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Entry Level Machine Operator Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Press Operator 3rd Shift

Bardstown, KY · On-site

$14.50 - $19/hr

Press Operator We are AUTOKINITON (pronounced auto-ken-i- TAHN ) AUTOKINITON is a Michigan-based ... We empower all our Associates - from entry-level to senior-level - with the skills and knowledge ...

Press Operator 2nd Shift

Bardstown, KY

$14.50 - $19/hr

Press Operator We are AUTOKINITON (pronounced auto-ken-i- TAHN ) AUTOKINITON is a Michigan-based ... We empower all our Associates - from entry-level to senior-level - with the skills and knowledge ...

Press Operator 3rd Shift

Bardstown, KY · On-site

$14.50 - $19/hr

Press Operator We are AUTOKINITON (pronounced auto-ken-i-TAHN) AUTOKINITON is a Michigan-based ... We empower all our Associates - from entry-level to senior-level - with the skills and knowledge ...

Production Operator

Morganfield, KY · On-site

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

Operation of a single machine or a wide range of production equipment in accordance with work ... High school education or GED preferred Entry level position; 0-2 years' production or assembly ...

Production Operator

Morganfield, KY

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

Operation of a single machine or a wide range of production equipment in accordance with work ... High school education or GED preferred Entry level position; 0-2 years' production or assembly ...

... Operators for their cutting-edge manufacturing facility in Mount Sterling, Kentucky. This is an ... entry-level candidates are encouraged to apply. * Experience in machine operation is a plus but ...

Equipment Operator

Florence, KY · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Job Requisition #: 034812 Equipment Operator (Open) ROLE OVERVIEW: Under direct supervision ... entry-level routine activities associated with various types of assembly machine operation and/or ...

Job Requisition #: 034812 Equipment Operator (Open) ROLE OVERVIEW: Under direct supervision ... entry-level routine activities associated with various types of assembly machine operation and/or ...

Tire Discounters, the nation's largest family-owned and operated tire & service business, was ... Operate balancers and tire machines. * Complete work orders accurately. * Maintain and organize the ...

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Machine Operator information

See Kentucky salary details

$10

$15

$18

How much do entry level machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level machine operator in Kentucky is $15.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $16.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level machine operator?

An Entry Level Machine Operator is responsible for running and monitoring machinery in a manufacturing or production setting. They ensure machines operate efficiently, perform basic maintenance, and inspect products for quality. Training is typically provided on-site, and the role requires attention to detail and the ability to follow safety guidelines. This position is ideal for individuals looking to gain hands-on experience in a technical or industrial field.

How to get started as an entry level machine operator?

To start as an entry-level machine operator, obtain a high school diploma or equivalent, and gain basic technical skills. Many employers provide on-the-job training, but having familiarity with machinery, safety procedures, and basic math can be beneficial. Certifications in equipment operation or safety standards can improve job prospects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level machine operator?

To thrive as an Entry Level Machine Operator, you need basic mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with manufacturing machinery, safety protocols, and sometimes basic computer or measurement tools, such as calipers, is often required. Strong work ethic, reliability, and a willingness to learn are important soft skills that help you adapt and excel in fast-paced environments. These skills ensure the operator can safely and efficiently produce quality products while minimizing downtime or errors.

What does a typical workday look like for an entry level machine operator?

A typical day for an entry level machine operator involves setting up and monitoring machines, inspecting products for quality, and troubleshooting minor issues that may arise during production. You’ll likely work alongside a team of operators and supervisors, following established schedules and safety procedures to ensure smooth operations on the manufacturing floor. Collaboration is often necessary for resolving problems or improving workflow, and you may be cross-trained on different equipment over time. This hands-on experience provides a strong foundation for future advancement into specialized or supervisory roles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Operator jobs in Kentucky? The most popular types of Machine Operator jobs in Kentucky are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Machine Operator jobs in Kentucky? For Entry Level Machine Operator jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Machine Operator jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Machine Operator jobs in Kentucky are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Entry Level Machine Operator jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Entry Level Machine Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Machine Operator jobs in KY? For Entry Level Machine Operator jobs in KY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Machine Operator job openings in Kentucky as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,551 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

Press Operator 3rd Shift

Autokiniton

Bardstown, KY • On-site

$14.50 - $19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 18 days ago


Autokiniton rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 82 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

351st of 536 rated manufacturers


Job description

Press Operator

 

We are AUTOKINITON (pronounced auto-ken-i-TAHN)

AUTOKINITON is a Michigan-based family of automotive companies delivering operational excellence, high-quality execution, and customer service. We offer 100% vertical integration capabilities such as end-to-end engineering, manufacturing, and in-house logistics.

We’re proud of our Tier 1 supplier legacy for manufacturing propulsion-agnostic, structural automotive components, and assemblies around the globe.

To help us drive excellence, you’ll get to:

  • Inspects components and assemblies visually for quality defects including scrap marks, rust, burrs, lamination, etc.
  • Inspects parts for quality defects.
  • Measures part to ensure they meet specifications.
  • Performs first piece inspection of set-up parts as required by Quality Inspection Instructions and/or as directed by supervisor.

This full-time, hourly role is a part of our Press Department team and reports to the Press Supervisor.

Required experience:

  • Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
  • Ability to write simple correspondence.
  • Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
  • Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
    Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Working conditions:

  • We’ll provide position-specific details including physical and focused efforts, working environment and conditions, and reasonable accommodations during the interview process.

Where you’ll be:

This position is located at our Autokiniton Bardstown in Bardstown, KY, offering many community events, resources, programs, and recreational opportunities for you and your family.

Community features:

  • Small, friendly community
  • Voted “Most Beautiful Small Town in America”
  • Autokiniton Bardstown was voted the 2022 Best Manufacturing Facility in Nelson County

Why you’ll enjoy working here:

  • Competitive Wages and Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with Company contribution match, and 14 paid holidays, including a bridge holiday in December.
  • Work-Life Balance: Many of our Associates have stayed with us for 25+ years! It takes a good work-life balance to make it that far. We support your personal and professional priorities as they impact your well-being.
  • Growth Opportunities: Take your career to the next level through tuition reimbursement programs, on-the-job training, learning management systems, and advancement opportunities from within our organization.
  • Learning and Development: We empower all our Associates – from entry-level to senior-level – with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their current roles and beyond at AUTOKINITON.

AUTOKINITON Promotes a dynamic and collaborative work environment for everyone.

AUTOKINITON is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. AUTOKINITON makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.


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