How to become a Stone Processing Machine Operator

Operates machines to cut and finish stones for tiles, building blocks and facings.

Main tasks

• Sets up and prepares machines for stone cutting and finishing
• Measures and marks stones according to specifications
• Loads and unloads stones into machines
• Operates and monitors machines to ensure stones are cut accurately and efficiently
• Inspects finished stones for quality and makes adjustments to machines as needed
• Uses hand tools to finish and polish stones
• Cleans and maintains machines to ensure proper functioning

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Diploma of Minerals Processing (RII50315); Certificate III in Manufactured Mineral Products (MSM30318); Certificate III in Resource Processing (RII30420)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $89,232 a year
• About 2,500 people work in this job group now, and about 2,700 are projected by 2035. (+6%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Chemical Production Machine Operator
• Clay Products Machine Operator
• Concrete Products Machine Operator
• Crushing Machine Operator
• Glass Production Machine Operator
• Photographic Print Processor

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Stone Processing Machine Operator?

Ways in include: Diploma of Minerals Processing; Certificate III in Manufactured Mineral Products.

How much does a Stone Processing Machine Operator earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $89,232 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Stone Processing Machine Operator a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 6% by 2035, from about 2,500 to about 2,700 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Stone Processing Machine Operator?

Usually not. Only 8% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Diploma of Minerals Processing; Certificate III in Manufactured Mineral Products.

Will AI change the work of a Stone Processing Machine Operator?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04