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What is a mill operator and how to become one
Modern millers still need manual expertise - especially when working on prototypes or manufacturing small processes of machined parts - despite the ever-growing dependence of the current frying machines on electronic technologies, which allow them to achieve higher machining accuracy.
Mill Operators typically start their working careers with an apprenticeship, after which they become able to perform high-quality machining work without supervision as per the required technical specifications and production standards. The profession also requires you to combine manual skills with modern production technologies.
Jobs for milling machines generally require a high school credential - entirely geared to technological and mechanical expertise. If you're an aspiring mill operator, you can also enroll in a professional training course for "milling machine operators." As a Mill Operator, you can make a decent amount of money, which translates to an average salary of $33,918 per year.
Avg. Salary $39,045
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 7%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.81%
Asian 2.40%
Black or African American 14.43%
Hispanic or Latino 15.97%
Unknown 4.35%
White 62.05%
Genderfemale 7.50%
male 92.50%
Age - 44American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 44Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
Mill operator career paths
Key steps to become a mill operator
Explore mill operator education requirements
Start to develop specific mill operator skills
Skills Percentages CNC 7.08% OSHA 6.88% Math 6.29% Calipers 5.96% Hand Tools 5.42% Complete relevant mill operator training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New mill operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a mill operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real mill operator resumes.Research mill operator duties and responsibilities
- Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
- Perform all work in respirator and other proper PPE.
- Skil at training other machinists on CNC machines in this shop.
- Assemble parts, operate CNC lathe and mills and adjust off sets.
Prepare your mill operator resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your mill operator resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a mill operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable mill operator resume templates
Build a professional mill operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your mill operator resume.
Apply for mill operator jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a mill operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first mill operator job
Are you a mill operator?
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Average mill operator salary
The average mill operator salary in the United States is $39,045 per year or $19 per hour. Mill operator salaries range between $31,000 and $48,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do mill operators rate their job?
Mill operator reviews
Freedom not being stuck by a machine all day, moving around freely.
Breathing in the dust in the air.
Get to really know the mills, the sounds and what you have to do throughout the day to get them to run smoothly efficiently I'm putting Max product out into the tanks.
The old one are high maintenance but even then fun to work on.
Short time at work that to day U not working we will call you when we have busy I need a full time job not part time
It challenging I love challenge to work as a operator it a very challenging job
Updated January 8, 2025
