ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Operator Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

TeamSoft

Night Shift Machine Operator

Princeton, IL · On-site

$18/hr

Must be flexible to train on day shift * $18/hour * Assist in the assembly on metal parts as well as entry level CNC machine operating Night Shift Machine Operator Job Requirements: * Ability to pass ...

SYNERGY HomeCare

Entry Level Caregiver

Peoria, IL

$15 - $15.50/hr

SYNERGY HomeCare is an independently owned and operated national company renowned for high-quality ... If so, you may be a great fit for our entry-level caregiver position. In this role, you will meet ...

Apply Early

SYNERGY HomeCare

Entry Level Caregiver

Peoria, IL

$15 - $15.50/hr

SYNERGY HomeCare is an independently owned and operated national company renowned for high-quality ... If so, you may be a great fit for our entry-level caregiver position. In this role, you will meet ...

Job_Listing_459

Utility Operator

Lemont, IL

This is an entry-level position within the Operations Department. Utility Operators are responsible for operating tractor trailers and/or front-end loaders to support petcoke handling activities. The ...

TeamSoft

Production Operator

Lexington, IL · On-site

$16.50/hr

Production Operator Peoplelink Staffing Solutions , in partnership with a leading manufacturer in ... High School diploma or GED (Entry-level position). * Ability to work independently and in a team ...

Illinois Cement Co

Operator - Terminal

Ottawa, IL · On-site

$21.53 - $26.44/hr

High School Diploma / GED Required Work Experience: Entry Level with work experience in terminal or shipping operation preferred. This job requires working outdoors year-round. Reliable, and timely ...

Oxbow Corporation

Utility Operator

Lemont, IL · On-site

$32 - $37.43/hr

This is an entry-level position within the Operations Department. Utility Operators are responsible for operating tractor trailers and/or front-end loaders to support petcoke handling activities. The ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsEntry Level Operator JobsEntry Level Operator Jobs in Illinois

Entry Level Operator information

See Illinois salary details

$11

$16

$20

How much do entry level operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level operator in Illinois is $16.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $18.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Entry Level Operators and how can they be addressed?

Entry Level Operators often face challenges such as mastering complex machinery, adapting to shift work, and maintaining consistent productivity in a fast-paced environment. To overcome these challenges, it’s important to take advantage of on-the-job training, ask questions, and seek guidance from experienced team members. Building strong communication skills and being proactive about safety procedures can also help new operators quickly become effective and confident in their roles.

What are entry level operators?

Entry level operators are employees who typically work in manufacturing, production, or industrial settings and are responsible for running machinery, monitoring equipment, and ensuring products meet quality standards. They are usually new to the field and receive on-the-job training to learn how to operate specific machines or processes. Their duties may include starting and stopping equipment, doing basic maintenance, reporting malfunctions, and keeping work areas clean and safe. Entry level operators play a key role in keeping production lines running smoothly and efficiently.

What is the difference between Entry Level Operator vs Machine Operator?

AspectEntry Level OperatorMachine Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic technical trainingHigh school diploma; technical certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, industrial settingsFactories, manufacturing lines, industrial facilities
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level roles across manufacturing and industrial sectorsOperational roles in manufacturing, processing, and production industries
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between an Entry Level Operator and a Machine Operator lies in their experience and specialization. Entry Level Operators typically have basic training and perform general operational tasks, while Machine Operators often have specific technical skills and certifications to handle particular machinery. Both roles are essential in manufacturing environments and share similar work settings, but Machine Operators usually require more technical expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Operator, you generally need a high school diploma or GED, basic mechanical aptitude, and a willingness to learn safety and operational procedures. Familiarity with industrial machinery, control systems, and safety certifications like OSHA are often required or highly valued. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable operations in manufacturing or industrial environments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Operator jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Operator jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Operator jobs in Illinois? For Entry Level Operator jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Operator jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Operator jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Entry Level Operator jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Entry Level Operator job openings:
Entry Level Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Operator job openings in Illinois as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 8% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,201 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Entry Level Administrative Assistant

Operations Manager

Itasca, IL • On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Entry-Level Administrative Assistant – Itasca, IL
$22 – $25/Hour | Full Benefits | Unlimited OT at Time and a Half
We are a large, well-established logistics and distribution organization supporting nationally recognized brands across retail, food service, and commercial supply chains.
With over 5,000 employees nationwide, we are built for scale, efficiency, and long-term growth. We are committed to operational excellence, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement. We actively invest in developing talent from within, offering strong internal mobility and long-term career opportunities.
Position Summary
The Entry-Level Administrative Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting our logistics and operations teams. This position focuses on data entry, database maintenance, reporting, document control, and internal coordination across departments.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone eager to launch a career in logistics, supply chain, or operations within a stable and growing organization.
Key Responsibilities

  • Accurately and efficiently enter and update data in internal logistics and operations systems, ensuring information is current and error-free.
  • Maintain, organize, and continuously audit digital records, reports, and documentation related to transportation, warehousing, and distribution, supporting operational transparency and compliance.
  • Provide proactive day-to-day administrative support to operations and department managers, including scheduling, correspondence, and task coordination.
  • Generate comprehensive weekly and ad hoc reports using Microsoft Excel.
  • Review and reconcile data across multiple systems for accuracy, completeness, and consistency, identifying discrepancies and collaborating with teams to resolve issues.
  • Assist with document control, internal process tracking, and standard operating procedure compliance to streamline workflow and support continuous improvement initiatives.


Qualifications

  • Associate’s degree required, bachelor’s degree preferred
  • Related work or internship experience is a plus but not required
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook)
  • Strong attention to detail with an analytical, data-focused mindset
  • Ability to prioritize tasks and stay organized in a fast-paced logistics environment