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1St Shift Machine Operator Jobs in Sterling, IL (NOW HIRING)

Machine Operator - 2nd Shift

Oregon, IL · On-site

$19.50 - $23.75/hr

... Shift Premium Annual Bonus Eligible Etnyre International , a family-owned and growing manufacturer of road maintenance and repair equipment, is hiring a Machine Operator to join our team. If you're ...

Temporary Operator - 1st Shift

Galt, IL · On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

Senior Reactor Operator We are currently looking for a Senior Reactor Operator to join our team and take charge of operations at our nuclear facility. This crucial position involves ensuring the safe ...

Posted today

Temporary Operator - 1st Shift

Thomson, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $22.25/hr

Senior Reactor Operator We are currently looking for a Senior Reactor Operator to join our team and take charge of operations at our nuclear facility. This crucial position involves ensuring the safe ...

Posted today

Temporary Operator - 1st Shift

Clinton, IA · On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

Senior Reactor Operator We are currently looking for a Senior Reactor Operator to join our team and take charge of operations at our nuclear facility. This crucial position involves ensuring the safe ...

Posted today

Temporary Operator - 1st Shift

Chadwick, IL · On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

Senior Reactor Operator We are currently looking for a Senior Reactor Operator to join our team and take charge of operations at our nuclear facility. This crucial position involves ensuring the safe ...

Posted today

Temporary Operator - 1st Shift

La Moille, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $22.25/hr

Senior Reactor Operator We are currently looking for a Senior Reactor Operator to join our team and take charge of operations at our nuclear facility. This crucial position involves ensuring the safe ...

Posted today

Temporary Operator - 1st Shift

Sterling, IL · On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

Senior Reactor Operator We are currently looking for a Senior Reactor Operator to join our team and take charge of operations at our nuclear facility. This crucial position involves ensuring the safe ...

Posted today

Showing results 21-40

1St Shift Machine Operator information

See Sterling, IL salary details

$12

$17

$22

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

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for 1st shift machine operator in Sterling, IL is $17.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.48 and $18.65 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 Sterling, IL?

The most popular types of Machine Operator jobs in Sterling, IL are:

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

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

What cities near Sterling, IL are hiring for 1St Shift Machine Operator jobs?

Cities near Sterling, IL with the most 1St Shift Machine Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various 1St Shift Machine Operator job openings in Sterling, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,187 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

$19.50 - $23.75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 hours ago


Job description

Oregon, IL | $19–$24.31/hr based on experience + $2.25 Shift Premium | Annual Bonus Eligible

Etnyre International, a family-owned and growing manufacturer of road maintenance and repair equipment, is hiring a Machine Operator to join our team. If you’re detail-oriented and enjoy hands-on work in a fast-paced environment, we’d love to meet you.

Why You’ll Love Working Here:
Competitive hourly pay + annual bonus opportunities
11 paid holidays + 3 extra paid holiday break days
PTO + 401(k) with company match and profit sharing
Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance
Company-paid life & disability insurance

Schedule:
Second Shift | Monday–Thursday (Over-time options on Friday) 
3:15 PM - 1:45 AM | 40–50 hours per week

What You’ll Do:

  • Operate machines such as lathes, drill presses, milling machines, and grinders

  • Perform repetitive machining tasks to meet production goals

  • Follow blueprints, instructions, and standard procedures

  • Use precision measuring tools to ensure quality and accuracy

  • Assist with additional production duties as needed

What You Bring:

  • General knowledge of machining techniques and blueprint reading (preferred)

  • Ability to use precision measurement tools (required)

  • Willingness to learn through hands-on experience or on-the-job training

  • Solid attention to detail and commitment to safety

Physical Requirements:

  • Frequent bending, twisting, and lifting up to 55 lbs

  • Occasionally lift heavier loads up to 75 lbs

Be part of a team that takes pride in building quality equipment that supports road construction across the country.

Apply today and start your career with Etnyre — where craftsmanship and innovation meet.

Etnyre International is an affirmative action employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.