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Planer Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$23.75 - $31.25/hr

The operator must be thoroughly familiar with all preventive maintenance procedures, controls and adjustment of the planer. Must stand on feet all day and perform occasional heavy lifting. Ability to ...

$23.75 - $31.25/hr

The operator must be thoroughly familiar with all preventive maintenance procedures, controls and adjustment of the planer. Must stand on feet all day and perform occasional heavy lifting. Ability to ...

$23.75 - $31.25/hr

The operator must be thoroughly familiar with all preventive maintenance procedures, controls and adjustment of the planer. Must stand on feet all day and perform occasional heavy lifting. Ability to ...

$23.75 - $31.25/hr

The operator must be thoroughly familiar with all preventive maintenance procedures, controls and adjustment of the planer. Must stand on feet all day and perform occasional heavy lifting. Ability to ...

$23.75 - $31.25/hr

The operator must be thoroughly familiar with all preventive maintenance procedures, controls and adjustment of the planer. Must stand on feet all day and perform occasional heavy lifting. Ability to ...

$23.75 - $31.25/hr

The operator must be thoroughly familiar with all preventive maintenance procedures, controls and adjustment of the planer. Must stand on feet all day and perform occasional heavy lifting. Ability to ...

$23.75 - $31.25/hr

The operator must be thoroughly familiar with all preventive maintenance procedures, controls and adjustment of the planer. Must stand on feet all day and perform occasional heavy lifting. Ability to ...

$23.75 - $31.25/hr

The operator must be thoroughly familiar with all preventive maintenance procedures, controls and adjustment of the planer. Must stand on feet all day and perform occasional heavy lifting. Ability to ...

$23.75 - $31.25/hr

The operator must be thoroughly familiar with all preventive maintenance procedures, controls and adjustment of the planer. Must stand on feet all day and perform occasional heavy lifting. Ability to ...

$23.75 - $31.25/hr

The operator must be thoroughly familiar with all preventive maintenance procedures, controls and adjustment of the planer. Must stand on feet all day and perform occasional heavy lifting. Ability to ...

$23.75 - $31.25/hr

The operator must be thoroughly familiar with all preventive maintenance procedures, controls and adjustment of the planer. Must stand on feet all day and perform occasional heavy lifting. Ability to ...

Planer Technician

Molalla, OR · On-site

$38.84 - $46.21/hr

Planer Technician, Molalla, Oregon Interfor is seeking an experienced, dependable and safety ... Who We Are Interfor is a growth-oriented forest products company, operating in all major forest ...

Overview The position of Operator 1's primary function is to keep the facility clean in order to eliminate safety and fire hazards. The individual in this position will work in the Planer and ...

$23.75 - $31.25/hr

The operator must be thoroughly familiar with all preventive maintenance procedures, controls and adjustment of the planer. Must stand on feet all day and perform occasional heavy lifting. Ability to ...

$23.75 - $31.25/hr

The operator must be thoroughly familiar with all preventive maintenance procedures, controls and adjustment of the planer. Must stand on feet all day and perform occasional heavy lifting. Ability to ...

$23.75 - $31.25/hr

The operator must be thoroughly familiar with all preventive maintenance procedures, controls and adjustment of the planer. Must stand on feet all day and perform occasional heavy lifting. Ability to ...

$23.75 - $31.25/hr

The operator must be thoroughly familiar with all preventive maintenance procedures, controls and adjustment of the planer. Must stand on feet all day and perform occasional heavy lifting. Ability to ...

$23.75 - $31.25/hr

The operator must be thoroughly familiar with all preventive maintenance procedures, controls and adjustment of the planer. Must stand on feet all day and perform occasional heavy lifting. Ability to ...

Planer Setter/ Millwright

Sanderson, FL

$21 - $27.50/hr

The operator must be thoroughly familiar with all preventive maintenance procedures, controls and adjustment of the planer. Must stand on feet all day and perform occasional heavy lifting. Ability to ...

New

Planer Setter/ Millwright

Saint Augustine, FL

$21.75 - $28.50/hr

The operator must be thoroughly familiar with all preventive maintenance procedures, controls and adjustment of the planer. Must stand on feet all day and perform occasional heavy lifting. Ability to ...

New

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Planer Operator information

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$19

$22

$25

How much do planer operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for planer operator in the United States is $22.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Planer Operator vs Millwright?

AspectPlaner OperatorMillwright
CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical training, certifications in machinery operationHigh school diploma, technical training, certifications in machinery installation and maintenance
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, woodworking shopsConstruction sites, factories, industrial facilities
Industry UsageWoodworking, metalworking, manufacturingManufacturing, industrial maintenance, construction
Job FocusOperating planers and similar machinery to shape materialsInstalling, repairing, and maintaining machinery and equipment

While both roles work in industrial settings and require technical skills, a Planer Operator primarily focuses on operating machinery like planers to shape materials, whereas a Millwright specializes in installing, maintaining, and repairing machinery. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are some common challenges faced by Planer Operators, and how can they be addressed?

Planer Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent machine calibration, managing wood defects, and ensuring safety during high-speed operations. Addressing these issues typically involves regular equipment inspections, prompt maintenance, and following strict safety protocols. Additionally, effective communication with team members and supervisors helps in quickly resolving production issues and maintaining workflow efficiency. Staying proactive and detail-oriented can significantly reduce downtime and improve overall product quality.

What are Planer Operators?

Planer Operators are skilled workers who operate industrial planing machines to smooth, shape, and finish wood or metal surfaces. Their main responsibilities include setting up and maintaining the planer, monitoring the machine during operation, and ensuring the final product meets specific size and quality standards. They may also be responsible for adjusting machine settings, performing regular maintenance, and following safety protocols. Planer Operators often work in manufacturing, woodworking, or metalworking environments.

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

To thrive as a Planer Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and experience with woodworking or metalworking machinery, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with planer machines, safety protocols, and basic measurement tools like calipers and micrometers is typically required. Reliability, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help operators excel in maintaining quality and addressing production issues. These skills ensure safe operation, high-quality output, and efficiency in manufacturing environments.
More about Planer Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Planer Operator jobs? Cities with the most Planer Operator job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Planer Operator jobs? The top employers for Planer Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Planer Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Planer Operator jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Planer Operator jobs? For Planer Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Planer Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,859 per year, or $22.5 per hour.
Planer Setter/ Millwright

Planer Setter/ Millwright

West Fraser, Inc

$23.75 - $31.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


West Fraser rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 18 rated forestry and logging companies


Job description

Requirements: Demonstrate proper use of personal protective equipment, safety rules and lockout procedures. Ability to perform critical measurements using a caliper, set, monitor, and maintain planer machine. Perform all minor repairs and all preventive maintenance as well as planning for and taking responsibility for major repairs using the maintenance department for assistance. Maintain proper setup and operation of the planer; maintain a quality finish of the product. The operator must be thoroughly familiar with all preventive maintenance procedures, controls and adjustment of the planer. Must stand on feet all day and perform occasional heavy lifting. Ability to work with hand tools. Must furnish your own hand tools as per tool list. Work in outside conditions.

Duties: Feed the Planer and ensure a constant lumber flow through planer from tilt hoist through grader station. Keep machine set to proper tolerances. Assist maintenance on major repairs of machines. Must perform minor repairs to machine and perform all routine maintenance and lubrication. Responsible for changing knives. Weekend work required on as needed basis. Housekeeping as assigned by supervisor. Assist with maintenance repairs to other machines within department as directed by supervisor.

Requirements and duties on this position are not all inclusive but do provide a broad description. Will be required to take the West Fraser Qualified Millwright training and conduct duties of millwright work throughout the mill, complete competency checklist per level, and score a 21 on the Mechanical Reasoning assessment and Level 1 on the Millwright assessment.


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About West Fraser

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

West Fraser is a well-established wood products company with a diverse portfolio of more than 60 facilities across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe. As a leader in sustainable forestry practices and high-efficiency wood product manufacturing, we have gained recognition for our commitment to excellence. Our core business involves producing lumber, engineered wood, and various other products, including pulp, newsprint, and renewable energy. With a focus on modern manufacturing facilities and product innovation, we are shaping a promising future.

Industry

Forestry

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Vancouver, BC, CA

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