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Control Panel Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cummings Electrical

Control Panel Technician

Arlington, TX · On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

Ability to understand and follow safety rules, operating instructions, quality manuals, procedure ... control panel assembly experience * UL 508A knowledge or practical experience * Experience ...

Perdue Farms

Panel Operator

Livermore, KY · On-site

Summary As a Panel Operator, you are at the center of feed production, using advanced control systems to ensure every batch is formulated and delivered with precision. You monitor and program ...

Cummings Electrical

Control Panel Technician

Arlington, TX · On-site

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

Ability to understand and follow safety rules, operating instructions, quality manuals, procedure ... control panel assembly experience * UL 508A knowledge or practical experience * Experience ...

Cummings Electrical

Control Panel Technician

Arlington, TX · On-site

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

Ability to understand and follow safety rules, operating instructions, quality manuals, procedure ... control panel assembly experience * UL 508A knowledge or practical experience * Experience ...

Perdue Farms

Panel Operator

Burlington, WA · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

Summary As a Panel Operator, you are at the center of feed production, using advanced control systems to ensure every batch is formulated and delivered with precision. You monitor and program ...

Perdue Farms

Panel Operator

Livermore, KY · On-site

Summary As a Panel Operator, you are at the center of feed production, using advanced control systems to ensure every batch is formulated and delivered with precision. You monitor and program ...

Perdue Farms

Panel Operator

Burlington, WA · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

Summary As a Panel Operator, you are at the center of feed production, using advanced control systems to ensure every batch is formulated and delivered with precision. You monitor and program ...

Perdue Farms

Panel Operator

Livermore, KY

Summary As a Panel Operator, you are at the center of feed production, using advanced control systems to ensure every batch is formulated and delivered with precision. You monitor and program ...

Perdue Farms

Panel Operator

Burlington, WA

$23 - $27/hr

Summary As a Panel Operator, you are at the center of feed production, using advanced control systems to ensure every batch is formulated and delivered with precision. You monitor and program ...

Marvin Group

CONTROL PANEL DESIGNER (UL 508A)

Inglewood, CA · On-site

$19.75 - $25.25/hr

... terminals, operator devices, thermal and spacing considerations, service access, and ... control-panel enclosures and layouts from requirements through released fabrication and build ...

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Control Panel Operator information

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$11

$24

$38

How much do control panel operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for control panel operator in the United States is $24.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a control panel operator?

Control Panel Operators are professionals responsible for monitoring and controlling machinery and equipment through control panels in various industries, such as manufacturing, power generation, and processing plants. They ensure that systems run smoothly by observing instrument readings, making necessary adjustments, and responding to alarms or malfunctions. Their role is critical in maintaining operational efficiency, safety, and compliance with regulations. Control Panel Operators often require specialized training and must have a solid understanding of the systems they oversee.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a control panel operator?

To thrive as a Control Panel Operator, you need a solid understanding of process control systems, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and industry-specific safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for monitoring operations and responding to issues. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and continuous operation of industrial processes, minimizing downtime and maintaining quality standards.

What are the typical challenges a control panel operator faces during shift changes, and how are they managed?

Control Panel Operators often encounter challenges during shift changes, such as ensuring accurate handover of system status and ongoing issues. Miscommunication can lead to operational errors or missed alarms. To manage this, operators typically follow structured handover protocols, use detailed logbooks, and participate in briefings with incoming team members. Maintaining clear communication and thorough documentation is essential to ensure continuity and safe operations.

What is the difference between Control Panel Operator vs Machine Operator?

AspectControl Panel OperatorMachine Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety training, sometimes certificationsHigh school diploma, technical training or certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentControl rooms, industrial plants, power stationsFactories, manufacturing floors, production lines
Job FocusMonitoring and controlling equipment via control panelsOperating machinery directly to produce goods

Control Panel Operators primarily monitor and control equipment through control panels in industrial settings, focusing on system stability. Machine Operators directly handle machinery to manufacture products. While both roles require safety training and technical knowledge, Control Panel Operators emphasize system oversight, whereas Machine Operators focus on physical operation of equipment.

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Control Panel Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Control Panel Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,245 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Control Panel Builder

Madison, WI

TGG Accounting
51 - 200 employees
Learn more about TGG Accountingexternal

$21 - $30/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Panel Builder

Our client is a well-established industrial services company with a long history of providing electrical and mechanical solutions to customers throughout the Midwest. The organization specializes in electric motor and rotating equipment repair, predictive maintenance, engineering services, and the manufacturing of UL508A electrical control panels for industrial customers operating in demanding, often 24/7 environments. With a strong reputation for quality, technical expertise, and customer service, the company offers a stable work environment, a seasoned team, and opportunities for employees to expand their skills, responsibilities, and earning potential. This is an onsite position in Madison, WI, working directly on the production floor within a dedicated control panel manufacturing operation.

Responsibilities

  • Lay out and mount relays, switches, circuit breakers, power supplies, PLCs, VFDs, terminal blocks, transformers, and other components onto backplates and enclosures.
  • Cut, strip, crimp, label, route, and bundle electrical wiring according to schematics, wiring diagrams, and established standards.
  • Perform mechanical and electrical assembly of control panels, sub-panels, and enclosures with a strong focus on workmanship and accuracy.
  • Read and interpret electrical schematics, engineering drawings, panel layouts, and bills of materials.
  • Use hand and power tools including wire strippers, crimpers, screwdrivers, drills, knockout punches, and multimeters.
  • Perform point-to-point wiring while maintaining neat, organized wire routing, color-coding, and labeling.
  • Inspect and QA completed work, including continuity, wire sizing, labeling, and component placement, while troubleshooting and correcting errors prior to final inspection.
  • Document as-built changes through red-line drawings and assist with live testing as required.
  • Entry-level employees will receive hands-on training and progressively take on more complex panel-building responsibilities.
  • Maintain a safe, organized, and productive work area while meeting quality and production expectations.

Qualifications (Open to Junior or more seasoned)

Entry-Level Candidates:

  • High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and genuine interest in learning electrical/control panel assembly.
  • Comfortable working with hand and power tools and performing precise hands-on work.
  • No prior professional panel-building experience required; military training, vocational education, maintenance experience, or similar hands-on backgrounds are valued.
  • Comfortable working around electricity and following safety procedures.
  • Ability to stand for extended periods, perform repetitive hands-on tasks, and lift up to 40 lbs.

Experienced Candidates:

  • Approximately 2-5 years of hands-on experience building and wiring custom industrial control panels, or an equivalent mechanical/electrical background.
  • Ability to independently read electrical schematics and build control panels from engineering drawings and documentation.
  • Proficiency with knockout punches, crimpers, wire strippers, multimeters, and other electrical/mechanical tools.
  • Strong attention to detail with wire routing, color-coding, labeling, component placement, and overall panel workmanship.
  • Troubleshooting and panel testing experience is highly desirable.
  • Ability to stand for extended periods, perform hands-on work throughout the shift, and lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Vocational or technical certification and prior supervisory or panel-testing experience are a plus.

Apply