Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners Salary in California
In California, tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners earn $50,060 at the median — $24.07 an hour. The range runs from $36K at the entry level to $75K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $50K get you in California?
About tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners (10th percentile) start around $36K. Mid-career wages sit at $50K.Top earners bring in $75K or more - a $39K spread from bottom to top.
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $72K | +48% | 490 |
| Idaho | $66K | +34% | 60 |
| New Jersey | $65K | +32% | N/A |
| Oregon | $60K | +22% | 410 |
| Nebraska | $58K | +19% | 50 |
| Georgia | $58K | +18% | 160 |
| Ohio | $56K | +15% | 260 |
| Massachusetts | $55K | +12% | N/A |
| Kentucky | $54K | +10% | 40 |
| Kansas | $52K | +7% | N/A |
| Minnesota | $52K | +6% | 60 |
| Louisiana | $51K | +4% | 60 |
| California | $50K | +2% | 640 |
| South Carolina | $50K | +2% | 110 |
| Missouri | $50K | +1% | 60 |
Track tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when California numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners make in California?
The median is $50,060 a year - that works out to about $24.07 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $36,400, and experienced tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners can clear $75,360. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $50K enough to live in California?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,414/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,201/month (median of metro areas), which eats 64.5% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners salary go in California?
California has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners salary is worth about $50,060 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.