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Associate Operator Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

NESCO Inc

Forklift Operator

Richmond, KY · On-site

$15.75 - $18.50/hr

Keeps forklift operating by following operating instructions; troubleshooting breakdowns ... Data Entry Skills Nesco Resource offers a comprehensive benefits package for our associates, which ...

Carhartt

Sewing Operator

Edmonton, KY · On-site

$12.75 - $15.25/hr

CRAFT Module Operator (Sewing Operator) Department: Sewing-Production Reports to: Production ... Associate Responsibilities • Perform daily manufacturing operations as required, to include: o ...

DPDHL

Forklift Operator

Louisville, KY · On-site

$20.35/hr

... associates, including paid holidays and vacation - 401(k) with generous company match - Tuition ... Our Forklift Operators are responsible for moving stock from one area to another within our ...

DHL

Forklift Operator

Louisville, KY · On-site

$20.35/hr

... associates, including paid holidays and vacation - 401(k) with generous company match - Tuition ... Our Forklift Operators are responsible for moving stock from one area to another within our ...

DHL

Forklift Operator

Louisville, KY · On-site

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

Operating sit down/Stand-up fork truck. Proper stacking of palletized product. Operators maintain a ... associates, including paid holidays and vacation - 401(k) with generous company match - Tuition ...

DHL

Forklift Operator

Louisville, KY · On-site

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

Operating sit down/Stand-up fork truck. Proper stacking of palletized product. Operators maintain a ... associates, including paid holidays and vacation - 401(k) with generous company match - Tuition ...

DSV A/S

Warehouse Operator - Wave Planner

Walton, KY · On-site

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

Associates must also maintain a clean, neat, orderly work area, and assist in security of the warehouse. • Associates will comply with all Standard Operating Procedures, corporate and site-specific ...

DPDHL

Forklift Operator

Louisville, KY · On-site

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

Operating sit down/Stand-up fork truck. Proper stacking of palletized product. Operators maintain a ... associates, including paid holidays and vacation - 401(k) with generous company match - Tuition ...

Carmax

Service Operator

Louisville, KY · On-site

$15 - $22/hr

Position Overview As a Service Operator, you will play a vital role in delivering exceptional ... We're rethinking the way people buy cars - and our associates help us do just that. We believe work ...

DPDHL

Forklift Operator

Bowling Green, KY · On-site

$19.60/hr

Forklift Operator Shift: 3:00 PM - 11:30 PM, Monday - Friday. Overtime required based on business ... associates, including paid holidays and vacation - 401(k) with generous company match - Tuition ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsAssociate Operator JobsAssociate Operator Jobs in Kentucky

Associate Operator information

See Kentucky salary details

$10

$14

$15

How much do associate operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate operator in Kentucky is $14.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.01 and $15.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate operator?

Associate Operators are entry-level professionals responsible for supporting the daily operations of a facility, such as a manufacturing plant, warehouse, or control room. Their duties typically include monitoring equipment, performing basic maintenance, following safety protocols, and ensuring production processes run smoothly. They often work under the supervision of more experienced operators and may assist with troubleshooting issues or reporting problems. This role is a key starting point for those looking to build a career in operations or production environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate operator?

To thrive as an Associate Operator, you need a solid understanding of production processes, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industry-specific machinery, safety protocols, and basic computer systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving abilities help individuals excel in monitoring operations and addressing issues quickly. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining efficient production, ensuring safety, and contributing to overall operational success.

What are some typical challenges an associate operator might encounter during daily operations?

As an Associate Operator, common challenges include quickly troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, adapting to unexpected changes in production schedules, and maintaining high attention to detail during repetitive tasks. You may also need to coordinate with maintenance and quality assurance teams to ensure safety and compliance standards are met. Effective communication and a proactive approach to problem-solving are essential for handling these challenges efficiently.

What is the difference between Associate Operator vs Machine Operator?

AspectAssociate OperatorMachine Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; technical training or certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, production linesFactories, industrial settings, production floors
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, assembly, and production industriesWidely used in manufacturing, processing, and industrial sectors
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist in operations, monitor equipment, perform basic maintenanceOperate machinery, ensure proper functioning, troubleshoot issues

Both roles are essential in manufacturing environments, with Associate Operators typically supporting machine operations and performing basic tasks, while Machine Operators focus on directly handling machinery and ensuring smooth production processes.

Which associate operator job pays the most?

The highest-paying associate operator roles are often found in industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, and power generation, where specialized skills and certifications like OSHA training or technical licenses are required. These positions typically offer higher wages due to the complexity and risk involved, with salaries varying based on experience, location, and company size.

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

The most popular types of Operator jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Associate Operator jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Associate Operator job openings:

Associate Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Operator job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,251 per year, or $14.1 per hour.

Production Associate - Direct Embroidery Operator

Grayson, KY

Cintas
Manufacturing • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Cintasexternal

$10.50 - $13.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Cintas rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 481 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Requisition Number: 234797 

Job Description

Cintas is seeking a Production Associate - Direct Embroidery Operator to work in our Distribution Center. Cintas' Distribution Division is a network composed of distribution centers across North America that warehouse, customize and distribute products. Responsibilities include preparing garments and operating embroidery machines to embroider names, initials or logos on garments.

Skills/Qualifications

Required

  • Basic language and communication skills in reading, speaking and understanding English
  • Ability to stand and/or walk for up to 7 hours a day

Benefits
Cintas offers comprehensive and competitive medical, dental and vision benefits, with premiums below the national average. We offer flexibility with four different medical plan options; one plan is offered at zero cost.


Additionally, our employee-partners enjoy:


    Competitive Pay 
    401(k) with Company Match/Profit Sharing/Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
    Disability, Life and AD&D Insurance, 100% Company Paid
    Paid Time Off and Holidays 
    Skills Development, Training and Career Advancement Opportunities


Company Information
Cintas Corporation helps more than one million businesses of all types and sizes get Ready to open their doors with confidence every day by providing products and services that help keep their customers' facilities and employees clean, safe, and looking their best. With offerings including uniforms, mats, mops, towels, restroom supplies, workplace water services, first aid and safety products, eye-wash stations, safety training, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems and alarm service, Cintas helps customers get Ready for the Workday. Headquartered in the U.S., Cincinnati, OH, Cintas is a publicly held Fortune 500 company traded over the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol CTAS and is a component of both the Standard & Poor's 500 Index and Nasdaq-100 Index.


Cintas Corporation is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic or category protected by local, state, or federal law.

This job posting will remain open for at least five (5) days.

Job Category: Production Hourly 
Organization: Global Supply Chain
Employee Status: Regular
Schedule: Full Time
Shift: 3rd Shift
 

What Cintas employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Cintas

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Headquartered in Cincinnati, Cintas is a publicly held company traded over the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol CTAS and is a component of both the Standard & Poor's 500 Index and Nasdaq-100 Index.

Industry

Manufacturing and fabric manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cincinnati, OH, US

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