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Junior Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fairfax County

Plant Operator III

Fairfax, VA

$63K - $111K/yr

As a Plant Operator III you'll work under the general supervision of the Plant Operations ... Experience conducting formal and informal training of junior level operators Proven ability to ...

Fairfax County, VA

Plant Operator III

Richmond, VA · On-site

$63K - $111K/yr

Cole Jr. Water Recycling Facility, 9399 Richmond Highway, Lorton, VA 22079.. *A $2,500 signing bonus is available to new county employees hired in the Plant Operator III position. Employment ...

NTG Staffing

Senior Plant Operator

Bartlesville, OK

New Tech Global is looking for a Senior Plant Operator for a client in Bartlesville, OK. Primary ... Train and mentor junior technicians and operators on safe procedures, equipment operation, and best ...

Tyler Junior College

Central Plant Operator II

TX · On-site

... Junior College gives equal consideration to all applicants for admission, employment and ... ABOUT The Central Plant Operator II is a full-time 12 month position that reports to the Supervisor ...

City of Midland

Lead Utility Plant Operator

Midland, TX · On-site

$60K/yr

As a Water Treatment Plant Operator III with the City of Midland, you'll serve as a lead operator, overseeing complex plant operations, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring our water systems meet or ...

Airswift

Senior Plant Operator - Mallard WI

Delavan, WI · On-site

$15.75 - $21.25/hr

Airswift is seeking a Senior Plant Operator to support the operation and maintenance in Delavan, WI ... Train, mentor, and support the development of junior personnel * Participate in on-call rotations ...

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Junior Plant Operator information

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How much do junior plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for junior plant operator in the United States is $21.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $25.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 250 an hour?

Junior Plant Operators typically do not earn $250 an hour; such high wages are usually associated with specialized roles like senior engineers, project managers, or highly experienced technical consultants. These positions often require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and work in high-demand industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing, or power generation. Compensation at this level is rare and usually reflects significant expertise and responsibility.

What is the difference between Junior Plant Operator vs Plant Technician?

AspectJunior Plant OperatorPlant Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety certifications, basic technical trainingHigh school diploma, technical certifications, sometimes post-secondary training
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, energy plantsIndustrial plants, maintenance facilities, energy plants
Job FocusOperating equipment, monitoring processes, basic troubleshootingMaintaining, repairing, and troubleshooting plant equipment

Junior Plant Operators primarily focus on operating and monitoring plant equipment, while Plant Technicians handle maintenance and repairs. Both roles require safety certifications and work in similar industrial environments, but their core responsibilities differ. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What jobs make $3,000 a day?

High-paying jobs that can earn $3,000 or more per day include roles such as senior oil and gas plant operators, specialized engineers, and certain executive positions. These roles often require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and work in industries like energy, finance, or technology, sometimes involving long or irregular hours.

What does a Junior Plant Operator do?

A Junior Plant Operator assists in the day-to-day operations of industrial, manufacturing, or power plants. Their responsibilities typically include monitoring equipment, recording data, performing routine inspections, and supporting senior operators in maintaining safe and efficient plant processes. They may also help troubleshoot minor issues, follow safety procedures, and learn to operate various machinery under supervision. This entry-level role is designed to provide hands-on experience and training for advancement to more senior positions.

How hard is it to become a junior plant operator?

Becoming a junior plant operator typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, along with on-the-job training or technical coursework. Some positions may require a valid driver's license and basic knowledge of machinery or safety procedures, but formal certifications are often obtained after employment. The role generally involves learning operational systems and safety protocols under supervision.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Junior Plant Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior Plant Operator, you need a basic understanding of industrial processes, mechanical aptitude, and often a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with control systems, safety protocols, and equipment monitoring tools is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work well in a team are valuable soft skills for this role. These skills ensure efficient and safe plant operations, minimizing downtime and supporting overall productivity.

What are some common challenges faced by Junior Plant Operators during their initial months on the job?

Junior Plant Operators often encounter challenges such as learning to monitor and operate complex machinery, understanding plant safety protocols, and adapting to shift work schedules. Adjusting to the fast-paced environment and responding to unexpected equipment issues can also be demanding at first. However, most organizations provide thorough on-the-job training and mentorship from experienced operators, which helps new hires build confidence and competence in their daily responsibilities.

How much do entry level plant workers make?

Entry-level plant operators typically earn between $15 and $20 per hour, depending on the industry, location, and company. Starting salaries may increase with relevant certifications, technical skills, and experience working with equipment such as pumps, valves, and control systems.
What cities are hiring for Junior Plant Operator jobs? Cities with the most Junior Plant Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Plant Operator jobs? The most popular types of Plant Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Junior Plant Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Junior Plant Operator jobs include:
Junior Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,255 per year, or $21.8 per hour.
Senior Plant Operator

Senior Plant Operator

Johns Hopkins Healthcare

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Johns Hopkins Medicine rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 205 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

232nd of 884 rated healthcare providers

Job description

The Senior Plant Operator operates and maintains Central Power Plant (CPP) steam generators, steam turbines, electrical chillers and auxiliary machinery. Oversees the work of the Jr. Plant Operator. This work is performed under general supervision, following standard procedures and using the tools and techniques of power plant operation and maintenance technology.
You Belong Here ! Come see why the Johns Hopkins Hospital is a world-renowned leader in patient care, serving the greater Baltimore community and patients from all across the globe. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff teams provide support throughout our many specialty departments and centers, from primary visits to emergency care.
What Awaits You?
  • Career growth and development
  • Diverse and collaborative working environment
  • Affordable and comprehensive benefits package including Tuition Reimbursement

Job Location: Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD
Shift: Full Time (40 hours), Evening Shift, Weekdays and weekends
Requirements:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Current, valid First (1st) Class Operating Engineer license.
  • Completion of formal training in Boiler, Cooling Tower, Chiller, Pump, and Motor operation and maintenance at a vocational or technical school, college, or apprenticeship sponsor organization.
  • 5 years total related work experience.

Our competitive Benefit Package is designed to support the well-being and financial security of our employees. Visit https://jhh.mybenefitsjhhs.com/.
Salary Range: Minimum 33.47/hour - Maximum 38.84/hour. Compensation will be commensurate with equity and experience for roles of similar scope and responsibility. In cases where the range is displayed as a $0 amount, salary discussions will occur during candidate screening calls, before any subsequent compensation discussion is held between the candidate and any hiring authority.
We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, where we embrace and celebrate our differences, where all employees feel valued, contribute to our mission of serving the community, and engage in equitable healthcare delivery and workforce practices.
Johns Hopkins Health System and its affiliates are drug-free workplace employers.
Johns Hopkins Health System and its affiliates are an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

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