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Lay Down Machine Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Verstela

Machine Operator

Phoenix, AZ

$25/hr

Do you have machine operating experience and enjoy working in a metal manufacturing environment ... down forklift as needed • Follow all safety procedures, including lockout/tagout and daily ...

Balance Professional

Machine Operator

Gardner, MA · On-site

$18 - $21.50/hr

Monitor cabling parameters including line speed, tension, lay length, and conductor alignment during operation. * Perform basic machine adjustments under the guidance of senior operators or ...

Luxfer Gas Cylinders

Machine Operator

Riverside, CA · On-site

$18 - $19.61/hr

Start up, operate, monitor, and shut down machines safely without supervision according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the work center. * Load unfinished parts into machines and remove ...

Luxfer Gas Cylinders

Machine Operator

Riverside, CA · On-site

$18 - $19.61/hr

Start up, operate, monitor, and shut down machines safely without supervision according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the work center. * Load unfinished parts into machines and remove ...

Astec Industries

Machine Operator - Evening Shift

Yankton, SD · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

... shut down machine. · Be able to read cut lists (basic reading skills and knowledge of materials ... operator manual(s) for saw, drill, and mill for safe and appropriate operation (to include ...

Sterling Foods

Machine Operator

San Antonio, TX

$15 - $18/hr

Sterling Foods is NOW HIRING Machine Operators at our centrally located food bakery plant ... Maintain corrective down time log * Various machines involving packing of product Sterling Foods ...

Sterling Foods

Machine Operator

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Sterling Foods is NOW HIRING Machine Operators at our centrally located food bakery plant ... Maintain corrective down time log * Various machines involving packing of product Sterling Foods ...

Eaton Steel Corporation

Machine Operator

Oak Park, MI · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Shutting down equipment or activities if there are safety concerns. * Shutting down equipment if ... Pass machine operator and/or machine-specific training. Physical requirements and working ...

Sterling Foods

Machine Operator

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Sterling Foods is NOW HIRING Machine Operators at our centrally located food bakery plant ... Maintain corrective down time log * Various machines involving packing of product Sterling Foods ...

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All JobsLay Down Machine Operator Jobs

Lay Down Machine Operator information

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$18

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How much do lay down machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for lay down machine operator in the United States is $18.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by a Lay Down Machine Operator, and how can they be managed effectively?

Lay Down Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent machine performance, managing unexpected equipment malfunctions, and ensuring product quality under tight deadlines. Operators can effectively manage these challenges by performing regular equipment inspections, promptly reporting any issues to maintenance teams, and closely following safety and operational protocols. Continuous communication with supervisors and other team members also helps in promptly addressing production concerns and minimizing downtime.

What is the difference between Lay Down Machine Operator vs Forklift Operator?

AspectLay Down Machine OperatorForklift Operator
Required CertificationsOSHA certification, equipment-specific trainingOSHA certification, forklift license
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, warehouses, construction sitesWarehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageHeavy industry, manufacturing, constructionLogistics, warehousing, manufacturing

Both roles involve operating machinery in industrial settings, often requiring OSHA certification. While a Lay Down Machine Operator focuses on operating machines that lay down materials like steel or fabric, a Forklift Operator handles moving pallets and goods within warehouses. Both jobs are essential in manufacturing and logistics industries, with overlapping skills but different equipment specialization.

What is the highest paying machine operator job?

The highest paying machine operator jobs are often found in specialized industries such as aerospace, oil and gas, or manufacturing of complex machinery, where operators with advanced skills, certifications, and experience can earn higher wages. Roles involving heavy equipment, automation, or operating complex CNC machines tend to offer higher salaries compared to standard machine operator positions.

What are Lay Down Machine Operators?

Lay Down Machine Operators are skilled workers who operate specialized machines used to lay down materials, such as pipes, cables, or road surfaces, during construction projects. They are responsible for setting up, monitoring, and adjusting the machinery to ensure materials are placed accurately and efficiently according to project specifications. Operators must also perform routine maintenance on the equipment and adhere to safety protocols to prevent accidents. This role often requires attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to work in various outdoor conditions.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

A lay down machine operator can potentially earn around $4,000 per week with experience, overtime, and high-demand industries such as manufacturing or construction. These roles often require technical skills, safety certifications, and the ability to operate heavy machinery, but typically do not require a college degree. High-paying positions in skilled trades or specialized manual labor can also reach this income level without formal higher education.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lay Down Machine Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lay Down Machine Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often complemented by experience in manufacturing or industrial settings. Familiarity with operating and maintaining lay down machines, reading technical drawings, and sometimes forklift certification are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help operators address issues quickly and work efficiently with others. These qualifications ensure safe, accurate, and efficient machine operation, directly impacting production quality and workplace safety.

What jobs make $1,000,000 a year?

Jobs that can reach a $1,000,000 annual income include high-level executive roles such as CEOs and CFOs, successful entrepreneurs, and certain specialized professionals like top surgeons or investment bankers. These positions often require extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes ownership or equity in a business. For a role like a lay down machine operator, earning such a high income is highly unlikely without additional business ventures or ownership stakes.

What is the highest salary of a CNC operator?

The highest salary for a CNC operator can reach around $60,000 to $70,000 annually, especially for those with advanced skills, certifications, or experience working in specialized manufacturing environments. Salaries vary based on location, industry, and level of expertise.
More about Lay Down Machine Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Lay Down Machine Operator jobs? Cities with the most Lay Down Machine Operator job openings:
What states have the most Lay Down Machine Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Lay Down Machine Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Lay Down Machine Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lay Down Machine Operator jobs are:
Lay Down Machine Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lay Down Machine Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,827 per year, or $18.2 per hour.
Machine Operator

Machine Operator

Verstela

Phoenix, AZ

$25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Do you have machine operating experience and enjoy working in a metal manufacturing environment?
Then this permanent hire Machine Operator / Slitter Operator opportunity with an established manufacturing company could be a great fit for you!

This company is looking for a dependable Machine Operator who is comfortable setting up, threading, and operating production machinery independently. This role will support daily manufacturing orders, perform quality checks, and assist with packaging, banding, palletizing, and labeling finished metal coils and sheets.
This is a great opportunity to join a stable team, build your manufacturing skills, and work in a hands-on production environment with long-term growth potential.

Machine Operator / Slitter Operator Job Duties:
• Set up, thread material through, and independently operate production machinery
• Operate machinery such as shear, turret, brake press, cut-to-length, roll forming/seaming, press lock, robotic cell, welder, paint booth, or slitter equipment
• Follow daily manufacturing work orders and document any required notes
• Mount and adjust slitter knives, spacers, and guide discs for specified coil widths
• Adjust machine clearances, knife settings, and gapping as needed
• Perform quality checks to verify proper lengths, widths, weights, and specifications
• Use measuring tools such as gauges, tape measures, and rulers
• Assist with packaging at the end of the line
• Band, palletize, tag, and label finished metal coils and sheets
• Safely operate a sit-down forklift as needed
• Follow all safety procedures, including lockout/tagout and daily equipment inspections
• Keep work area clean, organized, and safe
• Assist with other production duties as assigned

Schedule:
Monday–Friday
Day Shift

Machine Operator / Slitter Operator Requirements:
• Minimum 6 months of machine operating or manufacturing experience
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Ability to safely operate a sit-down forklift; training may be provided
• Ability to use measuring devices and basic math
• Basic computer and problem-solving skills
• Strong attention to detail and quality standards
• Ability to follow work orders, procedures, and safety requirements
• Reliable attendance and strong work ethic
• Team player with good communication and time management skills
• Ability to learn and operate new equipment

Pay:
$25.00 per hour DOE

Benefits:
• Permanent hire opportunity
• Stable full-time schedule
• Growth and advancement potential
• Team-oriented manufacturing environment
• Hands-on training

Location:
South Phoenix, AZ
If you are interested in this Machine Operator / Slitter Operator position, apply online.

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