Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners vs. First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers: Who Earns More?
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers out-earn Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners by $24K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners land at $50,060 and First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers at $74,450. The education gap is real: tool grinders, filers, and sharpener programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while first-line supervisors of production and operating worker programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners is Washington ($75,190); for First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers it's Wyoming ($90,390).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners or First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers?
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers earn more nationally. The median is $50,060 for Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners versus $74,450 for First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers, a difference of $24K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners or First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers?
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers has the better 10-year outlook at 1.2% projected growth, compared to -7.8% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners or First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers?
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers requires high school diploma or equivalent. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners get paid the most?
Washington is the top-paying state for Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners at $75,190/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners vs. First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Washington, Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners earn $75,190 vs. $79,310 for First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.