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Entry Level Operator Jobs in Lafayette, LA (NOW HIRING)

Crest Industries

Machine Operator I (Weekends)

Eunice, LA · On-site

$12.25 - $14.75/hr

The Machine Operator must be capable of operating machines in a steel plant. This individual must ... Referral Level: Entry Level Not eligible for Enhanced Referral Not eligible for External Referral ...

Posted today

First Solar

Production Operator (Nights)

New Iberia, LA · On-site

$15/hr

The Production Operator is the entry-level position for solar panel manufacturing at First Solar. The assigned area will be limited to our Finishing operation within the plant. The Production ...

First Solar

Production Operator (Days)

New Iberia, LA · On-site

$15/hr

The Production Operator is the entry-level position for solar panel manufacturing at First Solar. The assigned area will be limited to our Finishing operation within the plant. The Production ...

First Solar

Production Operator (Days)

New Iberia, LA · On-site

$15/hr

The Production Operator is the entry-level position for solar panel manufacturing at First Solar. The assigned area will be limited to our Finishing operation within the plant. The Production ...

First Solar

Production Operator (Nights)

New Iberia, LA · On-site

$15/hr

The Production Operator is the entry-level position for solar panel manufacturing at First Solar. The assigned area will be limited to our Finishing operation within the plant. The Production ...

The Theodoros Group

CNC Machinist Operator

Broussard, LA · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

CNC Lathe Machinist I (Entry Level) $16-$19/hr. Day Shift Position Summary The CNC Lathe Machinist I is responsible for setting up and operating CNC lathes to manufacture precision-machined ...

Waffle House, Inc.

Cook / Grill Operator

Lafayette, LA · On-site

$11.75 - $15.25/hr

Our busiest time is the weekends, - So, we'll ask you to be available to work some weekends and some holidays Requirements: * Entry level, no experience required * Must have a positive and friendly ...

Waffle House, Inc.

Cook / Grill Operator

Lafayette, LA · On-site

$11.50 - $14.75/hr

Our busiest time is the weekends, - So, we'll ask you to be available to work some weekends and some holidays Requirements: * Entry level, no experience required * Must have a positive and friendly ...

Waffle House, Inc.

Cook / Grill Operator

Lafayette, LA · On-site

$11.75 - $15.25/hr

Our busiest time is the weekends, - So, we'll ask you to be available to work some weekends and some holidays Requirements: * Entry level, no experience required * Must have a positive and friendly ...

Waffle House, Inc.

Cook / Grill Operator

New Iberia, LA · On-site

$11.50 - $14.75/hr

Our busiest time is the weekends, - So, we'll ask you to be available to work some weekends and some holidays Requirements: * Entry level, no experience required * Must have a positive and friendly ...

Waffle House, Inc.

Cook / Grill Operator

Youngsville, LA · On-site

$13 - $16.75/hr

Our busiest time is the weekends, - So, we'll ask you to be available to work some weekends and some holidays Requirements: * Entry level, no experience required * Must have a positive and friendly ...

Waffle House, Inc.

Cook / Grill Operator

Scott, LA · On-site

$12 - $15.50/hr

Our busiest time is the weekends, - So, we'll ask you to be available to work some weekends and some holidays Requirements: * Entry level, no experience required * Must have a positive and friendly ...

Waffle House, Inc.

Cook / Grill Operator

New Iberia, LA · On-site

$11.50 - $14.75/hr

Our busiest time is the weekends, - So, we'll ask you to be available to work some weekends and some holidays Requirements: * Entry level, no experience required * Must have a positive and friendly ...

Waffle House, Inc.

Cook / Grill Operator

Youngsville, LA · On-site

$13 - $16.75/hr

Our busiest time is the weekends, - So, we'll ask you to be available to work some weekends and some holidays Requirements: * Entry level, no experience required * Must have a positive and friendly ...

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Entry Level Operator information

See Lafayette, LA salary details

$11

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$20

How much do entry level operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level operator in Lafayette, LA is $16.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $18.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level operator?

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

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 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 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.

How to become an entry level operator with no experience?

To become an entry level operator with no experience, focus on gaining basic technical skills through online courses or vocational training, and obtain relevant certifications such as OSHA safety training if applicable. Many employers also consider candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent and provide on-the-job training to develop necessary skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operator jobs in Lafayette, LA?

The most popular types of Operator jobs in Lafayette, LA are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Operator jobs in Lafayette, LA?

For Entry Level Operator jobs in Lafayette, LA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Operator jobs in Lafayette, LA look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Operator jobs in Lafayette, LA are:

What cities near Lafayette, LA are hiring for Entry Level Operator jobs?

Cities near Lafayette, LA with the most Entry Level Operator job openings:

Entry Level Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Operator job openings in Lafayette, LA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,691 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Machine Operator I (Weekends)

Eunice, LA • On-site

Crest Industries
See more jobs at Crest Industriesexternal

$12.25 - $14.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 hours ago

Posted today

Job description

Come join our team at DIS-TRAN Steel!

Our people – not our machinery - are our biggest assets. DIS-TRAN Steel’s leadership team lives by our company values, modeling our culture of respect and integrity each day. We're a team that likes to have fun, but we also know how to get stuff done.

DIS-TRAN Steel, located in Eunice, LA, is looking for experienced Machine Operators to join our team on Weekends.   The Machine Operator must be capable of operating machines in a steel plant.  This individual must possess the ability to read a tape measure; must possess basic math aptitude.  The Machine Operator will safely operate CNC machinery (drill, saw, etc.).  This individual will perform daily preventative maintenance on machines.
 
COMPETENCIES
  • Customer Focus
  • Decision Quality
  • Business Insight
  • Drives Results
  • Collaborates
  • Communicates Effectively
  • Courage
  • Instills Trust
  • Manages Ambiguity
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Operates CNC machines.
  • Measures dimensions of finished steel structures to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures.
  • Mounts, installs, aligns, and secures tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpieces on machines, using hand tools and precision measuring instruments.
  • Listens to machines during operation to detect sounds such as those made by dull cutting tools or excessive vibration and adjust machines to compensate for problems.
  • Adjusts machine feed and speed, change cutting tools, or adjust machine controls.
  • Stops machines to remove finished workpieces or to change tooling, setup, or workpiece placement, according to required machining sequences.
  • Lifts workpieces to machines manually or with hoists or cranes.
  • Modifies cutting programs to account for problems encountered during operation and saves modified programs.
  • Inserts control instructions into machine control units to start operation.
REQUIREMENTS FOR MACHINE OPERATOR
  •  High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.      
  •  Ability to read and interpret typed reports and schedules required.
  •  Ability to interpret blueprints required.
  •  Ability to read a tape measure required.
  •  Certifications or prior experience using moving machinery, such as cranes, preferred.
  •  Basic math aptitude required.
  •  Must complete on-site training and demonstrate safe operation of machinery.
Referral Level: Entry Level
Not eligible for Enhanced Referral
Not eligible for External Referral
 
More information regarding The Crest Industries Family of Companies’ Internal and External Referral Programs can be found here: https://www.crestoperations.com/recruit-new

As strategists, operational experts, customer advocates and team players, we all believe in the power of our people. Explore how you can become a part of our team of strength and commitment that's built to last!

DIS-TRAN Steel is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.

DIS-TRAN Steel is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request information regarding reasonable accommodation, contact your Human Resource Business Partner.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c).

Part of the CREST INDUSTRIES family of companies.