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Entry Level Operator Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

Domtar

Entry Level Operator

Johnsonburg, PA · On-site

$70K/yr

Domtar is a leading producer of pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products has Entry Level ... The Johnsonburg Mill is a heavy manufacturing environment, operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a ...

Domtar

Entry Level Operator

Johnsonburg, PA

$70K/yr

Domtar is a leading producer of pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products has Entry Level ... The Johnsonburg Mill is a heavy manufacturing environment, operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a ...

Tate, Inc.

Operator 1, 1st Shift, Fill & Clean

Red Lion, PA · On-site

$17 - $22.25/hr

The entry level Operator will be responsible for operating and maintaining machinery in the Fill department. In this position, you will have the opportunity to learn and gain working knowledge of all ...

Tate, Inc.

Operator 1 - Lamination - 1st Shift

Red Lion, PA · On-site

$17.25 - $20.50/hr

The entry level Operator will be responsible for operating and maintaining machinery in the lamination department. In this position, you will have the opportunity to learn and gain working knowledge ...

Tate, Inc.

Operator 1, 1st Shift, Ceiling Grid

Red Lion, PA · On-site

$16.50 - $19.75/hr

The entry level Operator will be responsible for operating and maintaining machinery in the Ceiling Grid department. In this position, you will have the opportunity to learn and gain working ...

Tate, Inc.

Operator 1, 2nd Shift, PWP

Red Lion, PA · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

The entry level Operator will be responsible for operating and maintaining machinery in the Press Weld Paint department. In this position, you will have the opportunity to learn and gain working ...

Tate, Inc.

Operator 1, 3rd Shift, PWP

Red Lion, PA · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

The entry level Operator will be responsible for operating and maintaining machinery in the Press Weld Paint department. In this position, you will have the opportunity to learn and gain working ...

Tate, Inc.

Operator 1, 1st Shift, Containment

Red Lion, PA · On-site

$16.50 - $19.75/hr

The entry level Operator will be responsible for saw operating, drilling, assembling parts and banding skids in the Containment department. In this position, you will have the opportunity to learn ...

Tate, Inc.

Operator 1, 3rd Shift, Containment

Red Lion, PA · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

The entry level Operator will be responsible for saw operating, drilling, assembling parts and banding skids in the Containment department. In this position, you will have the opportunity to learn ...

A.P. Møller - Maersk A/S

Driver

Middletown, PA · On-site

The Frontline career stream covers people in skilled or entry-level operator jobs often providing services directly for the benefit of our customers e.g. transporting and loading/unloading cargo ...

Tate

Operator 1, 1st Shift, Fill & Clean

Red Lion, PA · On-site

$18.25/hr

About the Role The entry level Operator will be responsible for operating and maintaining machinery in the Fill & Clean department. In this position, you will have the opportunity to learn and gain ...

A.P. Møller - Maersk A/S

Driver

Folcroft, PA · On-site

The Frontline career stream covers people in skilled or entry-level operator jobs often providing services directly for the benefit of our customers e.g. transporting and loading/unloading cargo ...

A.P. Møller - Maersk A/S

Driver

Middletown, PA · On-site

The Frontline career stream covers people in skilled or entry-level operator jobs often providing services directly for the benefit of our customers e.g. transporting and loading/unloading cargo ...

A.P. Møller - Maersk A/S

Driver

Folcroft, PA · On-site

The Frontline career stream covers people in skilled or entry-level operator jobs often providing services directly for the benefit of our customers e.g. transporting and loading/unloading cargo ...

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All JobsOperator JobsEntry Level Operator JobsEntry Level Operator Jobs in Pennsylvania

Entry Level Operator information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$12

$17

$21

How much do entry level operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level operator in Pennsylvania is $17.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $19.04 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 Pennsylvania? The most popular types of Operator jobs in Pennsylvania are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Operator jobs in Pennsylvania? For Entry Level Operator jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Operator jobs in Pennsylvania look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Operator jobs in Pennsylvania are:
What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Entry Level Operator jobs? Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Entry Level Operator job openings:
Entry Level Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Operator job openings in Pennsylvania as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,414 per year, or $17.5 per hour.
Entry Level Operator

Entry Level Operator

Domtar

Johnsonburg, PA • On-site

$70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Domtar rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

199th of 535 rated manufacturers

Job description

Domtar is a leading producer of pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products has Entry Level Production positions available at our Johnsonburg Mill.
The Johnsonburg Mill manufactures uncoated freesheet paper used by customers to create brochures, direct mail, stationery, checks, envelopes, and hardbound books. Johnsonburg is a leader in environmental management and is certified by accredited forestry organizations. We are recognized as one of the most technologically advanced paper mills in the world.
We offer a career for motivated and skilled individuals with a safety mindset to operate our state-of-the-art equipment and systems. Our career progression provides opportunities to grow and develop your skills in the pulp and paper-making manufacturing technologies while increasing your earnings.
New employees typically can earn an average of $70,000 per year after three years of service to the Johnsonburg Mill. Domtar offers competitive benefits including health and life insurance, dental and vision coverage, a 401(k) with Company match, paid holidays, one week of vacation after 6 months and an additional week after 1 year of service, shift differential of a dollar per hour, and more.
Education/Experience Required
  • High school diploma or GED equivalent
  • Minimum of 2 years full time work experience or post-secondary education

Other Job Requirements
  • The Johnsonburg Mill is a heavy manufacturing environment, operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All production employees must be able to work a rotating 12-hour shift schedule -- 7 days and 7 nights per month including holidays, and weekends as designated by the Crew schedule.
  • Demonstrating a strong commitment to safe work behaviors is a core principle and value that should never be compromised.
  • Employees must have mechanical aptitude, basic computer and math skills, decision-making and communication skills, as well as the ability to be flexible and work in a team environment.
  • Employees must be able to wear safety equipment, such as a hard hat, ear plugs, safety shoes, and safety glasses.
  • Employees must be able to climb ladders and high stairways/catwalks and climbing/descending ladders (e.g., during lockout or operational trouble shooting).
  • Other physical requirements include performing a range of motion in various positions. Walking and standing is required in an industrial setting for long periods of time.
  • The job requires physical endurance and the ability to work in a hot and humid environment
  • Employees must be willing and able to qualify to safely operate forklifts, lift trucks, and other motorized equipment.

The Domtar Johnsonburg Mill has "safety sensitive" duties in all Mill job classifications. The duties consist of:
  • Working at heights greater than four feet from ground level.
  • Use of chemicals in the paper process (chlorine, chlorine dioxide, sulfur compounds and sulfuric acid).
  • Operation of heavy machinery including overhead cranes and industrial trucks.
  • Massive weight and rolling of paper rolls.
  • Lock out / tag out procedures.

Workplace safety is a critically important part of all jobs. This requires everyone in the company to adhere to the safety guidelines and policies in place. Carefully following appropriate safety guidelines can go a long way toward preventing workplace injuries. This is a responsibility Domtar takes very seriously in protecting the health and welfare of the employees and their coworkers.
The pre-employment process includes computer-based aptitude testing and selection panel interviews and requires candidates to pass background check and drug screening to qualify for employment.
Domtar is an equal-opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, color, sex (including gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), marital status, religion, national origin, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. We are also committed to ensuring reasonable accommodations for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disability Act of 1990.
Once your application has been submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. If you are selected to interview, you will be contacted by a member of our Human Resources team.
To learn more about our company, consult the Domtar Company Web Site and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter.

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