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Machine Operator 1St Jobs in Lexington, KY (NOW HIRING)

Blue Star Plastics

1st Shift Operator

Lexington, KY · On-site

$17 - $20.50/hr

Summary The plastic Injection molding operator position operates injection molding machines. The Operator's primary responsibility is molding quality parts to support the company mission "to deliver ...

Blue Star Plastics

1st Shift Operator

Lexington, KY · On-site

$17 - $20.50/hr

Record rejects parts at the molding machine. * Advise the next operator of any information about press or molded parts. * Maintain a clean work area that meets 5S standards. * Complete paperwork and ...

Blue Star Plastics

1st Shift Operator

Lexington, KY

$17 - $20.50/hr

Record rejects parts at the molding machine. * Advise the next operator of any information about press or molded parts. * Maintain a clean work area that meets 5S standards. * Complete paperwork and ...

Galls

Emblems/Alterations Operator

Lexington, KY · On-site

$1.0K/wk

Emblem Machine Operators are responsible for applying emblems (such as patches or logos) to ... Excellent medical/dental and vision coverage Eligible 1st day of the month after start date ...

Galls

Emblems/Alterations Operator

Lexington, KY · On-site

$1.0K/wk

Emblem Machine Operators are responsible for applying emblems (such as patches or logos) to ... Excellent medical/dental and vision coverageEligible 1st day of the month after start date * 401(k) ...

Galls

Emblems/Alterations Operator

Lexington, KY · On-site

$1.0K/wk

Emblem Machine Operators are responsible for applying emblems (such as patches or logos) to ... Excellent medical/dental and vision coverage--Eligible 1st day of the month after start date ...

Galls

Heat Press Operator

Lexington, KY · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

Ability to operate various machines, including sewing, embroidery, engraving, and heat press ... Excellent medical/dental and vision coverageEligible 1st day of the month after start date * 401(k) ...

Galls

Heat Press Operator

Lexington, KY

$14.25 - $18.75/hr

Ability to operate various machines, including sewing, embroidery, engraving, and heat press ... Excellent medical/dental and vision coverage--Eligible 1st day of the month after start date ...

Galls

Heat Press Operator

Lexington, KY · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

Ability to operate various machines, including sewing, embroidery, engraving, and heat press ... Excellent medical/dental and vision coverage Eligible 1st day of the month after start date ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsMachine Operator 1St JobsMachine Operator 1St Jobs in Lexington, KY

Machine Operator 1St information

See Lexington, KY salary details

$11

$18

$23

How much do machine operator 1st jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine operator 1st in Lexington, KY is $18.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $19.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Machine Operator 1St vs Machine Operator 2Nd?

AspectMachine Operator 1StMachine Operator 2Nd
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent, additional certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, factoriesManufacturing plants, factories, sometimes more complex machinery
Employer UsageEntry-level or primary machine operation rolesSupporting or secondary roles, often assisting or overseeing
Common Search IntentUnderstanding entry-level machine operationClarifying roles with similar titles or responsibilities

Machine Operator 1St and Machine Operator 2Nd roles are both essential in manufacturing, with the 1St typically being entry-level and the 2Nd often supporting or assisting. The main differences lie in experience, certifications, and job responsibilities, with the 2Nd usually requiring more experience or specialized skills.

How to become a machine operator 1st with no experience?

To become a first-level machine operator with no experience, you should look for entry-level positions that provide on-the-job training, and consider obtaining relevant certifications such as OSHA safety training or equipment-specific courses. Having basic mechanical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to follow safety protocols can improve your chances of being hired and trained for the role.

How to get started as a machine operator?

To start as a machine operator, obtain a high school diploma or equivalent and gain experience through entry-level manufacturing or technical training programs. Developing skills in operating specific machinery, understanding safety protocols, and obtaining relevant certifications can improve job prospects.

What does a machine operator 1 do?

A Machine Operator 1 is responsible for setting up, operating, and monitoring manufacturing equipment to produce products according to specifications. They perform routine maintenance, ensure safety protocols are followed, and may need to read technical manuals or use measurement tools. This role often requires attention to detail and adherence to quality standards.

What are popular job titles related to Machine Operator 1St jobs in Lexington, KY?

For Machine Operator 1St jobs in Lexington, KY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Machine Operator 1St jobs in Lexington, KY look for?

The top searched job categories for Machine Operator 1St jobs in Lexington, KY are:

Machine Operator 1St jobs near you
Infographic showing various Machine Operator 1St job openings in Lexington, KY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Full Time, 53% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,596 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Machine Operator - Plasma Operator

Wastequip

Mount Sterling, KY • On-site

$22.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Wastequip rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

273rd of 495 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Job Description:
WQ Mount Sterling is looking for an experienced Plasma operator. You will be joining a skilled manufacturing Team working in the Garbage Truck/Container industry. This role will involve setting up and operating our Plasma cutting table for various sheet metal thicknesses from 0.078" to 3.5" plate steel and aluminum. You will be responsible for changing consumables on the machines, ensuring quality and efficiency throughout the machining process.
Shift Hours: 3:00PM - 11:30PM
Pay Rate: $22.75 + $2 shift differential
Key Responsibilities
  • Plasma Operation: Sets up machine by retrieving and loading large heavy plates of steel using overhead crane, downloading program(s), entering parameters of job, selecting type of cut, and cutting first piece. Operates cut table by monitoring cutting and adjusting heat in torches, pre-heat times, and pierce rate.
  • Material Handling: Unloads skeleton and parts using overhead crane, jib crane and/or lifting magnets. Cleans and deburrs all cut parts to be free of slag and burrs.
  • Multi-Tasking:
    • Performs first-piece and in-process inspection by checking material thickness and dimensions of part per blueprint using calipers, tape measure and/or calculator.
    • Cleans burn table and performs minor preventive maintenance such as checking coolant levels, gases and changing or adjusting them as needed.
    • Operator will change consumable oxyfuel tips as needed.
    • Completes Plasma operator maintenance log.
  • Other Duties: Perform additional tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Key Qualifications:
  • At least 3-5 years' operating and setting up a Plasma Cutter
  • Ability to use measuring devices Ruler, Caliper, Hard Gauges as well as read and understand prints
  • Must be able to work by alone as well as in a Team setting
  • Ability to work overtime when needed

Company Benefits:
• 2 Medical Plan Options - Base HSA (High Deductible) and Buy-Up
Medical Plans
• Prescription (Rx) Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• 2 Dental Plan Options - Base Dental and Buy-Up Dental Plans
• Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA's)
• Health Care FSA
• Dependent Care FSA
• Company Paid Base Life Insurance
• Company Paid Accident, Death & Dismemberment Insurance
• Company Paid Business Travel Accident Insurance
• Company Paid Disability Insurance
• Short-Term Disability (STD) and Base Long-Term Disability (LTD)
Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Voluntary Hospital, Accident & Critical Illness (Cancer) Insurance
• 401(K) Retirement Plan with 50% Company Match
• Voluntary Pet Insurance
• Vacation and Personal/Sick Time
• Paid Grandparent Leave
• Paid Bonding Leave
• Adoption Assistance
• Education Assistance (Tuition Reimbursement)
About Wastequip
Wastequip got its start in 1989 with containers and compactors. But, today, we have evolved into so much more than just a manufacturer of high-quality steel containers and compactors. We are the waste industry's only All-in-One solutions provider - from carts and containers to collect waste to hoists and trash trucks to move the waste to parts, service and technology to keep your operation running smoothly.
While we're proud to be North America's leading manufacturer of waste handling equipment, we are equally proud to be a driving force for enhanced sustainability across the waste industry. We are consistently striving to improve our own operations while making it easier for our customers to do the right thing - building a brighter future for all.

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