How much does a crushing operator make?
a year · about $23 an hour
A typical crushing operator in the United States makes $48,540 a year, about $23 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They read a work order, load material, and start a crusher or grinder while watching gauges and conveyors for jams or trouble. They test samples, adjust settings, clean the machine, and record results.
Did you know? Surprisingly, this job can involve grinding or polishing anything from grain and food to coal, glass, stone, or rubber—not just rocks.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $36,520 and $69,240How do you become one?
Many start after high school (often around 18), though some jobs accept less schooling. Employers train new hires over days to a year; related apprenticeships exist, and the profile lists no standard license or exam.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, pay can differ with experience and skill, the material or process you specialize in, and the industry or employer. Location matters too, and longer hours can change total earnings; extra credentials may help when employers value them.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Iowa ($62,590), lowest in Arkansas ($38,910).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $36,520 | $48,540 | $69,240 | about 26,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa | $62,590 | about 1,000 |
| Nevada | $60,180 | about 660 |
| New York | $58,090 | about 950 |
| Minnesota | $56,550 | about 660 |
| Wisconsin | $54,580 | about 530 |
Official definition: Set up, operate, or tend machines to crush, grind, or polish materials, such as coal, glass, grain, stone, food, or rubber.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/51-9021.00
- www.mynextmove.org/profile/summary/51-9021.00
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes519021.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.dol.gov/general/topic/youthlabor/agerequirements
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY