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Chipper Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chipper/Grinder

Grafton, WI

$18.89 - $19.35/hr

SUMMARY Under the supervision of the Cleaning Room Supervisor, the Chipper/Grinder is responsible for chipping and grinding castings per customer and company requirements. More specifically removing ...

Chipper & Grinder

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

Pneumatic chipper * Hand tools * Lifting equipment and devices WORK ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS: * Ability to lift up to 35 pounds on a regular basis and up to 70 pounds on a periodic basis. * Stand for ...

Equipment Operator

Brighton, CO · On-site

$35.36/hr

Equipment Operator. Type : Full-Time/Non-Exempt. Reports to: Foreperson/General Foreperson. Hourly ... Will gather brush and carry to chipper area. * Work around hazardous equipment. * Work around ...

Equipment Operator

Brighton, CO · On-site

$35.36/hr

Equipment Operator. Type : Full-Time/Non-Exempt. Reports to: Foreperson/General Foreperson. Hourly ... Will gather brush and carry to chipper area. * Work around hazardous equipment. * Work around ...

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Chipper Operator information

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$10

$20

$29

How much do chipper operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for chipper operator in the United States is $20.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Chipper Operator, you need a solid understanding of machinery operation, maintenance procedures, and workplace safety, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial wood chippers, conveyor systems, and personal protective equipment (PPE) is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to work efficiently in a team are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure safe and efficient material processing, minimize downtime, and promote a safe work environment.

What are some common challenges faced by a Chipper Operator, and how can they be addressed?

Chipper Operators often face challenges such as handling equipment jams, maintaining consistent feed rates, and ensuring safety around heavy machinery. To address these, operators should follow regular maintenance schedules, stay alert to signs of malfunction, and adhere strictly to safety protocols. Effective communication with team members is also crucial, especially in fast-paced environments where coordination is key to minimizing downtime and accidents. Continuous on-the-job training helps operators stay updated with best practices, further reducing operational challenges.

What does a Chipper Operator do?

A Chipper Operator is responsible for operating machinery that reduces wood, branches, and other materials into small chips. This role typically involves feeding raw materials into the chipper, monitoring equipment to ensure it functions safely and efficiently, and performing routine maintenance. Chipper Operators often work in forestry, landscaping, or wood processing industries and must adhere to strict safety protocols. The job can be physically demanding and may require working outdoors in various weather conditions.

What is the difference between Chipper Operator vs Tree Trimmer?

AspectChipper OperatorTree Trimmer
Required CredentialsOSHA safety training, possibly certification in equipment operationSafety training, possibly certification in tree care or arboriculture
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, forestry, logging areas, outdoorUrban and suburban trees, outdoor
Industry UsageForestry, logging, landscapingArboriculture, landscaping, municipal services

While both roles involve outdoor work with trees and wood, a Chipper Operator primarily operates wood chipping equipment to process logs and debris, often in forestry or logging settings. A Tree Trimmer focuses on pruning, trimming, and maintaining trees, typically in urban environments. The skills and certifications overlap in safety and equipment operation, but their daily tasks and work environments differ significantly.

More about Chipper Operator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Chipper Operator jobs? The most popular types of Chipper Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Chipper Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Chipper Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Chipper Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 45% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 68% Physical, and 32% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $41,738 per year, or $20.1 per hour.
Chipper/Grinder

$18.89 - $19.35/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

SUMMARY
Under the supervision of the Cleaning Room Supervisor, the Chipper/Grinder is responsible for chipping and grinding castings per customer and company requirements. More specifically removing fins, risers, contacts, and parting lines.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time.
  1. Chip and Grind casting per customer requirements
  2. Inspect hooks, chains and hoists
  3. Complete daily preventative maintenance checklist
  4. Maintain a clean and safe work environment
  5. Report any unsafe working conditions to the supervisor
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Language Skills
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions. Ability to communicate effectively in one-on-one situations to other employees of the organization.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral and diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, use hands to finger, handle, or touch, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to walk, reach above shoulders, talk or hear and use foot/feet to operate machine. The employee must regularly lift items ranging from 10 lbs up to
100 lbs and regularly lift items with a weight that exceed 100 lbs with the assistance of a hoist. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
TOOL/EQUIPMENT USED
While performing this job, the employee regularly uses a hoist and a grinder.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts, exposed to fumes or airborne particles and vibration. The employee occasionally has the risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud.
PROTECTIVE CLOTING/EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
Hard hat, gloves, safety glasses, metatarsal steel toed shoes, hearing protection and air hood.