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Balancing Machine Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Machine Operator

Helena, MT

$16 - $19.25/hr

Machine Operator The Independent Record is seeking a full-time machine operator to join the team ... We also offer generous paid time off to allow flexibility to balance personal life and work. This ...

Wieland is hiring a Machine Operator. The Machine Operator will be responsible for operating ... Work/Life Balance - Paid Vacation & Holidays. * Growth Opportunities - We have over 9,000 ...

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Balancing Machine Operator information

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$12

$18

$23

How much do balancing machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for balancing machine operator in the United States is $18.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a balancing machine operator?

Balancing Machine Operators are skilled technicians who operate specialized machines designed to test and correct the balance of rotating parts, such as rotors, fans, crankshafts, and turbines. Their main responsibility is to ensure that these parts rotate smoothly without causing vibration or excessive wear in machinery. They set up the equipment, measure imbalances, make precise adjustments, and document the balancing results. This role is essential in industries like automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing, where machinery performance and safety depend on well-balanced components.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a balancing machine operator?

To thrive as a Balancing Machine Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often with additional technical training. Familiarity with balancing machines, vibration analysis tools, and measuring instruments is essential, and some employers may require certification in machine operation or safety. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help operators address issues efficiently and maintain safety standards. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring machine precision, minimizing downtime, and delivering quality results in manufacturing settings.

What are some common challenges faced by balancing machine operators, and how can they be addressed?

Balancing Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as handling imbalances in rotating parts, interpreting machine readouts accurately, and ensuring safety when working with heavy, rotating equipment. Addressing these challenges requires strong attention to detail, adherence to safety protocols, and continuous training on the latest balancing technologies. Operators typically collaborate closely with maintenance and engineering teams to troubleshoot issues and improve processes, which helps build problem-solving skills and enhances teamwork.

What is the difference between Balancing Machine Operator vs Machinist?

AspectBalancing Machine OperatorMachinist
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training on balancing machinesHigh school diploma; technical training or apprenticeship
Work EnvironmentManufacturing or industrial settings, operating balancing equipmentMachine shops, manufacturing plants, operating various machine tools
Industry UsageHeavy machinery, automotive, aerospace industriesMetalworking, manufacturing, engineering sectors

The main difference is that a Balancing Machine Operator specializes in using balancing machines to ensure parts are properly balanced, while a Machinist operates a variety of machine tools to produce or modify parts. Both roles require technical skills and are found in manufacturing environments, but their specific tasks and equipment differ.

More about Balancing Machine Operator jobs

What job categories do people searching Balancing Machine Operator jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Balancing Machine Operator jobs are:

Infographic showing various Balancing Machine Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 39% Full Time, 59% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,827 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

$20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Position Summary

Ajinomoto Foods North America is a leading frozen foods company, committed to providing nutritious and delicious meals globally. With a rich history of diverse ethnic brands, our brands have become household favorites all across America.  We are dedicated to contributing to a healthier lifestyle through nutritious and balanced Umami foods. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, all our products are cooked with our customers in mind, providing healthy and delicious meals for all.

We are looking for a Day Shift Machine Operator to join our rapidly expanding team in the Portland area. The Machine Operator is responsible for ensuring machines are working at full capacity while producing quality product. Machine operators make sure machines are well-maintained and perform periodic checks on output, visually inspect production run and document results, and determine and report malfunctions to appropriate parties while maintaining cleanliness of equipment and assigned area.

Schedules are typically Monday - Friday.  Starting at 5:30am; 8-10 hour shifts.

Starting pay is $20/hour 

If you choose to work with us, you will be an integral part of a team with a rich and diverse culture that learns, grows, and succeeds together. You will also have access to some amazing benefits such as: 

  • Medical, Dental, Vision insurance on DAY ONE
  • Company paid STD, LTD, and Life Insurance on DAY ONE
  • 80 hours of vacation and 40 hours of sick time per fiscal year
  • 401(k) Retirement Savings plan that includes company’s matching contributions up to 4.5%
  • Wellness reimbursement towards gym membership and/or exercise equipment
  • Referral bonuses totaling $750 when an employee refers someone to work with our company
  • Quarterly sales of product to employees

Position Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Effectively and efficiently perform the safe operation of various machinery in the areas of set-up, troubleshooting and break down during operation.
  • In a timely manner, set up, start-up and break down during the beginning and end of all production shifts.
  • Must demonstrate the ability to troubleshoot effectively in order to minimize Production down time.
  • Regularly make adjustments necessary to maximize production machine efficiency. Must be able and willing to communicate all improvements to all team members and key departments.
  • Reduce downtime by actively identifying mechanical issues which have the potential for machine breakdown or downtime and reports to Leads and/or Supervisors.
  • May be required to operate other equipment necessary in the production process.
  • Practice and follow all GMP’s (Good Manufacturing Practices) at all times during production.

Position Qualifications
  • 6+ months of recent experience as a Machine Operator
  • Ability to read, write, and understand English
  • Ability to solve simple mathematical equations involving percentages
  • Ability to work in a cold or warm environment, depending on line and machine
  • Comfortable with doing a very physical job with lots of movement and heavy lifting
  • High levels of attention to detail
  • Ability to work weekends and overtime as needed
  • #INDPOR
Qualifications:
  • 6+ months of recent experience as a Machine Operator
  • Ability to read, write, and understand English
  • Ability to solve simple mathematical equations involving percentages
  • Ability to work in a cold or warm environment, depending on line and machine
  • Comfortable with doing a very physical job with lots of movement and heavy lifting
  • High levels of attention to detail
  • Ability to work weekends and overtime as needed
  • #INDPOR
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME