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Chip Spreader Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Chip Spreader Operator information

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$12

$24

$35

How much do chip spreader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for chip spreader operator in the United States is $24.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Jobs that can pay $2,000 a day typically include specialized roles such as high-level contractors, certain construction managers, or skilled trades like chip spreader operators working on large infrastructure projects. These positions often require extensive experience, certifications, and sometimes long or irregular hours. Such high daily earnings are usually associated with freelance, consulting, or project-based work in industries like construction, engineering, or consulting services.

What is the difference between Chip Spreader Operator vs Asphalt Paving Machine Operator?

AspectChip Spreader OperatorAsphalt Paving Machine Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, CDL often preferredHigh school diploma, CDL often preferred
Work EnvironmentOutdoor construction sites, roadworkOutdoor construction sites, road paving
Industry UsageRoad construction, highway maintenanceRoad construction, highway paving
Common Search IntentJob duties, certifications, salaryJob duties, certifications, salary

The Chip Spreader Operator and Asphalt Paving Machine Operator roles both work in road construction and require similar credentials. The main difference lies in their specific tasks: the Chip Spreader Operator focuses on distributing aggregate chips, while the Asphalt Paving Machine Operator handles asphalt laying. Both roles are essential for highway projects and share similar work environments and industry usage.

What jobs will boom in 2026?

Jobs related to infrastructure, construction, and transportation, including roles like chip spreader operators, are expected to grow due to ongoing infrastructure development and maintenance projects. Skills in equipment operation, safety protocols, and certification requirements will be valuable in these expanding fields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chip Spreader Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chip Spreader Operator, you need experience in road construction, strong mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with operating heavy machinery, understanding of safety regulations, and sometimes a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) are typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills for ensuring safe and efficient operations. These skills and qualifications are crucial for producing quality road surfaces, maintaining safety, and minimizing costly mistakes on the job site.

What is the highest paying heavy equipment operator?

Among heavy equipment operators, crane operators and tunnel boring machine operators tend to have the highest salaries due to the specialized skills and certifications required. These roles often command higher wages, especially with experience and in certain industries like construction and infrastructure projects.

What does a Chip Spreader Operator do?

A Chip Spreader Operator operates equipment that distributes stone chips or gravel onto road surfaces during the construction or maintenance of highways. They work as part of a paving crew, ensuring that the aggregate is spread evenly and at the proper rate to create a durable road surface. Their responsibilities also include maintaining the chip spreader, following safety protocols, and coordinating with other crew members to ensure efficient workflow. The role requires attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

What are some common challenges Chip Spreader Operators face on the job?

Chip Spreader Operators often work in fast-paced environments where precision and timing are critical. A common challenge is coordinating efficiently with the paving crew and truck drivers to ensure even distribution of aggregate, especially under tight deadlines or changing weather conditions. Operators must also be vigilant about equipment maintenance, as breakdowns can cause costly delays. Success in the role requires adaptability, strong communication skills, and attention to safety protocols on active job sites.

What jobs make $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Chip Spreader Operator can potentially earn $10,000 or more per month with experience, especially in high-demand construction or infrastructure projects. Such roles often require specialized skills, physical work, and sometimes certifications, but they typically do not require a college degree. High-paying jobs in trades, transportation, or skilled labor can also reach this income level without a degree.
Infographic showing various Chip Spreader Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,869 per year, or $24.5 per hour.
Senior Highway Maintenance Worker (DOT/D5 #20535)

Senior Highway Maintenance Worker (DOT/D5 #20535)

State of New Mexico

Santa Fe, NM • On-site

$21.96 - $32.94/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


State Of New Mexico rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 50 rated states


Job description

$21.96 - $32.94 Hourly
$45,680 - $68,520 Annually
This position is a Pay Band C5
Posting Details
District Five is one of six districts of the New Mexico Department of Transportation. The boundaries of District Five include the following counties: Torrance, Santa Fe, Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, Taos, and San Juan. Employees in the District are responsible for providing the Maintenance, Construction, Engineering Support, and Business support measures of the Department to ensure the safety of the public as well as efficient highways.
This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.
As a valued new employee to NMDOT, you may be eligible to receive three (3) days of administrative leave upon your start date.
This is applicable to external hires not within the State of New Mexico Government.
This position is in Santa Fe and will be within the District Wide Crews and will be required to travel throughout the District Five area.
INTERVIEWS ARE ANTICIPATED TO BE CONDUCTED WITHIN TWO (2) WEEKS OF CLOSING DATE.
Why does the job exist?
This position operates medium to heavy-duty equipment in a safe and efficient manner to maintain highways and roadways for the safety of the traveling public. Position will be assigned as a Lead Worker and will be responsible for snow removal operations.
How does it get done?
The Incumbent will operate a Grader/Blade, 5/10-yard dump truck with or without attachments, loaders, tractor trailer combination, roller, bulldozer, self-propelled broom, mower with attachments, backhoe, distributor, water truck, snowplow, salt spreader, crane, lay down machine, chip spreader, end dump. This position will respond to inquiries from the general public. This position is also responsible for entering the daily activities into the Maintenance Management System. Position will also be responsible for snow removal operations.
Who are the customers?
The Traveling public.
Ideal Candidate
The Ideal candidate will possess the following:
-The ability to work with a team.
-Customer service skills.
-Scheduling experience.
-Operating medium to heavy-duty equipment at a senior level.
-The willingness to work outside normal working hours.
-The willingness to travel throughout District Five and will be sent to various crews within the District Wide Crews, Patrols, and statewide as needed.
Minimum Qualification
One (1) year of experience maintaining roads and operating medium to heavy-duty equipment to include loaders, five (5) and ten (10) yard dump trucks, self-propelled brooms, rollers, or mowers. Must possess a valid driver's license and a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) (or equivalent licenses from another state) upon hire. This position may require Herbicide, Tanker, and/or Hazmat endorsement.
Employment Requirements
This position is designated a safety sensitive position within the meaning of the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991 and must abide by all provisions of the Federal Omnibus Transportation Testing Act. Employment is subject to pre-employment and random testing, in accordance with all terms and conditions of federal and state law, rules and regulations in relation to alcohol and/or drug testing. Employment requires successful completion of a post-offer physical and pre-employment drug test; employment is conditional pending results. Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License and a Class A Commercial Driver's License at the time of hire. Tanker endorsement may be required. Business and/or personal reference checks and driver's license verification are also required and employment is conditional pending results. Must successfully pass demonstrated abilities test with a 75% or better.
Working Conditions
Work is performed primarily in the field in varying weather conditions - hot or cold, humidity, wind, rain and snow; exposure to sunlight, dust, pollen, chemicals, rough/rugged terrain, insects and reptiles, noxious plants and infected trash; exposure to moving mechanical parts, high precarious places, toxic fumes/chemicals and/or airborne particles, hazardous chemicals and/or asphalt and petroleum products; exposure to temperatures up to 150 degrees around oil distributor operations; high speed/high volume traffic and loud noises; subject to falls and bruises, considerable physical strain; standing for extended periods of time doing traffic control or walking long distances for litter control; hand dexterity required for some duties; numerous specific vision abilities to include: close, distance, color and peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus; some climbing, reaching, kneeling and crawling to perform job duties; ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Work may also be performed in an office setting with exposure to visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and telephone usage to include working with faxes, copiers and printers. May be required to work irregular hours and is subject to call out for weather, accidents and/or emergencies on short notice; willingness to accept change of geographical assignments; interaction with the public.
Supplemental Information
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Agency Contact Information: Simon Gonzales (505) 231-4429 Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.

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