Operates one or more production or ancillary machines while managing interactions, ground conditions, defects and mine traffic rules.
Related role band: $105k–$160kOperations · Entry
Haul Truck Operator
Operates haul trucks to move waste or ore safely between loading, dumping and stockpile locations in surface mining operations.
Indicative 2026 annual cash$105k–$160kGross, generally before super
Common roster context7/7, 8/6, 2/1 and 2/2 rosters occur, usually across day and night shifts.
Typical work settingOpen-pit haul trucks, dozers, loaders
Supplied rate guide · 28 September 2026
Indicative hourly rates.
These day and night / campaign ranges are separate from the annual band. They are broad comparisons, not an offer or an award minimum.
- Day / project
- $55–$75/hr
- Night / campaign
- $65–$88/hr
Check the applicable award or enterprise agreement, paid hours, penalties, allowances and super in the actual offer. Find an agreement ↗
Role at a glance
What this role actually does.
Operates haul trucks to move waste or ore safely between loading, dumping and stockpile locations in surface mining operations. The precise scope changes with the employer, asset, jurisdiction and written authorities.
The work
Core duties
- 01
Complete pre-start inspections
- 02
Operate to pit traffic rules
- 03
Position safely for loading and dumping
- 04
Monitor machine condition
- 05
Communicate hazards and delays
- 06
Manage fatigue and handovers
The assets
Equipment and systems
- 01
Rigid haul trucks
- 02
Water carts where verified
- 03
Fleet management systems
- 04
Radios
- 05
Collision-awareness systems
- 06
Autonomous haulage interfaces
Before mobilisation
Typical foundations
- 01
Driver licence and site requirements
- 02
Employer training and verification on the truck class
- 03
Medical and fitness-for-work requirements
- 04
Site inductions and traffic-management competence
Prove capability
Evidence employers can verify
- 01
Truck class and operating hours
- 02
Pit, dump and traffic environment
- 03
Pre-start and defect escalation
- 04
Production, safety and attendance record without invented metrics
Entry pathway
A credible way into the role.
- 01
Build reliable safety and shift-work evidence
- 02
Target genuine trainee operator campaigns
- 03
Complete employer training and verification
- 04
Develop consistent operating and defect-reporting habits
Earning context
What tends to move pay
- 01
Trainee or experienced status
- 02
Machine class and multi-skilling
- 03
Roster and location
- 04
Owner-operator or contractor employment
Before accepting
Questions to ask about the offer
- 01
Is the quoted figure base salary, total cash or a package including super?
- 02
Which roster, shift length and point of hire does the offer assume?
- 03
How are overtime, nights, public holidays, allowances, bonus and travel treated?
Progression
Possible next moves.
Operates one or more production or ancillary machines while managing interactions, ground conditions, defects and mine traffic rules.
Related role band: $105k–$160kDelivers structured workplace learning and assesses people against a defined task, competency or training product.
Related role band: $120k–$175kCoordinate daily work and coach a small team while the supervisor retains the assigned accountabilities.
Compare roles and pay →Progression depends on demonstrated competence, vacancies, performance, qualifications and any appointment requirements. A related profile is a starting point, not a guarantee of that exact title or scope. Browse all 98 role profiles →
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Editorial note
Salary bands are broad 2026 Australian mining comparisons, not promised rates. Some hourly guides were supplied and have not been independently validated role by role; others show selected advertised examples. Role requirements summarise common practice and do not replace legislation, regulator guidance, an employment agreement, site procedures or a written appointment. Pay presentation reviewed 28 September 2026.