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Assistant Operator Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Zekelman Industries

Assistant Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

Reporting to the Production Foreman, the Assistant Operator will safely operate machines and maintain awareness of machine safety requirements. This role involves operating individual equipment on ...

Zekelman

Assistant Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

Reporting to the Production Foreman, the Assistant Operator will safely operate machines and maintain awareness of machine safety requirements. This role involves operating individual equipment on ...

Zekelman Industries

Floater Assistant Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.25 - $20.50/hr

Reporting to the Production Foreman, the Assistant Operator will safely operate machines and maintain awareness of machine safety requirements. This role involves operating individual equipment on ...

Zekelman

Floater Assistant Operator

Chicago, IL

$17.25 - $20.50/hr

Reporting to the Production Foreman, the Assistant Operator will safely operate machines and maintain awareness of machine safety requirements. This role involves operating individual equipment on ...

ProAmpac

Assistant Operator - Press

Granite City, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

Troubleshoots equipment malfunctions and perform routine maintenance tasks to keep machinery operating efficiently. * Trains and provides guidance to machine assistants and new crew members. * Keeps ...

Glanbia

Operator I

Taylorville, IL · On-site

$20.41/hr

Properly label, fill and tape closed boxes * Assist operator with assigned tasks during production. * Scaling * Able to distinguish material and lot numbers. * Able to identify allergenic material ...

Glanbia

Operator I

Taylorville, IL · On-site

$20.41/hr

Properly label, fill and tape closed boxes * Assist operator with assigned tasks during production. * Scaling * Able to distinguish material and lot numbers. * Able to identify allergenic material ...

Glanbia

Operator I

Taylorville, IL · On-site

$19.72/hr

Properly label, fill and tape closed boxes * Assist operator with assigned tasks during production. * Scaling * Able to distinguish material and lot numbers. * Able to identify allergenic material ...

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Assistant Operator information

See Illinois salary details

$10

$19

$29

How much do assistant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant operator in Illinois is $19.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $21.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant operator?

Assistant Operators are entry-level professionals who support the operation of machinery or equipment in industries such as manufacturing, energy, or logistics. They work under the supervision of senior operators to help monitor processes, perform basic maintenance, and ensure safety protocols are followed. Their responsibilities may include setting up machines, loading materials, inspecting products, and reporting any issues to supervisors. Assistant Operators play a key role in maintaining efficient production and minimizing downtime. This position is often a stepping stone to more advanced operator roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Operator, you need a basic understanding of machinery operation, safety protocols, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial equipment, control panels, and sometimes certifications like OSHA safety training are typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and good teamwork skills help you excel in supporting smooth operations. These skills ensure safe, efficient production processes and help maintain workplace safety and productivity.

What are some common challenges assistant operators face during shift changes, and how can they be managed effectively?

Assistant Operators often encounter challenges during shift changes, such as incomplete handovers or miscommunication about ongoing tasks. To manage these effectively, it’s important to follow standardized handover procedures, maintain accurate and up-to-date logs, and communicate proactively with both outgoing and incoming team members. Building strong teamwork and attention to detail helps ensure a smooth transition and minimizes operational disruptions.

What is the difference between Assistant Operator vs Machine Operator?

AspectAssistant OperatorMachine Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, technical certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentAssists in setup, monitoring, and maintenance of machineryOperates machinery directly, responsible for production output
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, construction, and industrial plantsPrimarily in manufacturing, processing, and production facilities

Assistant Operators support Machine Operators by preparing equipment and monitoring processes, while Machine Operators handle the direct operation of machinery. Both roles require similar credentials and are vital in industrial settings, but Machine Operators have more responsibility for operating equipment independently.

Which assistant operator job pays the most?

The highest-paying assistant operator roles are often found in industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, or power generation, where specialized skills and certifications like OSHA training or technical licenses are required. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and industry, with some positions offering significantly higher compensation due to the complexity and risk involved.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operator jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Operator jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Assistant Operator jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Assistant Operator job openings:

Assistant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Operator job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,945 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Assistant Operator

Chicago, IL • On-site

Zekelman Industries
Construction Materials Wholesalers • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Zekelman Industriesexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

You may not know our name, but you know our products. What we make is part the places where we live, work and play - all day, everyday.
Zekelman is a family of companies - 100% domestic manufacturers - with a legacy dating back to 1877. We're proud to be the largest independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America and the leading innovator in multi-family housing development.
We believe in what we build and what we build, builds the world around us. Hospitals, hotels, schools, bridges, airports and more.
Come build a career you believe in.
About the Role
Atlas Tube, a division of Zekelman Industries, is seeking a Floater Assistant Operator for our facility in Chicago, IL. Reporting to the Production Foreman, the Assistant Operator will safely operate machines and maintain awareness of machine safety requirements. This role involves operating individual equipment on the mill, including the coil crane, butt welder, cutoff saw, bundler, table, and/or offline, performing area housekeeping, and assisting in other production operations as needed. This position is ideal for someone with strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Pay: $26.79 plus Production Incentive Bonus
Shift: Midnight 11pm - 7am
What You'll Do
  • Perform duties in accordance with company safety policies and report unsafe conditions.
  • Troubleshoot, solve, and communicate problems to the mill crew.
  • Communicate quality requirements to the mill crew and ensure they are met.
  • Maintain offline requirements to ensure quick-change operation.
  • Assist maintenance in making equipment repairs.
  • Calibrate micrometers at the start of each shift and during changeovers.
  • Assist in changeovers and inspect tooling condition at the end of each rolling, communicating the need for reconditioning.
  • Support other team positions and functions as necessary.
  • Maintain housekeeping standards in all work areas.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
  • Participate in training and cross-training of new and current team members.
  • Perform preventive maintenance (PM) activities as assigned.
  • Ensure regular, full-time, predictable onsite attendance per the posted schedule.
  • Lead and promote health and safety work practices as required by regulatory agencies and company policy.

Who You Are
  • Experience: 5+ years of manufacturing experience preferred.
  • Education: Associate's degree, bachelor's degree, or trade certification preferred.
  • Technical Skills: Strong mechanical aptitude and basic math skills; visual acuity to read and record numerical data; previous experience with precision instruments (micrometers, calipers, etc.) preferred.
  • Soft Skills: Good communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Additional Qualifications: Crane certification required; commitment to safe work practices and predictable attendance.

Physical Abilities
  • Regularly required to stand, walk, use hands, handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms.
  • Ability to lift, climb, bend, stoop, push, and pull; must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Work environment includes a loud manufacturing/industrial setting.
  • Regular exposure to moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles; occasional exposure to wet and/or humid conditions.

What You'll Get
Zekelman Industries offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low-cost, high-quality medical and dental coverage. Additional benefits include:
  • Competitive Compensation
  • Bonus Plan & Profit-Sharing Opportunities
  • 401(k) with Company Match
  • Comprehensive Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Tuition Assistance Program
  • Paid Vacation & Holidays
  • Employee Loyalty Awards

Zekelman Industries offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low-cost, high-quality medical and dental benefits. In addition, we have an amazing tuition assistance program, a bonus plan, a 401(k) plan with a generous company match, immediate vesting, and much more.
M/F/D/V
We are Zekelman Industries.
We manufacture superior quality tubular and related products, and provide outstanding service for our valued customers.
We seek to continuously advance the skills and opportunities of our employees, utilizing the latest technology and management tools available to consistently increase profitability and the enterprise value of Zekelman Industries and of our customers.

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