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Machine Operator Trainee Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

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Machine Operator Trainee information

See Massachusetts salary details

$13

$19

$25

How much do machine operator trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine operator trainee in Massachusetts is $19.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.84 and $21.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a machine operator trainee?

To thrive as a Machine Operator Trainee, you need basic mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with manufacturing equipment, safety protocols, and basic computer systems or programmable logic controllers (PLCs) is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and a willingness to learn help trainees excel in fast-paced production environments. These abilities are crucial for ensuring operational efficiency, minimizing downtime, and maintaining workplace safety.

What are some common challenges machine operator trainees face during their initial months on the job?

Machine Operator Trainees often encounter challenges such as learning to operate complex machinery safely, adapting to fast-paced production environments, and mastering quality control procedures. Adjusting to shift work and understanding the importance of teamwork in a manufacturing setting can also take time. However, most employers provide hands-on training and mentorship to support new trainees as they build confidence and proficiency in their roles.

What is the difference between Machine Operator Trainee vs Machine Operator?

AspectMachine Operator TraineeMachine Operator
CredentialsMay require a high school diploma or equivalent; training provided on the jobTypically requires relevant certifications or licenses; experience preferred
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised, learning phaseFull operational environment, responsible for machine operation
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting and learning machine operation tasksOperating machinery independently, ensuring safety and efficiency

The main difference is that a Machine Operator Trainee is in a learning phase, often supervised and still acquiring skills, while a Machine Operator is fully responsible for operating machinery independently. Trainees focus on gaining experience, whereas operators perform the job routinely with established skills.

How to become a machine operator trainee with no experience?

To become a machine operator trainee with no experience, focus on gaining basic technical skills through vocational training or community college courses, and highlight your willingness to learn and work in a manufacturing environment. Some employers offer on-the-job training for entry-level candidates, so applying to companies that provide training programs can also be effective.

How to get started as a machine operator trainee?

To start as a machine operator trainee, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and basic technical skills. Employers often provide on-the-job training, but having familiarity with machinery, safety protocols, and the ability to follow instructions can be beneficial. Some positions may require certifications in equipment operation or safety standards.

What do machine operator trainees do?

Machine operator trainees learn to operate and monitor manufacturing equipment, such as presses, lathes, or conveyor systems. They gain skills in safety procedures, quality control, and troubleshooting under supervision to prepare for full-time roles as machine operators.

What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Operator jobs in Massachusetts?

The most popular types of Machine Operator jobs in Massachusetts are:

What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Machine Operator Trainee jobs?

Cities in Massachusetts with the most Machine Operator Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Machine Operator Trainee job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,311 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Specialized Heavy Equipment Operator

Marblehead

Marblehead, MA โ€ข On-site

$4 - $29.77/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

SUMMARY:


Operates a wide variety of special heavy construction equipment and performs a variety of manual tasks in connection with such operations; operates light-medium and heavy automotive equipment as directed; supports instructor for Commercial Driver License (CDL) program; performs related work as required. Works under the direct supervision of a Lead Heavy Equipment Operator or other employee of a higher grade who assigns duties and inspects work for conformance with instructions. Daily schedule is provided by the Lead HEO. With weekly and general direction provided by Working Foremen Assistant Directors. Shall be available for all emergency response operations.


RESPONSIBILITIES:


  1. Supports all divisions of the Public Works Department - Highway, Drain, Tree, and Fleet

Mechanic.

  1. Operates heavy equipment including but not limited to backhoe, front-end loader, grader, roller, trackless, skid steer, tractor, leaf machine, street sweeper, compressor, trucks, snowplows, sanders, chipper, aerial lift, and any other equipment as assigned for construction, maintenance, and emergency work.
  2. Assists in the construction, repair, and maintenance of Roadways, Sidewalks and Public Ways, Storm Sewer System, Public Shade Trees, and other Town property by operating power equipment in the performance of such functions as excavating, grading, rolling, plowing, sanding, sweeping roads, manual labor, arboricultural tree work, and pumping water.
  3. Responsible for the maintenance of appurtenant equipment.
  4. Assists in the preparation of trucks, sanders, and related equipment for storms.
  5. Operate all equipment for snow removal and de-icing operations, including trucks that require a CDL license.
  6. Shall be available for all emergency response operations. Must be available for snow removal, de-icing operations, emergency and public safety work as needed. This may include working on holidays and after regular working hours.
  7. Serves as a field instructor for the Town's Commercial Driver License (CDL) program CDL Program, and is responsible for assigning, supporting, and inspecting CDL pre-trip inspections and other licensing requirements to Heavy Equipment Operators and other trainees. Class size 1-2 employees.
  8. Performs other work as assigned by the Director of Public Works or their designee including, but not limited to, pothole repair, roadside trimming and grass cutting, motor vehicle accident cleanup, fence and wall repair, sign repair.
  9. Carry on-call phone on rotation determined by the Assistant Director or their designee.
  10. Field Instructor for Heavy Equipment Operator CDL training, under direction of the Lead Heavy Equipment Operator and Working Foreman.
  11. Regular contact with other departments and public as required by on-call phone.
  12. Performs other related duties as assigned by Director of Public Works or their designee.


QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:


  • High school degree (GED), along with 4 years of related experience.
  • Possession of a valid Hoisting Engineer (Hydraulic Machinery) License 2A,1C,4G issued by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
  • Possession of a valid Commercial Driver's License issued by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
  • Proficient in the operation of heavy motor equipment under all types of weather conditions.
  • Considerable experience in the operation of heavy automotive equipment and completion of a standard grade school course, or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
  • Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
  • Practical knowledge of traffic and safety rules and accident prevention practices.
  • Ability to make minor repairs and adjust heavy equipment.
  • Experience in general road and drain construction.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:


The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical effort is generally required. Ability to lift or move items weighing more than 50 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, climb, and talk and hear. The employee is required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, reach with hands and arms, climb, balance, and stoop. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment varies from moderate to high. Exposure to extreme environmental conditions such as sun, wind, dust, heat, cold, rain, and snow.


EOE/AA