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Chopper Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PTC ALLIANCE LLC

Mair Operator

Fairbury, IL

$21.33/hr

The Operator is responsible for setting up, adjusting, and efficiently running chamfer units, blowout/chopper equipment, and the Mair bundler to ensure consistent production of highquality tube ...

Price Chopper/Market 32

Apply Now - Derby

Derby, VT

$15 - $19.30/hr

Pay Range: $15.00- $19.30 SUMMARY Price Chopper/Market 32 Supermarkets employs nearly 15,000 ... With over 130 stores, we are the largest employer in many of our operating areas. We are ...

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How much do chopper operator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chopper Operator, and why are they important?

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 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 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.

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.

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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,702 per year, or $19.1 per hour.
Manufacturing Operator

Manufacturing Operator

Zoltek Corporation

Saint Charles, MO • On-site

$17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Company Description
Zoltek, a subsidiary of Toray Group, is a world leader in the research, development, manufacture and distribution of industrial grade carbon fiber. Our mission is to lead the commercialization of carbon fiber through our development of a price-competitive, high-performance reinforcement for composites used in a broad range of commercial products. Carbon fiber-reinforced composites are remarkable in their performance characteristics and properties that include high strength, low weight, high stiffness, corrosion resistance, heat resistance, and electrical conductivity. Our target markets include wind energy, automotive, offshore drilling, marine, infrastructure, and many other diverse industrial markets. We currently employ over 1,500 employees at manufacturing facilities located in the United States, Mexico and Hungary, and our sales and distribution network is worldwide. Learn more at www.zoltek.com.
Job Description
Title: Manufacturing Operator - $17/hr + PREMIUM PAY
Reports to: Production Manager
Location: St. Charles, Missouri (MRP)
Date Posted: 5/18/2021
Job Summary: Zoltek-Toray Group is looking for dedicated individuals to join our team as Manufacturing Operators in our Missouri Research Park facility, located in St. Charles/Weldon Spring, MO.
Why work at Zoltek?
  • Compensation/Premium Pay: The starting rate for this role is $17.00 per hour. For a limited time, Manufacturing Operators are receiving an additional $1.50 per hour premium for hours worked. Once the premium pay program has ended, the employee's regular pay will revert to the standard rate, which does not include the program premium.
  • Work schedule: The Manufacturing Operator will work 12 hour shifts. The night shift schedule is 7:45 PM to 8:00 AM (7.5%-night differential included in pay), day shift schedule is 7:45 AM to 8:00 PM. The work week is an alternating 36 or 48 hours (12 hour shifts rotating on a 2 weeks cycle: 2 on, 2 off, 3 on, 2 off, 2 on, 3 off) resulting in a 3 day weekend every other week and some built in overtime. (Please indicate your preference/availability for day or night shifts in a message in your application.)
  • Benefits: After 60 days of employment, Manufacturing Operators are eligible for benefits, which includes paid time off, sick/emergency time, medical, dental, vision, 401K, various life insurance policies, Gold's Gym discounts, safety shoe discounts, prescription safety glasses discounts, employee assistance programs, and various bonuses throughout the year. In addition, 80% of employee healthcare benefit premiums are paid by Zoltek!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Follow procedures to ensure safety, quality and production of product.
  • Inspect size/quality of processed material; ensuring customer's specifications are met.
  • Remove boxes up to 50 pounds from processing line, attach labels and complete necessary paperwork for inventory control.
  • Remove and package samples for Quality Control.
  • Inspect equipment and product for potential problems and report to the supervisor immediately.
  • Maintain equipment and work area - the areas are to remain clean and free of hazardous obstacles.
  • Wear required personal protective equipment at all times; be knowledgeable of safety procedures for work area.
  • Communicate with team members, supervisor and co-workers effectively.
  • Document information and complete paperwork as required
  • Ability and willingness to maintain a safe and ethical work environment, work as a team member

The Manufacturing Operator may be cross-trained and work in multiple positions in the manufacturing process, operating various machines including batch, scrip coating, chopping and milling machines or textile machinery.
  • Batch operation: Enter information into programmable logic control panel keypad, read and document temperatures, inspect batch interiors, follow a production schedule to load and unload batch carbonization furnaces with fibers, fabrics and yarns; wind carbon fiber fabrics/yarns.
  • Scrim Coating operation: Coating material, which comes from the batch operation after carbonization, with a flame-retardant epoxy. Ensuring that material is completely coated and dried. Wind finished material onto cardboard cores.
  • Chop operation: Feed continuous strands of carbon fiber through chopper to be cut to length per customer's specifications, monitor chopper to ensure correct operation of equipment.
  • Mill operation: Feed fiber into feed end of mill process, monitor mill to ensure correct operation, inspect quality of processed material, ensuring customer specifications are met.
  • Textile operation: Operate various types of textile equipment for the manufacture of carbon fiber yarns and fabrics such as stretch breaking, roving, winding and knitting machines in accordance with Operating Procedure Manual.

Qualifications:
  • Graduation from high school or a GED is required
  • Experience of 1 year or more in manufacturing or a factory environment is strongly desired
  • Ability to perform simple mathematical calculations, read and interpret documents, follow procedures, document information, communicate effectively with shift lead and co-workers
  • Ability to troubleshoot and take effective corrective action to resolve problems

Work Environment:
The work environments characteristics described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • The work environment is not air conditioned and is HOT and HUMID.
  • Handling of carbon fiber may cause mild irritation. In some cases, the dust may cause allergic skin reactions.
  • Moderately dirty because of materials and machinery handled.
  • Excessive fly may be present.
  • Strong odors may be present.

Physical Requirements:
  • Good finger and manual dexterity
  • Ability to lift, turn, bend, squat, kneel, reach, pull, walk or stand for periods of time
  • Ability to tolerate heat and must be able to wear a dust mask and/or gloves as needed
  • Ability to tolerate itchy material
  • Ability to lift, push, pull, push 50+ pounds
  • Ability to ascend and descend a flight of stairs several times per day

Zoltek is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $17.00 per hour
Qualifications
Additional Information
Zoltek offers a competitive pay and benefits package, including:
  • Medical plan
  • Dental plan
  • Prescription drug benefits
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Vision insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday pay
  • Tuition assistance program
  • Short term and long term disability coverage
  • Employee assistance program
  • Optional life insurance
  • 401(k) program.

Application:
For immediate consideration for this position, please upload your resume online by clicking on the "I'm Interested" button.

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