Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners salary in California
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners in California earn a median of $51,300 a year ($24.66 an hour), based on BLS data for 620 workers.
Pay ranges from $39,480 for the lowest-paid 10% to $70,960 for the top 10%. That is 2% higher than the national median of $50,060. California ranks 12th of 35 states for tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners pay. There are 0.03 tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $53,440, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners in California
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $39,480 | $18.98 |
| 25th percentile | $43,710 | $21.02 |
| Median | $51,300 | $24.66 |
| 75th percentile | $61,520 | $29.58 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $70,960 | $34.12 |
| Average (mean) | $53,440 | $25.69 |
Half of tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $4,275 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,137.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,973.08 |
| Weekly | $986.54 |
| Hourly | $24.66 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $51,300 salary, see how much house you can afford in California at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners salary in cities in California
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $62,890 | 30 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $53,340 | 30 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $50,120 | 50 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $46,760 | n/a |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $46,580 | 290 |
Highest-paying states for tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washington | $75,190 |
| Oregon | $60,760 |
| Idaho | $59,250 |
| Ohio | $56,690 |
| Massachusetts | $56,600 |
| Louisiana | $56,380 |
| Mississippi | $55,510 |
| Kansas | $54,100 |
| Missouri | $52,540 |
| Minnesota | $51,990 |
See Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners pay in every state.
Related jobs in California
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 51-4194. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners make in California?
The median salary for tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners in California is $51,300 a year, or $24.66 an hour. Pay ranges from $39,480 for the lowest-paid 10% to $70,960 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners make in California?
The top 10% of tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners in California earn at least $70,960 a year. The top 25% earn $61,520 or more.
What is the starting pay for tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners in California?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $39,480 a year, and a quarter of tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners earn $43,710 or less.
How many tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners work in California?
About 620 tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners are employed in California, not counting the self-employed.