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Chopper Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Madden Industrial Craftsmen

Chopper Operator

Portland, OR

$23.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Madden Industrial Craftsmen is seeking a Chopper Operator for our client, a union metal recycling and processing facility, in Portland, OR. This role supports daily operations involving material ...

Madden Industrial Craftsmen Inc

Chopper Operator

Portland, OR · On-site

$23.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job ID: 149846 Madden Industrial Craftsmen is seeking a Chopper Operator for our client, a union metal recycling and processing facility, in Portland, OR. This role supports daily operations ...

Forest River

Fiberglass Chopper Operator

Elkhart, IN · On-site

Operating Fiberglass Chopper System from start up to tear down in fast paced environment. Chopper must have experience using Chopper system to spray fiberglass onto molds, ensuring accurate and ...

Archer Daniels Midland

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

Changeover and Proper Sanitation of Equipment Chopper Operator Responsibilities: * Can safely lift up to 50lbs * Understands and can explain the theory of operation * Stages and verifies correct raw ...

Personnel Services

CHOPPER/GEL COAT OPERATOR

Brownwood, TX · On-site

$22.58/hr

CHOPPER/GEL COAT OPERATOR Monday - Thursday 5:00 am - 5:30 pm $22.58 per hour ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS * Applies the proper coat of glass and resin to molds or product according to specific guidelines ...

Archer Daniels Midland

Operator II - Vineland, NJ

Vineland, NJ · On-site

$21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Changeover and Proper Sanitation of Equipment Chopper Operator Responsibilities: * Can safely lift up to 50lbs * Understands and can explain the theory of operation * Stages and verifies correct raw ...

McKeever Price Chopper

Cashier

Louisburg, KS

$10.75 - $14.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

As a cashier, you'll be the face of McKeever Price Chopper, responsible for creating a welcoming and helpful atmosphere for every customer. From efficiently operating the checkout lane to assisting ...

McKeever Price Chopper

Cashier - Sundays required

Olathe, KS

$11 - $15.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

As a cashier, you'll be the face of McKeever Price Chopper, responsible for creating a welcoming and helpful atmosphere for every customer. From efficiently operating the checkout lane to assisting ...

McKeever Price Chopper

Cashier - Sundays required

Olathe, KS

$11 - $15.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

As a cashier, you'll be the face of McKeever Price Chopper, responsible for creating a welcoming and helpful atmosphere for every customer. From efficiently operating the checkout lane to assisting ...

McKeever Price Chopper

Cashier

Lenexa, KS

$10.75 - $14.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

As a cashier, you'll be the face of McKeever Price Chopper, responsible for creating a welcoming and helpful atmosphere for every customer. From efficiently operating the checkout lane to assisting ...

McKeever Price Chopper

Cashier

Excelsior Springs, MO

$10.25 - $14/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

As a cashier, you'll be the face of McKeever Price Chopper, responsible for creating a welcoming and helpful atmosphere for every customer. From efficiently operating the checkout lane to assisting ...

New

McKeever Price Chopper

Cashier

Excelsior Springs, MO

$10.25 - $14/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

As a cashier, you'll be the face of McKeever Price Chopper, responsible for creating a welcoming and helpful atmosphere for every customer. From efficiently operating the checkout lane to assisting ...

New

McKeever Price Chopper

Cart Pusher

Excelsior Springs, MO

  • Medical

  • Retirement

As a cashier, you'll be the face of McKeever Price Chopper, responsible for creating a welcoming and helpful atmosphere for every customer. From efficiently operating the checkout lane to assisting ...

McKeever Price Chopper

Cashier

Louisburg, KS

$10.75 - $14.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

As a cashier, you'll be the face of McKeever Price Chopper, responsible for creating a welcoming and helpful atmosphere for every customer. From efficiently operating the checkout lane to assisting ...

McKeever Price Chopper

Cashier

Lenexa, KS

$10.75 - $14.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

As a cashier, you'll be the face of McKeever Price Chopper, responsible for creating a welcoming and helpful atmosphere for every customer. From efficiently operating the checkout lane to assisting ...

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All JobsChopper Operator Jobs

Chopper Operator information

See salary details

$12

$19

$25

How much do chopper operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for chopper operator in the United States is $19.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by chopper operators, and how can they be managed effectively?

Chopper Operators often encounter challenges such as operating heavy machinery in varying weather conditions, maintaining equipment to prevent breakdowns, and ensuring safety protocols are strictly followed. Managing these challenges requires a strong attention to detail, regular equipment checks, and clear communication with team members to coordinate workflow. Additionally, staying updated on safety training and proper use of protective gear helps mitigate risks and ensures a productive work environment.

What is the difference between Chopper Operator vs Forklift Operator?

AspectChopper OperatorForklift Operator
CertificationsTypically requires a chopper or aerial lift certificationRequires forklift certification
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, industrial plants, or outdoor workWarehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageConstruction, logging, utility workLogistics, warehousing, manufacturing

Both Chopper Operators and Forklift Operators require specific certifications and work in industrial environments. While Chopper Operators handle aerial lifts or cranes in outdoor or construction settings, Forklift Operators work mainly indoors in warehouses or factories. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chopper operator?

To thrive as a Chopper Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, experience with heavy machinery, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with agricultural equipment, GPS guidance systems, and safety certifications such as OSHA are commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and reliability are crucial soft skills for operating complex machinery efficiently. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure safe, productive, and high-quality harvesting operations.

What is a chopper operator?

A Chopper Operator is a skilled worker responsible for operating machinery that chops, cuts, or shreds materials such as wood, metal, or agricultural products. They ensure the equipment is functioning correctly, monitor the quality of the processed materials, and perform basic maintenance or troubleshooting. Chopper Operators often work in manufacturing, recycling, or agricultural settings and must follow safety guidelines to prevent accidents. Attention to detail and mechanical aptitude are important skills for this job.
More about Chopper Operator jobs
What job categories do people searching Chopper Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Chopper Operator jobs are:
Chopper Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chopper Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,702 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Chopper Operator

Madden Industrial Craftsmen

Portland, OR

$23.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Madden Industrial Craftsmen is seeking a Chopper Operator for our client, a union metal recycling and processing facility, in Portland, OR. This role supports daily operations involving material handling, metal processing, and equipment operation in a fast-paced industrial yard environment. The ideal candidate is reliable, mechanically inclined, and comfortable working outdoors while operating equipment and supporting production needs.

Pay & Schedule
Pay: $23.50/hour (with two pay increases within the first 180 days)
Shift: Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM (Fridays start at 5:00 AM)
Position Type: Full-Time

Key Responsibilities
• Operate a sit-down forklift to move and stage scrap metal throughout the facility
• Operate and maintain chopper equipment used in metal processing
• Sort and separate various types of metals including steel, aluminum, and copper
• Assist with material handling and general yard operations as needed
• Perform basic equipment checks and report maintenance needs
• Work safely around heavy equipment, machinery, and moving materials
• Follow all safety procedures and PPE requirements

Required Qualifications
• Minimum 3 years of forklift experience
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to work with industrial equipment
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical work throughout the shift
• Ability to stand, sit, climb, and work off ladders as needed
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Strong work ethic and reliability in a production environment

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience in metal recycling, scrap yards, or industrial environments
• Experience operating processing equipment (choppers, shears, or similar)
• Familiarity with different metal types and sorting processes

Benefits
• Medical (Kaiser)
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• 401(k)
• Union position
• Prevailing wage opportunities
• Scheduled pay increases within first 180 days and annual raises

Work Environment
This role operates in an outdoor industrial recycling environment. Work includes exposure to heavy equipment, moving materials, weather conditions, and industrial noise. PPE and safety compliance are required at all times.

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