Loads production haul units from a defined dig face while managing floor, material, traffic and mine-plan constraints.
Related role band: $120k–$180kOperations · Skilled
Mobile Plant Operator
Operates one or more production or ancillary machines while managing interactions, ground conditions, defects and mine traffic rules.
Indicative 2026 annual cash$105k–$160kGross, generally before super
Common roster contextCommonly 7/7, 8/6, 2/1 or 2/2 across rotating days and nights.
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 one or more production or ancillary machines while managing interactions, ground conditions, defects and mine traffic rules. The precise scope changes with the employer, asset, jurisdiction and written authorities.
The work
Core duties
- 01
Conduct pre-starts
- 02
Operate within site and machine limits
- 03
Maintain safe separation
- 04
Identify changing ground conditions
- 05
Report defects and delays
- 06
Complete production handovers
The assets
Equipment and systems
- 01
Dozers
- 02
Graders
- 03
Loaders
- 04
Excavators
- 05
Water carts
- 06
Ancillary equipment
Before mobilisation
Typical foundations
- 01
Employer verification for each machine
- 02
Relevant driver or civil competencies where required
- 03
Site medical and induction
- 04
Task, traffic and fatigue-management competence
Prove capability
Evidence employers can verify
- 01
Machine make, class and hours
- 02
Operating environment and material
- 03
Hazard and defect decisions
- 04
Consistency, attendance and verifiable referee
Entry pathway
A credible way into the role.
- 01
Enter through trainee, civil or contractor pathways
- 02
Become competent on one machine
- 03
Build safe, consistent hours
- 04
Add machines based on operational demand
Earning context
What tends to move pay
- 01
Machine class
- 02
Multi-skilling
- 03
Production environment
- 04
Roster, nights and location
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.
Runs an authorised production or exploration drill and records hole information for the site's mine plan.
Related role band: $130k–$195kDelivers structured workplace learning and assesses people against a defined task, competency or training product.
Related role band: $120k–$175kLeads a defined crew or work front, translating the plan into safe, controlled execution while managing people, interfaces and changing conditions.
Related role band: $150k–$210kProgression 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.