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Production & Manufacturing · Tennessee

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

Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics in Tennessee earn a median salary of $45,380/year, which is 0% above the national average. Tennessee has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic takes home approximately $1,796/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.

$45K
Median salary in Tennessee
+0%
vs. national average
None
State income tax
920
Employed in Tennessee

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

Gross annual salary$45,380
Est. monthly take-home (no state tax)$3,208/mo
Median 2BR rent (Tennessee)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home44% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$45,380/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,796/mo

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

1

Meet education requirements

Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic positions in Tennessee typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Tennessee. 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 Tennessee require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Tennessee licensure or certification

Tennessee 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 Tennessee Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Tennessee

Tennessee employs 920 grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics. The highest concentrations are in Knoxville and Chattanooga.

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

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Knoxville$47K$22.64/hr140
Chattanooga$46K$22.06/hr100
Memphis$46K$21.87/hr140
Jackson$42K$20.32/hr60
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin$42K$20.28/hr80

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

10th percentile (entry)
$34K
25th percentile
$38K
Median (50th)
$45K
75th percentile
$51K
90th percentile (senior)
$53K
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Frequently asked questions

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

The median grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic salary in Tennessee is $45,380 per year ($21.82/hr). This is 0% above the national median of $45,190. Salaries range from $34,470 to $53,350.

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

Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic positions in Tennessee typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Tennessee may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Tennessee 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 Tennessee?

At the median salary of $45,380, a grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic in Tennessee would take home approximately $3,208/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 44% 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 Tennessee?

The highest paying metro areas for grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics in Tennessee are Knoxville ($47,100), Chattanooga ($45,890), Memphis ($45,500). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

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

No, Tennessee does not have a state income tax. This means grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax — a significant advantage for affordability.