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Machine Operator Trainee Jobs in Carthage, NY (NOW HIRING)

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Machine Operator Trainee information

See Carthage, NY salary details

$13

$19

$25

How much do machine operator trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine operator trainee in Carthage, NY is $19.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.74 and $21.11 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 cities near Carthage, NY are hiring for Machine Operator Trainee jobs?

Cities near Carthage, NY with the most Machine Operator Trainee job openings:

Machine Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Machine Operator Trainee job openings in Carthage, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,042 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Bridge Repair Assistant Trainee 1/Trainee 2/Bridge Repair Assistant 1 (Region7)

New York State

Watertown, NY

$48K - $55K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 hours ago

New York State rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 187 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 50 rated states

Job description

Duties Description Duties include but are not limited to: Cutting steel plates and bars, using acetylene cutting equipment according to layout design & instructions, and grinding edge of material to base for welding. Using hand tools, scraping & scaling deteriorated paint from structural steel and painting steel with primer and proper overcoat. Operating a variety of light highway equipment such as dump trucks, patching machines, rollers, etc, used in bridge repair and maintenance operations.

The candidate shall be required to perform snow and ice operations in areas other than work location. Candidates must be able to report within a maximum of one hour of call up. Cannabis use is not permitted for employees in this title and assignment.

Cannabis use will be tested for during the pre-employment screening process and may be the basis for disqualification for employment or may be a basis for removal from employment. Responsibilities may include serving a role within the Incident Command System to support the department's response to regional and statewide emergency situations. Minimum Qualifications Journey Level - Two years experience in maintenance or mechanical work under the supervision of a skilled tradesman, or training through completion of a technical course in a bridge or technical trade at a school or institute.

Candidate must also have a Class B Commercial Driver License. Trainee 2 - Commercial Driver License, and more than one year, but less than two years of qualifying experience (as described in journey level quals.) Trainee 1 - Class D Motor Vehicle License, and less than one year of qualifying experience (as described in journey level quals.) Additional Comments **Additional Salary Information Bridge Repair Assistant Trainee 1: The starting salary for this position is $48,855. This amount is comprised of the base salary of $39,855 with an additional geographic pay differential of $9,000, specific to this title and location

Bridge Repair Assistant Trainee 2: The starting salary for this position is $51,058. This amount is comprised of the base salary of $42,058 with an additional geographic pay differential of $9,000, specific to this title and location. Bridge Repair Assistant: The starting salary for this position is $55,905.

This amount is comprised of the base salary of $46,905 with an additional geographic pay differential of $9,000, specific to this title and location. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. The New York State Department of Transportation is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Women, minority group members, disabled personas and Veterans are encouraged to apply. Upon request, reasonable accommodations will be provided for the disabled. In compliance with Public Law 99-603, candidates selected for appointment must provide an original document to prove their citizenship and/or legal right to work in the United States Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

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