional certification for grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics. Requirements vary by state — contact the Iowa Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Iowa

Iowa employs 1,200 grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics. The highest concentrations are in Ames and Davenport-Moline-Rock Island.

Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary by metro area in Iowa

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Ames$47K$22.83/hr40
Davenport-Moline-Rock Island$47K$22.68/hr240
Dubuque$47K$22.66/hr90
Waterloo-Cedar Falls$45K$21.6/hr140
Cedar Rapids$45K$21.43/hr40
Des Moines-West Des Moines$43K$20.91/hr160

Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary range in Iowa

10th percentile (entry)
$38K
25th percentile
$39K
Median (50th)
$45K
75th percentile
$48K
90th percentile (senior)
$68K
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Full grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic salary breakdown in Iowa
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Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic make in Iowa?

The median grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic salary in Iowa is $44,920 per year ($21.6/hr). This is 1% below the national median of $45,190. Salaries range from $37,770 to $68,400.

What are the requirements to become a grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic in Iowa?

Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic positions in Iowa typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Iowa may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Iowa licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic afford to live in Iowa?

At the median salary of $44,920, a grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic in Iowa would take home approximately $3,000/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 47.1% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics in Iowa?

The highest paying metro areas for grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics in Iowa are Ames ($47,490), Davenport-Moline-Rock Island ($47,170), Dubuque ($47,130). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Iowa have state income tax for grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics?

Yes, Iowa has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.8%. On a $44,920 salary, this means roughly $2,135/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.