How to become a machine operator
Official title: Machine operators, mineral and metal processing
Also called: Dust operator, Anode operator, Metal reclaimer, Baghouse operator, Scrubber operator, Ball mill operator, Coke oven operator, Larry car operator, Lime kiln operator, Ore dryer operator, Zinc cell operator, Classifier operator
Machine operators in mineral and metal processing operate machinery to process mineral ore and metal. They are employed in mineral ore and metal processing plants such as copper, lead and zinc refineries, uranium processing plants, steel mills, aluminum plants, precious metal refineries and cement processing plants.
Main tasks
- Set up, prepare and adjust mineral ore, metal and cement processing machinery to carry out one step in the overall mineral ore or metal processing operation
- Operate single-function machinery to grind, separate, filter, mix, treat, cast, roll, refine or otherwise process mineral ores
- Observe gauges, meters, computer printouts, video monitors and products to ensure correct operation of machinery and verify processing conditions
- Make adjustments to machinery as required
- Record production information and complete reports
- May assist with machinery maintenance or repair
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is usually required. On-the-job training is provided. Experience as a labourer in mineral and metal processing is usually required for machine operators.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $68,250 a year The middle half earn $52,650 to $81,900.
- About 14,200 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 15,300 are projected by 2033. (+7.7%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
- Foundry workers
- Glass forming and finishing machine operators and glass cutters
- Concrete, clay and stone forming operators
- Inspectors and testers, mineral and metal processing
- Metalworking and forging machine operators
- Machining tool operators
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Questions people ask
How do I become a machine operator?
Completion of secondary school is usually required. On-the-job training is provided. Experience as a labourer in mineral and metal processing is usually required for machine operators.
How much does a machine operator earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $68,250 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $52,650 to $81,900.
Is a machine operator a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 8% by 2033, from about 14,200 to about 15,300 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a machine operator?
Usually not. Only 6% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03