Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners Salary by State
The national median pay for tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners is $50,060 a year. By state, it ranges from $33,970 in Colorado to $75,190 in Washington.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
U.S. pay range
- Lowest 10%
- $35,350
- 25th percentile
- $40,800
- Median
- $50,060
- 75th percentile
- $62,150
- Top 10%
- $77,170
Annual pay, all U.S. workers in this job. About 5,600 jobs.
Median pay in 35 states
| # | State | Median | vs. U.S. | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $75,190 | +50% | $52,330 | $108,720 | 410 |
| 2 | Oregon | $60,760 | +21% | $44,350 | $81,370 | 430 |
| 3 | Idaho | $59,250 | +18% | $48,000 | $75,550 | 100 |
| 4 | Ohio | $56,690 | +13% | $40,450 | $91,890 | 190 |
| 5 | Massachusetts | $56,600 | +13% | $48,300 | $56,600 | 40 |
| 6 | Louisiana | $56,380 | +13% | $43,370 | $61,550 | 40 |
| 7 | Mississippi | $55,510 | +11% | $36,960 | $64,370 | 50 |
| 8 | Kansas | $54,100 | +8% | $46,950 | $58,510 | Not published |
| 9 | Missouri | $52,540 | +5% | $42,390 | $61,550 | 150 |
| 10 | Minnesota | $51,990 | +4% | $35,780 | $76,790 | 90 |
| 11 | Iowa | $51,760 | +3% | $43,140 | $72,010 | 60 |
| 12 | California | $51,300 | +2% | $39,480 | $70,960 | 620 |
| 13 | Wisconsin | $51,240 | +2% | $38,960 | $84,470 | 110 |
| 14 | South Carolina | $50,220 | 0% | $39,930 | $73,980 | 80 |
| 15 | Montana | $49,560 | −1% | $39,790 | $60,190 | Not published |
| 16 | New Jersey | $49,470 | −1% | $37,820 | $72,030 | Not published |
| 17 | Indiana | $48,700 | −3% | $36,520 | $75,070 | 110 |
| 18 | Nebraska | $47,360 | −5% | $39,150 | $57,060 | 40 |
| 19 | New York | $47,070 | −6% | $38,050 | $57,980 | 170 |
| 20 | Georgia | $46,800 | −7% | $38,520 | $70,200 | 240 |
| 21 | Maine | $46,750 | −7% | $36,110 | $64,590 | 60 |
| 22 | New Hampshire | $46,380 | −7% | $39,420 | $64,080 | 40 |
| 23 | Texas | $46,000 | −8% | $32,200 | $78,620 | 530 |
| 24 | North Carolina | $45,790 | −9% | $33,280 | $69,250 | 160 |
| 25 | Oklahoma | $45,600 | −9% | $29,740 | $59,410 | 60 |
| 26 | Kentucky | $44,170 | −12% | $38,990 | $76,450 | 50 |
| 27 | Michigan | $43,470 | −13% | $30,450 | $67,550 | 260 |
| 28 | Alabama | $41,720 | −17% | $26,970 | $62,710 | 220 |
| 29 | Connecticut | $39,710 | −21% | $34,080 | $98,180 | 130 |
| 30 | Pennsylvania | $39,550 | −21% | $29,670 | $62,060 | 170 |
| 31 | Arkansas | $38,410 | −23% | $29,260 | $67,040 | 160 |
| 32 | Virginia | $38,370 | −23% | $29,870 | $65,160 | 80 |
| 33 | Tennessee | $36,920 | −26% | $25,450 | $60,160 | 200 |
| 34 | Florida | $36,880 | −26% | $32,040 | $46,890 | 120 |
| 35 | Colorado | $33,970 | −32% | $33,350 | $36,670 | Not published |
BLS OEWS May 2025 state estimates. States without published data are not listed. “Not published”: BLS withheld the value or it is above the highest amount BLS publishes. Pay is not adjusted for living costs.
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners salary questions
Which state pays tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners the most?
Washington, with a median of $75,190 a year (+50% vs. the national median of $50,060). BLS May 2025.
Which state pays tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners the least?
Colorado, with a median of $33,970 a year (−32% vs. national).
Where do most tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners work?
California has the most jobs, about 620, with a median of $51,300.
Does a higher salary mean more money left over?
Not always. These are pay figures only. Living costs, taxes and housing differ a lot between states, and this page does not adjust for them.