Reports to the RWPS Operator, Lead or other designated person. Works with co-workers and employees ... One (1) year of work experience with industrial machinery. Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
Reports to the RWPS Operator, Lead or other designated person. Works with co-workers and employees ... One (1) year of work experience with industrial machinery. Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
Machine Operator Trainee information
See Aiken, SC salary details
$10.23 - $11.12
1% of jobs
$11.12 - $12.02
3% of jobs
$12.02 - $12.91
7% of jobs
$12.91 - $13.80
12% of jobs
$13.89 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$13.80 - $14.70
16% of jobs
The median wage is $15.14 / hr.
$14.70 - $15.59
21% of jobs
$15.59 - $16.48
14% of jobs
$16.53 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$16.48 - $17.38
11% of jobs
$17.38 - $18.27
7% of jobs
$18.27 - $19.16
5% of jobs
$19.16 - $20.05
2% of jobs
$10
$15
$20
How much do machine operator trainee jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine operator trainee in Aiken, SC is $15.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.89 and $16.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
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 mechanical skills. Employers often provide on-the-job training, but having familiarity with tools, safety procedures, and the ability to follow instructions can be beneficial. Some positions may require certifications in safety or equipment operation.
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 is the difference between Machine Operator Trainee vs Machine Operator?
| Aspect | Machine Operator Trainee | Machine Operator |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | May require a high school diploma or equivalent; training provided on the job | Typically requires relevant certifications or licenses; experience preferred |
| Work Environment | Training environment, supervised, learning phase | Full operational environment, responsible for machine operation |
| Job Responsibilities | Assisting and learning machine operation tasks | Operating 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.
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 a machine operator trainee?
A machine operator trainee is an entry-level worker learning to operate manufacturing or industrial machinery under supervision. The role involves gaining skills in equipment operation, safety procedures, and maintenance, often requiring on-the-job training and sometimes certifications. Trainees typically work in manufacturing environments and develop technical proficiency for full machine operator positions.
What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Operator jobs in Aiken, SC? The most popular types of Machine Operator jobs in Aiken, SC are:
What cities near Aiken, SC are hiring for Machine Operator Trainee jobs? Cities near Aiken, SC with the most Machine Operator Trainee job openings:
Full-time
Posted 5 days ago
Job description
The purpose of this classification is to operate, control and maintain equipment at a raw water pumping station in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal environmental rules and regulations for the Consolidated Government's water utility. This is an entry-level position. Incumbents in this classification are under close supervision and learn how to monitor and analyze operating conditions, and to take action to modify equipment operation to maintain compliance with applicable local, state and federal environmental rules and regulations. Reports to the RWPS Operator, Lead or other designated person. Works with co-workers and employees to provide operational support.
Key Responsibilities and Performance Standards
Operates assigned raw water pumping stations for the Consolidated Government. Monitors the station operations and processes, checks system components, identifies any problems and makes necessary adjustments. Ensures continuous and effective operation. Maintains compliance with applicable local, state and federal regulations, standards and guidelines.
Reads meters, gauges and dials. Records readings, water levels and related data and information. Prepares and maintains a variety of logs, records and reports including flowcharts, production reports, and operation logs. Conducts hourly checks on pumps and pressure gauges.
Inspects station systems, facilities and equipment. Performs preventive maintenance and repairs on station equipment, pumps, gauges, fencing, grounds, and other assigned areas. Performs routine maintenance, changes filters, beds and other parts as required. Oils and adjusts power driven pumps, checks storage, fuel tanks, cleans equipment, flushes system; makes minor electrical and/or plumbing repairs as needed. Maintains related documentation and reports any problems the need for equipment repair to supervisor.
Prepares or completes plant records, logs, checklists, and other documents as required by local, state, and federal rules and regulations. Records and reports process changes, equipment failures, service requests, work orders, and other details. Controls gates for proper water level and maintains documents.
As Required Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.
Required minimum qualifications:
Education: High School Diploma or GED is required.
Experience: One (1) year of work experience with industrial machinery.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
PERFORMANCE APTITUDES:
License: Possession of a valid driver's license with good driving history. If State license is other than Georgia or South Carolina, applicant must obtain a license in Georgia or South Carolina within 30 days of employment.
This position requires staff call up in an emergency.
Travel from office to other locations is required of this position.
The percentage of travel involved is less than 50%.
The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to this job.
Key Responsibilities and Performance Standards
Operates assigned raw water pumping stations for the Consolidated Government. Monitors the station operations and processes, checks system components, identifies any problems and makes necessary adjustments. Ensures continuous and effective operation. Maintains compliance with applicable local, state and federal regulations, standards and guidelines.
Reads meters, gauges and dials. Records readings, water levels and related data and information. Prepares and maintains a variety of logs, records and reports including flowcharts, production reports, and operation logs. Conducts hourly checks on pumps and pressure gauges.
Inspects station systems, facilities and equipment. Performs preventive maintenance and repairs on station equipment, pumps, gauges, fencing, grounds, and other assigned areas. Performs routine maintenance, changes filters, beds and other parts as required. Oils and adjusts power driven pumps, checks storage, fuel tanks, cleans equipment, flushes system; makes minor electrical and/or plumbing repairs as needed. Maintains related documentation and reports any problems the need for equipment repair to supervisor.
Prepares or completes plant records, logs, checklists, and other documents as required by local, state, and federal rules and regulations. Records and reports process changes, equipment failures, service requests, work orders, and other details. Controls gates for proper water level and maintains documents.
As Required Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.
Required minimum qualifications:
Education: High School Diploma or GED is required.
Experience: One (1) year of work experience with industrial machinery.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
- Proficiency in learning plant operation and basic math.
- Good communication skills, both oral and written.
- Must demonstrate initiative in preparing for test and performing all duties.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently or with a team.
PERFORMANCE APTITUDES:
- Data Utilization: Requires the ability to determine, calculate, tabulate, or summarize data/information. Includes performing subsequent actions in relation to these computational operations.
- Human Interaction: Requires the ability to exchange information for the purpose of clarifying details within well-established policies, procedures and standards.
- Equipment: Requires the ability to operate and control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools and/or materials requiring complex and/or rapid adjustments.
- Verbal: Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference and descriptive data and information.
- Math: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; ability to calculate decimals and percentages; may include ability to perform mathematical operations with fractions; may include ability to compute discount, interest, and ratios; may include ability to calculate surface areas, volumes, weights, and measures.
- Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagrammatic form. Involves semi-routine standardized work with some latitude for independent judgment concerning choices of action.
- Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria.
- Physical Abilities: Tasks require the regular and, at times, sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and that may involve the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (20-50 pounds).
- Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.
- Environmental Factors: Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, toxic agents, disease, or pathogenic substances.
License: Possession of a valid driver's license with good driving history. If State license is other than Georgia or South Carolina, applicant must obtain a license in Georgia or South Carolina within 30 days of employment.
This position requires staff call up in an emergency.
Travel from office to other locations is required of this position.
The percentage of travel involved is less than 50%.
The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to this job.