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Entry Level Operator Jobs in Wausau, WI (NOW HIRING)

ADB

Laborer II - Travel - CDL required

Wausau, WI · On-site

$24/hr

Provides training and support to entry level laborers ensuring compliance to ADB's operating and safety procedures * Performs other position duties when requested SUCCESS FACTORS: * Travel Ability ...

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Entry Level Operator information

See Wausau, WI salary details

$13

$18

$23

How much do entry level operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level operator in Wausau, WI is $18.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.73 and $20.34 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 Wausau, WI? The most popular types of Operator jobs in Wausau, WI are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Operator jobs in Wausau, WI? For Entry Level Operator jobs in Wausau, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Wausau, WI are hiring for Entry Level Operator jobs? Cities near Wausau, WI with the most Entry Level Operator job openings:
Entry Level Operator jobs near you

Entry-Level Crewmember

Sierra Pacific Industries

Merrill, WI • On-site

$20.38 - $22.26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Sierra Pacific Industries rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 58 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 19 rated forestry and logging companies

Job description

Up to $1,500 hiring bonus!
Entry-level crewmembers earn from $20.38 to $22.26 per hour
We train and promote from within
Excellent low-cost health benefits
Retirement plan with employer-paid contributions
Paid vacation and 10 holidays
At Sierra Pacific Industries , we understand our greatest strength is the people who choose to build a career with us. We are a third-generation family-owned company that has grown to be one of the largest lumber and millwork producers in the United States. Our more than 6,000 employees are proud to work at our state-of-the-art sawmills and other facilities, including: manufacturing, custom wood-framed windows, fabrication, millwork, veneer, cogeneration, trucking, forestry, and other operations.
Currently, have multiple entry-level manufacturing openings at our Windows division in Merrill, Wisconsin on Ohio Street, with great opportunities for advancement.
About the Position
  • Entry-level position with opportunity to learn and explore many jobs within the plant site including production, equipment maintenance, and supervision
  • Stack, move, and assemble windows and window parts
  • Apply hardware and weather strip to vinyl frames and doors using a hand drill
  • Operate saws to cut and trim vinyl parts to size
  • Perform tasks using miter saw, high speed routers, shapers, auto nail gun, drill, screw gun, caulking gun, utility knives, and hand tools
  • Work with and around saws, glass, and machinery
  • The work is fast paced and can, at times, be demanding

Qualifications
  • We look for applicants with recent good work history and verifiable references
  • All applicants must be at least age 18

Why Join Our Team?
Because this is more than an invitation, it's a commitment to offer opportunities for personal and professional growth to everyone! We ask people to grow with us and make the company even better.
We provide an excellent benefit package including a full Health Benefits Plan (including medical, dental, and vision) with low-cost premiums, a 401(k) with Company Match, additional Retirement Contributions , and company-paid Life Insurance. Every year since 1979, the Sierra Pacific Foundation has provided an average of $500,000 in scholarships to help the children of our crew members with education expenses.
How to Apply
If you are qualified and would like to join our team, please apply in person
Monday through Friday from 7am to 4pm at:
Sierra Pacific Windows
605 N. Ohio Street
Merrill, WI 54452
Can't make it in? Let s talk!
(715) 722-1884
or apply online and view all our career opportunities at: spi.careers
Sierra Pacific is an (EOE) Equal Opportunity Employer, including those with a disability and veterans.
About Our Company
Sierra Pacific Industries started in 1949 and has grown to be one of the largest lumber and millwork producers in the U.S., employing more than 6,000 crew members. Sierra Pacific continues to be a company where its employees are proud to work at state-of-the-art sawmills and other facilities and others strive to become part of the team.
We are a third-generation family-owned company based in Northern California. Sierra Pacific owns and sustainably manages more than 2.4 million acres of timberland in California, Oregon, and Washington. We are growing forests for our future, planting over 6 million new trees every year. Our forests are managed under a 100-year plan by Registered Professional Foresters, Wildlife Biologists, Botanists, and other professionals.
Sierra Pacific effectively uses nearly 100% of every piece of wood we bring to our facilities. In fact, any small amount that isn't turned into hand-crafted doors and windows, millwork, lumber, or landscaping material is converted into electricity in our seven biomass-fueled power plants.
We are proud that all Sierra Pacific facilities follow our drug-free and tobacco-free policies. As part of our safety in the workplace policy, an offer of employment is subject to a negative drug screen result. We use E-verify to verify the social security number and work authorization of all newly hired employees. Sierra Pacific is an (EOE) Equal Opportunity Employer, including those with a disability and veterans.

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