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Assistant Operator Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

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Assistant Operator information

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$10

$19

$29

How much do assistant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant operator in Maryland is $19.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 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 Maryland?

The most popular types of Operator jobs in Maryland are:

What cities in Maryland are hiring for Assistant Operator jobs?

Cities in Maryland with the most Assistant Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant Operator job openings in Maryland as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,007 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Machine Operator - Fabrication Assistant

Sikky

Baltimore, MD • On-site

$23/hr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Sikky Manufacturing is seeking a detail-oriented, hard-working Machine Operator/Fabrication Assistant to join our production team. This role bridges machine operation and shop fabrication support. You will operate machinery (such as CNC mills, lathes, laser cutters, or press brakes) while assisting with raw material prep, part deburring, quality inspection, and general shop flow.

If you have strong mechanical aptitude, a high attention to detail, and a pride-in-workmanship mindset, we want to hear from you.

Compensation:

$18 - $23 hourly


Responsibilities:
  • Operate CNC mills, lathes, laser cutters, and sheet metal fabrication equipment under supervision or established procedures.

  • Load raw materials (billet aluminum, stainless steel, tubing) into production machinery safely and efficiently.

  • Monitor machine runs, recognize machining or tool issues, and inform lead machinists or supervisors when adjustments are needed.

  • Perform basic post-machining operations, including deburring, grinding, sanding, and polishing parts to exact finish specifications.

  • Assist fabricators and welders with material preparation, tube bending, and fixture setup.

  • Use hand tools, pneumatic drivers, torque wrenches, and basic shop tools for light assembly or sub-assembly tasks.

  • Move raw inventory and finished parts between production stations to maintain steady shop workflow.

  • Inspect raw and finished parts against mechanical drawings using precision tools (calipers, micrometers, height gauges) to ensure zero-defect output.

  • Maintain a safe, clean, and organized workspace (chip management, coolant level checks, sweeping, and staging materials).

  • Strictly follow all shop safety protocols, PPE requirements, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).


Qualifications:
  • Experience: 1+ years in a manufacturing, machine shop, or metal fabrication environment preferred. Candidates with strong mechanical aptitude and vocational technical training will also be considered.

  • Technical Skills:

    • Basic knowledge of blueprint/drawing reading and shop mathematics.

    • Familiarity with precision measurement tools (calipers, micrometers).

    • Comfort operating basic shop equipment (saws, grinders, deburring tools, drill presses).

  • Physical Requirements:

    • Ability to stand, walk, bend, and work on your feet for an 8+ hour shift.

    • Ability to regularly lift, maneuver, and handle metal materials weighing up to 50–70 lbs.

  • Mindset & Soft Skills:

    • Close attention to detail and pride in manufacturing quality products.

    • Strong work ethic, punctuality, and ability to collaborate in a team environment.

    • Passion for automobiles or aftermarket performance components is a major plus!


About Company

Operating under one roof in Baltimore, MD, Sikky Manufacturing and Xgen Manufacturing are premier names in precision, American-made fabrication and assembly.

  • Sikky is globally recognized for designing and manufacturing elite, high-performance automotive parts (like our industry-leading LS engine swap kits, shifters, and suspension components) built to aerospace-level standards.
  • Xgen is our rapidly growing contract manufacturing division, delivering high-tolerance, custom components and assemblies for clients in the tech, industrial, commercial, and defense sectors.

We are a team of builders, creators, and problem-solvers. We bypass the corporate red tape—if you have a great work ethic and pride yourself on doing flawless work, you will find a highly supportive, fast-paced, and clean facility where your work is valued and noticed from day one.