10 of the Most Popular Types of Milling Operator Jobs in 2026

See what kind of roles similar to Milling Operator jobs are hiring now

Top Types Of Milling Operator Jobs

• Machine Operator

  Salary range: $34,000 - $40,500

  Machine operators are skilled in operating machinery, often specializing in one type of machinery or industry to become an expert. Machine operators also have a general skillset, knowing how to operate a wide range of industrial machinery. Since there are numerous industries and sectors that use a multitude of machinery, there is always room to learn more.

• Manual Machinist

  Salary range: $44,000 - $59,500

  A manual machinist uses manual and machining equipment to create precision tools. Machinists usually start by reading project specifications then they create a plan for executing the project. Manual machinists draw from their vocational program training to drill and cut instruments needed to create precision metal parts and tools. Based on the scope and nature of the project, machinists decide whether to use their manual or machine tools to complete the job of crafting metal tools with precision.

• Asphalt Milling Machine Operator

  Salary range: $35,000 - $46,500

  Asphalt Milling Machine Operator is a typical job search query Most salaries for Asphalt Milling Machine Operator jobs pay between $35,000 (25th percentile) and $46,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Asphalt Milling Machine Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Horizontal Boring Mill Operator

  Salary range: $47,000 - $60,000

  As a horizontal boring mill operator, your duties and responsibilities are to operate drilling machines, which bore, mill, or ream holes in metal, plastic, or other fabricated materials meant to assemble into larger components. You may drill different kinds of holes, such as countersink holes, which can be covered up upon assembly. As the operator, you are responsible for machine set-up, its operation, and the maintenance of tools and equipment. You must also adhere to all relevant safety guidelines at your job site.

• Machinist

  Salary range: $43,500 - $59,500

  A machinist is someone who uses heavy equipment to cut machinery parts made of different materials including steel, silicon, aluminum, and plastic. Machinist work takes a great amount of focus and precision. Machinists must be able to read mechanical blueprints, make calculations, determine machine speed, and perform precise cuts to create tools, fixtures, building materials, and other products. In addition to creating products based on preset specifications, machinists must also maintain their machines to ensure they cut properly and safely. This means keeping them properly lubricated and regulating their temperature. In many cases, machinists must have a working knowledge of computers which may help them determine cutting patterns and paths.

• Cnc Mill Operator

  Salary range: $44,000 - $58,500

  Cnc Mill Operator is a typical job search query Most salaries for Cnc Mill Operator jobs pay between $44,000 (25th percentile) and $58,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Cnc Mill Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Cnc Operator

  Salary range: $41,000 - $56,000

  A CNC (computer numerical control) machine or router dictates the actions of electromechanical devices. By adding computer programming inputs into the CNC router, a CNC operator (or CNC programmer) can manipulate devices, such as shop machines, into mechanically producing components out of stock material. CNC machines interpret programmed designs as instructions for cutting, sculpting, and finishing prototype parts. CNC is an accurate and repeatable method of machining. Another common CNC method is 3D printing technology.

• Heavy Equipment Operator

  Salary range: $40,500 - $56,000

  Heavy Equipment Operator jobs require the safe and proper use of various types of heavy machinery in a large construction or demolition environment. The tasks of a Heavy Equipment Operator vary depending on the type of job and machinery. Examples of heavy equipment include bulldozers, excavators, loaders, and backhoes. Heavy equipment operators most commonly work in construction, oil and gas pipelines, and logging.

• Mill Operator

  Salary range: $35,000 - $46,000

  The job duties of a mill operator include working to operate and maintain a milling machine. Depending on the industry, your job duties in this career could consist of running a saw, bore, or another piece of milling equipment. In nearly all mill operator positions, you must read blueprints or CAD designs to set your milling machine correctly before you load the materials. You also have cleaning responsibilities, and you must remove and recycle salvageable materials left over after the milling process.

• Cnc Machinist

  Salary range: $41,000 - $56,000

  The job of a CNC machinist is to ensure the accuracy of production runs by pre-programming and monitoring runs for quality. A CNC machinist has a strong working knowledge of Computer Numeric Controlled machinery and is committed to quality and safety.