ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

1St Shift Machine Operator Jobs in Lancaster, PA

Matthews International

Machine Operator

York, PA · On-site

$20.40/hr

POSITION SUMMARY 1st Shift Machine Operator- starting salary $20.40 per hour The Machine Operator assists with the setup, calibration, and operation of machines used in production processes. This ...

PeopleShare

Assembler

Ephrata, PA

$17 - $20/hr

Machine Operator / Assembly Associate - 1st & 2nd Shift APPLY NOW OR text Maycol at (717) 8207052 TODAY! Location: Lancaster County, Ephrata, PA area Pay Rate: $17 - $20/hr (based on relevant ...

Aerotek

3rd Shift - Machine Operator

Lancaster, PA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Hiring for 3rd Shift Machine Operators! Schedule: Monday-Friday, 11:00 PM - 7:00 AM Shift: 3rd Shift Immediate Interviews Available | Weekly Pay Job Summary Join a global industrial technology ...

Fresh Express

Machine Operator (1st Shift)

Harrisburg, PA · On-site

$16.75 - $20.25/hr

Verify set up of machine; verify that the machine has been properly put back together from ... Be capable of operating measuring instruments, such as the weight scale and thermometer.Be capable ...

Fresh Express

Machine Operator (1st Shift)

Harrisburg, PA · On-site

$16.75 - $20/hr

Verify set up of machine; verify that the machine has been properly put back together from ... Be capable of operating measuring instruments, such as the weight scale and thermometer. * Be ...

Fresh Express

Machine Operator (1st Shift)

Harrisburg, PA · On-site

$16.75 - $20/hr

Verify set up of machine; verify that the machine has been properly put back together from ... Be capable of operating measuring instruments, such as the weight scale and thermometer. * Be ...

Pretium Packaging

Machine Operator-1st Shift

Manchester, PA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

Requires a minimum of 1 to 3 years experience operating machines used in the packaging/plastics industry to gain sufficient skill to perform the requirements of the position. Skills and Abilities ...

Pretium Packaging

Machine Operator-1st Shift

Manchester, PA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

Requires a minimum of 1 to 3 years experience operating machines used in the packaging/plastics industry to gain sufficient skill to perform the requirements of the position. Skills and Abilities ...

Pretium Packaging

Machine Operator-1st Shift

Manchester, PA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

Requires a minimum of 1 to 3 years experience operating machines used in the packaging/plastics industry to gain sufficient skill to perform the requirements of the position. Skills and Abilities ...

Pretium Packaging

Machine Operator-1st Shift

Manchester, PA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

Requires a minimum of 1 to 3 years experience operating machines used in the packaging/plastics industry to gain sufficient skill to perform the requirements of the position. Skills and Abilities ...

Aerotek

Machine Operator

Lancaster, PA

$21 - $23/hr

2nd Shift Machine Operator Immediate Interviews Available | Weekly Pay Join a stable manufacturing team as a 2nd Shift Machine Operator. In this role, you will set up, operate, monitor, and perform ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All Jobs1St Shift Machine Operator Jobs1St Shift Machine Operator Jobs in Lancaster, PA

1St Shift Machine Operator information

See Lancaster, PA salary details

$12

$17

$23

How much do 1st shift machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for 1st shift machine operator in Lancaster, PA is $17.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $19.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 1st shift machine operator?

A 1st Shift Machine Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining machinery during the first shift of the workday, typically starting in the early morning and ending in the afternoon. Their duties include setting up machines, monitoring production processes, conducting quality checks, and performing basic maintenance or troubleshooting tasks. This role is common in manufacturing, production, and warehouse environments, and requires attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and adherence to safety protocols.

What does a 1st shift machine operator do?

As a 1st Shift Machine Operator, your day typically starts early in the morning and involves setting up, operating, and monitoring machinery to ensure efficient production runs. You'll be responsible for maintaining quality standards, troubleshooting minor equipment issues, and completing production reports. Collaboration is common—you'll frequently communicate with supervisors, maintenance teams, and quality assurance staff to address issues and meet production goals. This teamwork is essential for keeping the workflow smooth and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a 1st shift machine operator?

To thrive as a 1st Shift Machine Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with manufacturing machinery, basic computer skills, and safety certifications such as OSHA are commonly required. Reliability, teamwork, and effective communication help operators excel and maintain a safe, efficient work environment. These skills and qualities are crucial for minimizing downtime, ensuring product quality, and supporting overall plant productivity.

What is the difference between 1St Shift Machine Operator vs 2Nd Shift Machine Operator?

Aspect1St Shift Machine Operator2Nd Shift Machine Operator
Work HoursTypically 8:00 AM - 4:00 PMUsually 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM
CertificationsRequires basic machine operation certificationsSame certifications as 1st shift
Work EnvironmentDaytime production floorEvening/night shift on the same production floor
Employer UsageCommonly advertised for day shifts in manufacturingOften sought for night shift roles in factories

The main difference between a 1St Shift Machine Operator and a 2Nd Shift Machine Operator lies in their working hours. Both roles typically require similar certifications and work in the same environment, but they operate during different shifts. Employers often seek these roles based on shift timing preferences, with 1st shift covering daytime hours and 2nd shift handling evening or night hours.

What are normal 1st shift hours for a 1st shift machine operator?

A 1st shift machine operator typically works during regular daytime hours, commonly from 7:00 or 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 or 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. These hours may vary slightly depending on the company but generally align with standard daytime shifts in manufacturing environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Operator jobs in Lancaster, PA?

The most popular types of Machine Operator jobs in Lancaster, PA are:

What are popular job titles related to 1St Shift Machine Operator jobs in Lancaster, PA?

For 1St Shift Machine Operator jobs in Lancaster, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching 1St Shift Machine Operator jobs in Lancaster, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for 1St Shift Machine Operator jobs in Lancaster, PA are:

What cities near Lancaster, PA are hiring for 1St Shift Machine Operator jobs?

Cities near Lancaster, PA with the most 1St Shift Machine Operator job openings:

1St Shift Machine Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various 1St Shift Machine Operator job openings in Lancaster, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 13% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,145 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Machine Operator - First Shift

John F Martin & Sons LLC

Stevens, PA • On-site

$17.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

John F. Martin & Sons, LLC, is a third/fourth generation, family-owned/family-friendly manufacturer and distributor of quality meat and cheese products. With locations in Stevens and Womesldorf, PA, we are committed to our employees' satisfaction, safety, well-being, and professional development. If you're looking for a dedicated employer that is very successful, continuously growing, and working very hard to be a top-quality employer within the community, then we welcome you to join our team.
We are hiring for a FIRST SHIFT - Stevens location
Hours are: 5:30 am - 2:30 (with some mandatory OT & Saturdays)
The Machine Operator works in a fast-paced, refrigerated production environment operating, monitoring, and maintaining meat processing and packaging equipment. This role ensures consistent product flow, quality, safety, and sanitation while supporting production goals across assigned departments. Machine Operators may rotate between departments and equipment based on operational needs and training. Additional department- or equipment-specific duties may be assigned and are outlined in cross-training addenda.
Essential Functions:
Operate, monitor, adjust, and clean assigned production and packaging machinery to maintain a consistent workflow and minimize downtime.
Set up equipment and supplies at the beginning of the shift and properly shut down, clean, and store equipment at the end of the shift.
Monitor product quality, weights, temperatures, yields, and process accuracy in accordance with recipes, specifications, and production standards.
Maintain continuous material flow by staging cages, pans, bins, combos, labels, and other required supplies.
Accurately document production activity, traceability data, and required records in applicable systems.
Identify equipment, safety, or quality issues and immediately stop equipment and report concerns to supervision.
Follow all safety requirements, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, machine guarding, and proper use of PPE.
Maintain clean, organized, and hazard-free work areas in compliance with sanitation, GMP, and food safety standards.
Safely move meat combos, bins, cages, and materials using pump jacks or powered equipment when authorized.
Demonstrate consistent attention to detail while working around conveyors, rollers, blades, moving parts, and powered equipment.
Support rotation between departments or equipment as assigned based on training, skill level, and production needs.
Maintain consistent and reliable attendance and follow all company policies and procedures.
Benefits available to full-time employees:
Medical Insurance, Dental/Vision Insurance, 401K Retirement w/company Match, Life Insurance/AD&D, Short-Term Disability Insurance, Accident/Critical Illness/Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Wellness Program, Employee Assistance Program, Paid Holidays, Paid Time Off, Referral Bonuses, and other fringe benefits.
If you're seeking career stability with a successful & dedicated employer, we invite you to join the JFM Team!

Apply