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Box Machine Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SMT Operator

San Jose, CA · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Restock parts in the correct Kit Box * Load program on machine(s) * Ability to run Juki Pick & Place and reflow ovens * Perform machine operator processes (startup, loading a recipe, adjusting the ...

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Box Machine Operator information

See California salary details

$5

$17

$21

How much do box machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for box machine operator in California is $17.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Box Machine Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Box Machine Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial packaging machinery, safety protocols, and sometimes forklift certification are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help operators address equipment issues and coordinate with colleagues. These skills ensure efficient production, minimize downtime, and maintain workplace safety and product quality.

What is the difference between Box Machine Operator vs Carton Assembler?

AspectBox Machine OperatorCarton Assembler
CredentialsHigh school diploma, training on machineryHigh school diploma, basic assembly skills
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plant, operating machineryPackaging line, assembling cartons manually or semi-automatically
Industry UsagePackaging, shipping, manufacturingPackaging, shipping, manufacturing

The Box Machine Operator and Carton Assembler roles both work within manufacturing and packaging industries, often in similar environments. The main difference lies in the focus: the Box Machine Operator primarily handles machinery to produce boxes, while the Carton Assembler focuses on manually or semi-automatically assembling cartons. Both roles require basic technical skills and are essential for efficient packaging operations.

What are some common challenges faced by Box Machine Operators, and how are they typically addressed?

Box Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as machine jams, material inconsistencies, and maintaining production speed while ensuring quality. To address these issues, operators are trained to perform routine equipment checks, quickly resolve minor malfunctions, and communicate with maintenance teams for more complex repairs. Additionally, operators work closely with quality control and other production staff to ensure output meets company standards, making strong teamwork and attention to detail essential.

What are Box Machine Operators?

Box Machine Operators are skilled workers responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining machines that produce boxes, cartons, or other types of packaging. They ensure the machinery runs smoothly, monitor quality, and make adjustments as needed to meet production standards. Box Machine Operators may also handle basic troubleshooting and perform routine maintenance to minimize downtime. Attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols are crucial in this role.
What are popular job titles related to Box Machine Operator jobs in CA? For Box Machine Operator jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Box Machine Operator job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 6% Temporary, and 12% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,872 per year, or $17.2 per hour.
Assistant Machine Operator - 3rd Shift

Assistant Machine Operator - 3rd Shift

Pratt Industries

Lathrop, CA

$17 - $20.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Pratt Industries rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 104 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

37th of 110 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

POSITION TITLE: Assistant Machine Operator - 3rd Shift

$22.95-$25.50

LOCATION: Lathrop, CA

REPORTS TO: Converting Supervisor

SUMMARY

Responsible for assisting in activities associated with running the machine including setup, operation, cleanup, and recommending improvements to operations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Set-up print and die cut sections of die cutters in accordance with proper setup techniques.
  • Ensure all bolts on cutting dies are in place and tightly secured.
  • Inspect anilox rolls for damage, before and after each run.
  • Inspect all dies before and after run to ensure that any necessary repairs are made before the next run.
  • Monitor box quality, including, but not limited to loose liner, warp, correct size, and print.
  • Maximize the utilization of equipment by operating the machinery at available capacity and speed.
  • Cross train on other machines.
  • Complete necessary reports in an accurate and timely manner, including but not limited to: Production Data, Machine Operational Status, Safety Data, Quality Data.
  • Turn in maintenance work orders to supervision for needed repairs.
  • Be proactive in the maintenance of equipment.
  • Adheres to production schedule.
  • Makes recommendations for optimizing the schedule to meet cost, quality and service goals.
  • Reports any unusual scheduling issues to Supervisor.
  • Comply with all company policies and procedures, including safety and maintaining good housekeeping.
  • Additional duties may be assigned by management.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

  • High school diploma or GED.

Candidates are PREFERRED who offer the following:

  • Prior work experience in the corrugated industry.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

  • Able to read and follow instructions on factory masters.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

  • Able to read a tape measure with speed and accuracy.
  • Able to calculate figures and amounts such as percentages, measurement, volume and rate.
  • Able to apply concepts of high school math.

REASONING ABILITY

  • Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or graphic form.
  • Ability to deal with problems involving one or more concrete variables in standardized situations.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

The individual must have a working knowledge of the following:

  • Equipment design and capabilities that can be translated into efficient operation.
  • Product layouts and production specifications
  • Product quality specifications
  • Quality standards

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

May be required to maintain a current Lift Truck Operator License.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of this job.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and talk or hear.
  • The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
  • The employee is occasionally required to sit.
  • The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the functions of this job.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts.
  • The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions.
  • The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; and vibration.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS

The performance of the employee will be measured as follows:

  • Operating standards - the employee will need to meet or exceed the Operating Standards in the areas of quality, cost, safety, customer satisfaction and productivity.
  • Personal growth - while the company will provide the tools to assist the employee to grow professionally the responsibility for moving forward lies with the individual.
  • Employee relations - through observations the employee will be evaluated regarding his/her behaviors associated with appropriate human interaction, respect and communication.
  • Creativity - this will be evaluated by how active the employee is in participating in advancing the business through new and innovative ideas.

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