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

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 ...

The Theodoros Group

Be Seen First

CNC Lathe 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 ...

New

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

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

Lafayette, LA · On-site

$11.75 - $15/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

Carencro, LA · On-site

$12 - $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

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

Carencro, LA

$12 - $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

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

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

$16

$20

How much do entry level operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 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 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 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 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. Employers often look for a willingness to learn, good communication skills, and the ability to follow safety protocols, so demonstrating these qualities can improve your chances of starting in an entry-level role.

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 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 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,691 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Production Operator (Nights)

First Solar

New Iberia, LA • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

First Solar rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 74 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

456th of 538 rated manufacturers

Job description


First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.
Basic Job Functions:
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 Operator is responsible for safe operation of specific equipment, materials, and processes to manufacture high-quality photovoltaic solar modules at the required rate is the core function. The Production Operator performs operational preventative maintenance procedures, responds to machine alarms, performs basic quality control procedures, and interfaces with equipment and factory computer systems.
Education/Experience:
  • No diploma or experience required.

Required Skills/Competencies:
  • Safety First mindset.
  • Must be able to work in a team environment.
  • Basic problem solving and critical thinking skills.
  • Basic reading, writing, and math skills.
  • Good communication skills.
  • Ability to use mobile systems, communication devices, and simple tool interfaces.
  • Ability to interface with machine control panels, recognize quality, perform data analytics, troubleshoot issues, and problem-solve.

Essential Responsibilities:
  • Adheres to all safety procedures and practices good housekeeping.
  • Performs assigned job duties in accordance with all written work instructions and procedures.
  • Works in a large manufacturing space, often without line-of-sight to direct supervision.
  • Performs simple maintenance on equipment in the required time with hand tools and instrumentation.
  • Safely operates and maintains tools and equipment used to manufacture solar modules at acceptable quality and throughput levels per control plan.
  • Ensures proper inventory levels of materials and parts at point of use.
  • Monitors process data and makes decisions based on procedures to maintain process control.
  • Loads or unloads photovoltaic modules as needed to support line rate, isolate quality issues, or as otherwise instructed. Properly identifies modules removed from line.
  • Responds to tool alarms or non-standard conditions per work instruction and escalates issues that cannot be fixed immediately.
  • Collects data and provides reporting (written, oral, or via computer/devices) when requested.
  • Provides communication with team members and leadership during shift changes.
  • Ensures waste materials are discarded in their designated containers and containers properly sealed.
  • Job description subject to change at any time.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationships:
  • No direct reports.

Travel:
  • No regular travel is required outside the First Solar work site.

Estimated Salary Range:
  • $15.00 hourly

US Physical Requirements:
Manufacturing & Maintenance Physical Requirements:
  • Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day.
  • Will climb stairs on an occasional basis.
  • Will exert up to 58 pounds of force to lift, push or pull on a seldom basis.
  • Will lift, push, or pull up to 27 pounds on a frequent basis.
  • Will lift up to 58 pounds on an occasional basis, according to work instructions.
  • Will lift up to 37 pounds on a frequent basis.
  • Will push or pull up to 27 pounds of force on an occasional basis.
  • Will push or pull up to 10 pounds of force on a frequent basis.
  • Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects repetitively on a frequent basis.
  • 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without correction, is required.
  • Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures.
  • May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis.
  • May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis.
  • Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including but not limited to; steel toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, protective jacket or apron and arm guards)
  • All associates working on the production floor may be required to wear a respirator at any given time and thus, the ability to wear a respirator is a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair).

Potential candidates will meet the education and experience requirements provided on the above job description and excel in completing the listed responsibilities for this role. All candidates receiving an offer of employment must successfully complete a background check and any other tests that may be required.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: First Solar is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that diversity and inclusion are a driving force in the success of our company.

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