ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Mining Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Turner Mining Group

Plant Operator

Syracuse, NY · On-site

Plant Operator A few incentives offered by the company upon hire: * Retention Bonus: $5,000 paid quarterly. * Shift Differential: An additional $2.00 per hour for second-shift positions at both ...

Apply Early

Turner Mining Group

Plant Operator

Jamesville, NY · On-site

Plant Operator A few incentives offered by the company upon hire: * Retention Bonus: $5,000 paid quarterly. * Shift Differential: An additional $2.00 per hour for second-shift positions at both ...

H&K Group

Plant Operator

Chalfont, PA · On-site

Chalfont Quarry, a division of the H&K Group, Inc., is seeking a Plant Operator to support smooth ... mining operation purchased by H&K Group, Inc. in 1973. Since this time, Chalfont Quarry and ...

Turner Mining Group

Plant Operator

Jamesville, NY · On-site

Plant Operator A few incentives offered by the company upon hire: * Retention Bonus: $5,000 paid quarterly. * Shift Differential: An additional $2.00 per hour for second-shift positions at both ...

Apply Early

Ferroglobe USA Quartz

Plant Operator

Wallace, SC · On-site

Who we are Position Summary The Plant Operators leads day‑to‑day operations of the aggregate ... Required Qualifications * 3+ years of experience in industrial plant operations (aggregates, mining ...

H&K Group

Plant Operator

Chalfont, PA · On-site

Overview Chalfont Quarry, a division of the H&K Group, Inc., is seeking a Plant Operator to support ... mining operation purchased by H&K Group, Inc. in 1973. Since this time, Chalfont Quarry and ...

Arcosa LWB, LLC

Plant Operator / Maintenance

Lafayette, NJ · On-site

$24.36 - $32.69/hr

Job Summary Arcosa Aggregates is seeking a Plant Operator/Maintenance based out of our Beaver Run ... This role is responsible for working with a team to produce natural aggregates in a mining ...

H&K Group

Plant Operator

Chalfont, PA

Overview Chalfont Quarry, a division of the H&K Group, Inc., is seeking a Plant Operator to support ... mining operation purchased by H&K Group, Inc. in 1973. Since this time, Chalfont Quarry and ...

FST Sand and Gravel

Be Seen First

Night Shift Plant Operator - Rock Crushing & Screening

Corona, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Night Shift Plant Operator - Rock Crushing & Screening Location: Corona, CA Schedule: Night Shift ... Experience in aggregate, mining, quarry, asphalt, concrete, or heavy industrial operations is ...

New

Heidelberg Materials

Plant Operator

Monroe, WA · On-site

$46.12/hr

Operate and monitor plant equipment to ensure safe and efficient production * Perform routine ... Background in mechanical, construction, or mining environments preferred * Strong focus on safety ...

Tessenderlo Group

Plant Operator C

Coffeyville, KS · On-site

We serve the agriculture, mining, industrial, and water reclamation markets with a wide range of ... Support the A operator in submitting maintenance orders. * Utilize plant equipment to clear snow ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMining Plant Operator Jobs

Mining Plant Operator information

See salary details

$13

$22

$39

How much do mining plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for mining plant operator in the United States is $22.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Mining Plant Operators?

Mining Plant Operators are professionals who control, monitor, and maintain the machinery and equipment used in mining operations. They ensure the efficient and safe extraction, processing, and transportation of minerals and ores. Their responsibilities often include operating conveyor belts, crushers, and other plant machinery, as well as conducting routine inspections and minor repairs. Mining Plant Operators play a crucial role in maintaining production targets while adhering to strict safety and environmental standards.

Which mining job pays the most?

In mining, senior roles such as Mine Managers, Mining Engineers, and Geologists tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually. Specialized positions requiring advanced certifications, technical skills, and experience generally offer higher pay compared to entry-level roles like equipment operators or laborers.

How hard is it to become a plant operator?

Becoming a mining plant operator typically requires completing a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training or technical courses. Many employers also prefer candidates to obtain certifications such as a commercial driver's license or specific equipment operation licenses, and some roles may require experience with machinery and safety protocols. The job involves understanding complex equipment and safety procedures, but with proper training, it is accessible to those interested in industrial operations.

What are some typical challenges Mining Plant Operators face on the job, and how can they be managed?

Mining Plant Operators often work in environments where safety, equipment maintenance, and communication are critical. Common challenges include operating complex machinery in harsh conditions, managing unpredictable equipment breakdowns, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Effective operators stay proactive by regularly inspecting equipment, participating in ongoing safety training, and maintaining clear communication with team members and supervisors to ensure smooth operations. Embracing these practices not only helps manage daily obstacles but also contributes to personal growth and team success.

What is the difference between Mining Plant Operator vs Mining Equipment Operator?

AspectMining Plant OperatorMining Equipment Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety certifications, technical trainingHigh school diploma, safety certifications, technical training
Work EnvironmentProcessing plants, mineral processing facilitiesOpen-pit or underground mining sites, construction areas
Job FocusOperating processing machinery, controlling mineral processingOperating heavy mining machinery like excavators and loaders
Industry UsageCommonly used in mineral processing and refiningUsed in extraction and material movement in mining

While both roles require safety certifications and technical skills, Mining Plant Operators focus on processing minerals within processing plants, whereas Mining Equipment Operators handle heavy machinery at mining sites. Both roles are essential in the mining industry but differ in work environment and specific duties.

What do mining operators do?

Mining plant operators are responsible for controlling and monitoring equipment used in extracting minerals or other materials from the earth. They operate machinery such as crushers, conveyors, and drills, ensuring safety and efficiency in the mining process. Certification and knowledge of safety protocols are often required for this role.

What is the highest paid equipment operator?

In the mining industry, heavy equipment operators such as dragline, excavator, and crane operators tend to be among the highest paid. These roles often require specialized skills, certifications, and experience, with salaries varying based on location, complexity of equipment, and shift schedules.

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

To thrive as a Mining Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of mining processes, equipment operation, and workplace safety, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant certifications. Familiarity with heavy machinery, control systems, and computerized monitoring tools like SCADA is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork set top performers apart in this role. These skills and qualities are critical to ensuring safe, efficient, and continuous plant operations in a demanding industrial environment.
More about Mining Plant Operator jobs
What states have the most Mining Plant Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Mining Plant Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Mining Plant Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Mining Plant Operator jobs are:
Mining Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mining Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,521 per year, or $22.4 per hour.
Plant Operator

Plant Operator

Turner Mining Group

Syracuse, NY • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 23 hours ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

Plant Operator


A few incentives offered by the company upon hire:

  1. Retention Bonus: $5,000 paid quarterly.
  2. Shift Differential: An additional $2.00 per hour for second-shift positions at both locations.
  3. Employee Referral Bonus: A $5,000 bonus for referring an applicant to either location, paid after 180 days of continued employment for both parties.
  4. Benefits: Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and vacation.


What You'll Be Doing

  • Operate and monitor plant equipment to ensure optimal performance
  • Perform routine inspections and basic maintenance tasks
  • Record production data and report equipment issues promptly
  • Support safe and efficient material handling and processing
  • Collaborate with team members to meet production targets

What Are We Looking For

  • Ability to operate and troubleshoot industrial machinery
  • Strong awareness of safety protocols and procedures
  • Effective communication and teamwork skills
  • Willingness to learn and adapt to changing operational needs
  • Attention to detail and commitment to quality standards

Conditions of Employment

  • Successful candidate must submit to post-offer pre-employment physical examination, drug/alcohol screen, and background check
  • Some positions require FMCSA regulated ongoing drug and alcohol testing

Work Environment

  • Role operates primarily in environments where the conditions include moving mechanical equipment, inclement weather, heat, cold, humidity, and elevated noise level