FAQ
Crushing Machine Operator FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a crushing machine operator.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a crushing machine operator: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about crushing machine operators
Do I need MSHA training?
Yes, at mines and quarries.
Do I need a degree?
No.
Is the job growing?
BLS projects little change.
How much does a crushing machine operator make?
The median annual wage for crushing machine operators was $48,540 ($23.34 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $36,520 and the highest 10% earned more than $69,240.
How long does it take to become a crushing machine operator?
Most people need about A few months on the job of training. A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.
Do you need a degree to be a crushing machine operator?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Is crushing machine operator a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change -1.7% from 2025–35 (a projected decline), with about 2,300 openings each year. Upsides include no degree needed; a common challenge is that dust and noise.
What skills does a crushing machine operator need?
Key technical skills include crusher operation, screen management, gradation testing, and conveyor operation. Employers also value safety focus, reliability, and problem-solving.
What certifications are available for crushing machine operators?
Common credentials include MSHA training, OSHA 10, Loader certification, and First aid. Workers at mines and quarries need MSHA safety training.
Still deciding?
Try the Crushing Machine Operator fit quiz, compare with Mining Machine Operator, or explore Crushing Machine Operator training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 51-9021 (Crushing, grinding, and polishing machine setters, operators, and tenders).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Crushing, grinding, and polishing machine setters, operators, and tenders (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.