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Entry Level Machine Operator Jobs in Washington, DC

PrideStaff

Press Machine Operator

Lorton, VA · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Our staffing agency is recruiting for a Press Machine Operator on behalf of our client, a growing ... Whether you're an entry-level worker or a senior executive, an HR Manager or a front line ...

William A. Hazel, Inc.

GPS Dozer Operator

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$24 - $38/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Start engine, push levers to move machine forward or reverse. Use hands to raise or lower blade ... Less than high school education required; entry level experience. Ability to apply commonsense ...

Asplundh

Bucket Operator Union CDL Required

Herndon, VA · On-site

$18.25 - $24.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

High School Diploma or equivalent preferred. * Entry-level position, no experience required ... Works around excessive noise from machines, jackhammers, gas drills, and other equipment with ...

GovernmentJobs.com

Emergency Vehicle Technician I

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$63K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

... is entry level skill position that completes minor mechanical repair work on light/medium/heavy ... operated coach systems. Use electric arc or acetylene welding outfits or machine shop equipment to ...

City of Fairfax

Emergency Vehicle Technician I

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$63K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

... is entry level skill position that completes minor mechanical repair work on light/medium/heavy ... operated coach systems. Use electric arc or acetylene welding outfits or machine shop equipment to ...

City of Fairfax, VA

Emergency Vehicle Technician I

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$63K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

... an entry level skill position that completes minor mechanical repair work on light/medium/heavy ... operated coach systems. Use electric arc or acetylene welding outfits or machine shop equipment to ...

City of Fairfax, VA

Emergency Vehicle Technician I

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$63K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

... is entry level skill position that completes minor mechanical repair work on light/medium/heavy ... operated coach systems. Use electric arc or acetylene welding outfits or machine shop equipment to ...

Legence

Shop Equipment Maintenance Technician

Beltsville, MD · On-site

$20 - $35/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Position Overview Bowers is seeking an Entry-Level Shop Equipment Maintenance Technician to support ... Shears * Laser, plasma, or waterjet cutting machines * Roll formers and coil-fed equipment

ProPave

Project Manager

Sterling, VA · On-site

This role is an entry level position and involves a variety of responsibilities including managing ... Operating machinery and/or power tools: Rarely * Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment:

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All JobsMachine Operator JobsEntry Level Machine Operator JobsEntry Level Machine Operator Jobs in Washington, DC

Entry Level Machine Operator information

See Washington, DC salary details

$13

$19

$24

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

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level machine operator in Washington, DC is $19.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.69 and $21.49 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.

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.

How to become an entry level machine operator with no experience?

To become an entry-level machine operator, focus on gaining basic technical skills, such as understanding machinery and safety procedures. Completing a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required, and some employers offer on-the-job training or certification programs to develop necessary skills.

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 most commonly searched types of Machine Operator jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Machine Operator jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Machine Operator jobs in Washington, DC?

For Entry Level Machine Operator jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Machine Operator jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Machine Operator jobs in Washington, DC are:

Entry Level Machine Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Machine Operator job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,128 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Press Machine Operator

PrideStaff

Lorton, VA • On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Our staffing agency is recruiting for a Press Machine Operator on behalf of our client, a growing packaging manufacturing organization!
Location: Lorton, VA
Compensation: $18.00-$23.00/hr DOE
Schedule: Mon-Fri, 8-hour shifts (Flexible schedule)
Responsibilities

  • Operate, monitor, and maintain high-speed automated production machinery used to form paper cups.
  • Load raw materials, including paper rolls, into production equipment to ensure continuous operations.
  • Perform basic machine adjustments and minor troubleshooting procedures during production runs.
  • Inspect finished products carefully to identify defects and ensure high standards of quality and precision.
  • Maintain accurate records of daily production outputs and machinery performance metrics.
  • Adhere strictly to company safety regulations, sanitation codes, and standard operating procedures.
  • Keep the immediate manufacturing work area clean, orderly, and organized.

Qualifications

  • Previous machine operation, assembly line, or general manufacturing experience is a plus.
  • Physical capability to stand for long periods and lift raw materials up to 50 lbs.
  • Strong attention to detail, a punctual work ethic, and a willingness to learn industrial processes.
  • Preferred familiarity with mechanical concepts, technical tasks, or OSHA safety standards.
  • Experience working within paper, packaging, or food-grade manufacturing environments is a plus.

Company Description

Our mission:
Consistently provide client experiences focused on what they value most.

At PrideStaff, it’s all about you. Whether you’re an entry-level worker or a senior executive, an HR Manager or a front line supervisor, our goal is to understand what matters to you – your goals, your priorities, your success. Our locally-owned offices seek to understand your needs and track results, measure feedback, and keep it personal. Everything we do is designed to serve you better, and our ten years of being recognized as among the top 1% in the industry tell us we are doing something right!

PrideStaff logo

About PrideStaff

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Accountability of local ownership along with the resources and expertise that the $200m national organization of PrideStaff backing us has. Therese is involved in all day-to-day operations. She leads a dynamic team of recruiters who together are focused on ensuring both clients and candidates have an exceptional experience. When you call the office, it is not unusual that Therese will answer the phone. Along with her team, she conducts interviews and helps with the hiring process. Additionally, PrideStaff’s 80+ other locations across the United States gives us resources not available to most other local staffing firms. It’s not what we say about ourselves that matters…it’s what has been said in our over 3,800 client testimonials that we’ve received over the years that matters.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Fresno, CA, US

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