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Machine Operator 1St Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Machine Operator 1st Shift

Poynette, WI

$16.75 - $20/hr

Machine Operators are respected team members responsible for operating packaging machines, metal detectors, check weighers, case sealers and all associated line equipment. They are also responsible ...

Machine Operator 1st Shift

Poynette, WI · On-site

$16.75 - $20/hr

Machine Operators are respected team members responsible for operating packaging machines, metal detectors, check weighers, case sealers and all associated line equipment. They are also responsible ...

Machine Operator 1st Shift

Poynette, WI

$16.75 - $20.25/hr

Machine Operators are respected team members responsible for operating packaging machines, metal detectors, check weighers, case sealers and all associated line equipment. They are also responsible ...

Machine Operator - 1st Shift

Stoughton, WI · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

Summary The Packaging Machine Operator plays a vital role in the production process, ensuring the efficient operation of packaging machinery and the timely packaging of cheese products. Primary ...

Machine Operator - 1st Shift

Stoughton, WI · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

Summary The Packaging Machine Operator plays a vital role in the production process, ensuring the efficient operation of packaging machinery and the timely packaging of cheese products. Primary ...

Slitter Machine Operator

Middleton, WI · On-site

$18.25 - $21.75/hr

Slitter Machine Operator - 1st Shift The Slitter Machine Operator sets up, adjusts, and safely operates slitting and rewinding equipment on a 1st shift schedule, ensuring high-quality output and ...

Machine Operator

Madison, WI · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

... Machine Operators for immediate openings and prioritizing candidates who are ready to get started ... Shifts: * 1st Shift: 5:00am - 3:30pm * 2nd Shift: 3:15pm - 11:30pm ( $2/hr extra ) What You'll ...

Machine Operator

Sun Prairie, WI

$16.50 - $19.75/hr

Machine Operator Position type: Full-Time, Hourly Location: Sun Prairie, WI Ask Yourself This... Do ... and products. 1st Shift: 5:30 am to 2:00 pm Monday through Friday * Supply feedstock to the ...

Machine Operator

Sun Prairie, WI

$16.50 - $19.75/hr

Machine Operator Position type: Full-Time, Hourly Location: Sun Prairie, WI Ask Yourself This... Do ... and products. 1st Shift: 5:30 am to 2:00 pm Monday through Friday * Supply feedstock to the ...

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Machine Operator 1St information

See Madison, WI salary details

$12

$18

$23

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

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine operator 1st in Madison, WI is $18.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.49 and $19.62 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 Madison, WI?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Machine Operator 1St jobs in Madison, WI are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Machine Operator 1St jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Machine Operator 1St job openings:

Infographic showing various Machine Operator 1St job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,115 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Machine Operator 1st Shift

Lakeside Foods

Poynette, WI

$16.75 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Lakeside Foods rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

254th of 443 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

At Lakeside Foods and our family of companies, we're committed to providing wholesome foods to enrich people’s lives through food. We are a culture that pursues our vision of growth and innovation with passion, confidence, and commitment. We are strongest together – valuing collaborative contribution, transparency and new ideas to enable change and growth. We are committed to an inclusive and respectful environment that promotes a healthy work-life balance, and there’s a seat at the table for you.

Become One Of Our Valued Machine Operators:


Here at Lakeside Foods, our Machine Operations team is the backbone of our packaging operations, ensuring that equipment runs optimally, while maintaining product flow. Machine Operators are respected team members responsible for operating packaging machines, metal detectors, check weighers, case sealers and all associated line equipment.  They are also responsible for set up of equipment and making any adjustments necessary to keep the line operating efficiently.  This is an entry level position with on the job training. If you are a creative problem-solver who perseveres through challenging situations, we want to talk with you. 


What You’ll Get:
•    Competitive wages based on experience
•    Off-season schedule (January – July): Four 10’s Monday – Thursday
•    Production season (August – December)
•    Stable work environment with a growing company
•    Schedules to maintain work/life balance
•    Excellent market-leading medical insurance, dental and vision insurance.
•    Paid vacation and personal time after 30 days of employment
•    Retirement plan with company match of 50% up to 6% of pay
•    Prescription safety glasses & safety shoe reimbursement
•    Uniforms company provided
•    Professional Mechanic Career Path Program
•    Paid onsite and offsite training
•    An Employer that works hard to ensure your safety on the job
 
 What You’ll Do:
•    Operates label machine, boxer, depalletizer or brenton.
•    Fills out paperwork properly for completed work.
•    Prevents off-quality product from being labeled.
•    Stacks cases on pallets in proper pattern.
•    Cleans out rail cars.
•    Removes labels from cans.
•    Assists in loading of rail cars and trucks.

 What You’ll Bring:
•    High school diploma or general education degree (GED) is preferred
•    Willingness to learn
•    Positive attitude
•    Strong work ethic
•    Safety mindset
 
Where You’ll Work:


WELCOME TO POYNETTE
Located less than 30 miles from Madison and Wisconsin Dells.  On the northern edge of world class agricultural land of the Arlington Prairie and a few miles east of the mighty Wisconsin River and beautiful Lake Wisconsin. Poynette is a nature lover’s destination. No matter the time of year, Lake Wisconsin offers plenty to do; boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, ice fishing, snowmobile races and more.

Lakeside Foods and our family of companies welcomes people of all backgrounds and the varied ideas they bring to the workplace. Being an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer is part of our heritage and culture. We recruit, hire and promote employees based on qualifications and merit, without regard to race, religion, age, gender, disability, marital or veteran status. Lakeside Foods participates in E-Verify.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities


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