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Machine Operator Jobs in Bakersfield, CA (NOW HIRING)

JimmyAsh LLC

Production Supervisor

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Position will supervise the following positions - Production Worker, Lift Truck Operator, Sorter, Packer, Food Processing Equipment Operator, Bagging Machine Operator, Maintenance Technician. VIII.

JimmyAsh LLC

Production Supervisor

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Position will supervise the following positions - Production Worker, Lift Truck Operator, Sorter, Packer, Food Processing Equipment Operator, Bagging Machine Operator, Maintenance Technician. VIII.

Accurate Inc

Forklift Operator

Delano, CA · On-site

$21/hr

FORKLIFT OPERATOR IN CITY OF INDUSTRY, CA Accurate Personnel is hiring immediately for a Forklift Operator to join our team in City of Industry, CA. This individual will be responsible for safely ...

WinCo Foods

WinCo Foods

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$17.15 - $29.90/hr

Machines Operated: * Electric and manual pallet jacks, handtruck, garbage and card board compactor. * Fork lift as needed. * Box knife. The above statements are intended to describe the general ...

Quinn Company

Senior Field Technician

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$45.08 - $57.54/hr

Technicians at Quinn work with advanced tools and diagnostic systems to keep machines operating safely, efficiently, and at peak productivity. Quinn offers clear career paths including shop ...

Quinn Company

Senior Field Technician

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$45.08 - $57.54/hr

Technicians at Quinn work with advanced tools and diagnostic systems to keep machines operating safely, efficiently, and at peak productivity. Quinn offers clear career paths including shop ...

Quinn Company

Senior Field Technician

Bakersfield, CA

$45.08 - $57.54/hr

Technicians at Quinn work with advanced tools and diagnostic systems to keep machines operating safely, efficiently, and at peak productivity. Quinn offers clear career paths including shop ...

ReadyWork Inc.

Forklift Operator

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $20.75/hr

Forklift Operator Bakersfield, CA, United States $ 13.00 - 15.00 (US Dollar) About the job Forklift Operator Are you ready to hit the forks again? Are you looking for a new place to put your forklift ...

Niagara Bottling LLC

Production Operator

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$20.01 - $27.02/hr

Production Operator This position is responsible for daily operations of the production floor; ensuring the shift meets established safety, quality, and production goals in compliance with all ...

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Machine Operator information

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How much do machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine operator in Bakersfield, CA is $18.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.92 and $20.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a machine operator?

Machine operators are skilled workers responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining machinery used in manufacturing or production processes. They ensure equipment runs efficiently and safely, monitor machine output, and perform routine inspections or minor repairs as needed. Machine operators often work with specialized equipment and are trained to follow safety protocols and quality standards. Their role is essential for keeping production lines running smoothly and meeting production targets.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a machine operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Machine Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by on-the-job training. Familiarity with industrial machinery, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications in forklift operation or CNC machinery are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help operators quickly address issues and maintain productivity. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring safe, efficient machine operation and minimizing production downtime.

What do machine operators do?

Machine operators are skilled in operating machinery, often specializing in one type of machinery or industry to become an expert. Machine operators also have a general skillset, knowing how to operate a wide range of industrial machinery. Since there are numerous industries and sectors that use a multitude of machinery, there is always room to learn more.

What are some common challenges faced by machine operators and how can they be addressed?

Machine operators often encounter challenges such as equipment malfunctions, maintaining consistent product quality, and meeting production deadlines. Addressing these issues usually involves diligent machine maintenance, following safety protocols, and effective communication with maintenance and quality assurance teams. Many companies provide ongoing training to help operators stay up to date with new machinery and processes, fostering a supportive environment for troubleshooting and skill development.

What is the difference between Machine Operator vs Equipment Operator?

AspectMachine OperatorEquipment Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job training, sometimes certificationsHigh school diploma, on-the-job training, sometimes certifications
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, production linesConstruction sites, mining, heavy machinery operation
Industry UsageManufacturing, production, assemblyConstruction, mining, transportation
Job FocusOperating specific machinery like presses, lathes, or CNC machinesOperating heavy equipment like bulldozers, cranes, or excavators

While both roles involve operating machinery, Machine Operators typically work with manufacturing equipment in factories, focusing on production machinery. Equipment Operators usually handle heavy construction or earth-moving equipment in outdoor environments. The skills and certifications often overlap, but the work settings and machinery types differ significantly.

How much do you get paid as a machine operator?

The average salary for a machine operator in the United States ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on experience, industry, and location. Entry-level positions typically start around $25,000, while experienced operators with certifications can earn over $60,000 annually. Many machine operators work full-time, often with shifts that include nights and weekends.

What is the work of a machine operator?

A machine operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining industrial machinery to produce goods or components. They monitor equipment for proper functioning, follow safety protocols, and may perform quality checks during production. Proficiency with tools, attention to detail, and adherence to safety standards are essential in this role.
More about Machine Operator jobs

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The most popular types of Machine Operator jobs in Bakersfield, CA are:

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For Machine Operator jobs in Bakersfield, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Machine Operator jobs in Bakersfield, CA are:

What cities near Bakersfield, CA are hiring for Machine Operator jobs?

Cities near Bakersfield, CA with the most Machine Operator job openings:

Machine Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Machine Operator job openings in Bakersfield, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,120 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator (Bakersfield)

ENTACT

Bakersfield, CA

$25 - $32/hr

Full-time, Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago

Entact rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR
This position is responsible for performing various job tasks on hazardous and non-hazardous waste sites. Work performed on hazardous waste sites may include possible exposure to lead, PCBs, H2S, arsenic, and various other metals, chemicals, and conditions. Heavy equipment operation is a skilled trade that involves the operation of excavators (and attachments such as shears, impact hammers, thumbs, etc.), loaders, dozers, backhoes, dump trucks, articulating dump trucks, tractors, motor graders, scrapers, water trucks, etc., to excavate, grade, or move earth or to demolish structures. May repair and maintain equipment in addition to regular duties. Workdays gt; 8 hrs / day, 5 to 6 days per week.
  • Quality fleet of heavy equipment
  • Good long-term employment prospects.
  • Ability to run dozers and excavators required
  • Will require frequent and extended travel to projects
  • Per diem/ living allowance and trips home
  • 40-hour HAZWOPER training preferred
  • Subject to a background check amp; physical/drug screen
  • Must be able to wear PPE when needed

Company benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, disability, sick pay per state law, 401k
Full Time Pay: $27.00 - $32.00 per hour plus travel pay and per diem pay
Candidates must be open to sustained project-based travel within the US. Project locations will vary depending on the assignment. Candidates can reside anywhere within the US
Essential Job Functions
Specific duties include, but are not limited to:
  • Excavate, move, or grade contaminated or non-contaminated earth.
  • Excavate contaminated or non-contaminated sludge material.
  • Demolition of various structures including, but not limited to buildings, aboveground storage tanks, underground pipelines, etc.
  • Mixing reagents with contaminated soil or hazardous waste.
  • Ability to read and understand construction specifications, construction plans, and operating procedures.
  • Cutting and filling grades per plan specifications.
  • Loading materials into trucks for removal from project site.
  • Loading and unloading trucks for onsite transporting of materials
  • Haul material in trucks to on-site unloading area.
  • Performing daily inspection and maintenance on assigned piece of construction equipment including grease and oil.
  • Moving of materials, laying pipe, backfilling pipe.
  • Loading and unloading equipment from trailers.
  • Lifting and setting heavy loads.
  • Assist with the preparation and review of Job Safety Analyses, observations, and other reports.
  • Promote the use of Stop Work Authority.
  • Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
  • Ability to meet deadlines and contribute to a positive, safe, high-quality culture in a fast-paced environment.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Physical and Visual Activities Required:
Physical and visual activities that are commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job include:
  • Performing physical activities that may require moving one’s whole body, such as in climbing, lifting, carrying, pulling, pushing, reaching, handling, balancing, walking, stooping, squatting, where the activities often require considerable use of the hands, arms and legs such as in the physical handling of materials or tools or operation of tools and equipment.
  • Use both hands, arms, feet, and legs while standing, walking, climbing, sitting, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching, handling, fingering, and feeling. Other requirements include talking, hearing, acuity-near, distinguish colors, peripheral vision, and hand to eye coordination. Hear the direction from which a sound originated. Detect distance of objects and depth perception.
  • Controlling operations of equipment or systems. Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. Listening to what other people are saying and asking questions as appropriate.

Physical Demands:
Physical demands commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job include:
  • Sitting for long periods of time in moving, vibrating, jerking, or stationary machinery.
  • Using installed equipment ladder, steps, and handholds maintaining 3 points of contact to climb in and out of machinery on regular basis.
  • Repetitive motion from operating hand and foot controls of the equipment.
  • Hand cleaning tracks and undercarriages with small tools after working in wet and sloppy conditions.
  • Expected to lift objects weight 1 to 25 lbs. on a regular basis and may be required to lift objects weighing up to 50 lbs.
  • Working in loud or noisy environments.

Environmental/Atmospheric Conditions:
Environmental and atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job include:
  • Outside construction site.
  • Terrain is rugged and may be difficult to navigate.
  • Dusty and windy atmospheres.
  • Confined spaces.
  • Potential airborne exposures to dusts, mists, fumes, and vapors in concentrations not exceeding OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits (PELS) or other published occupational exposure limits.

Personal Protective Equipment
Different types of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be worn including hard hat, ear protection (plugs or muffs), eye protection (safety glasses, goggles), safety vest, hand protection (gloves), steel toe boots, and negative or positive pressure respirators may be required depending on site conditions.
Qualifications
Knowledge: Must possess and demonstrate skills to safely operate heavy equipment (backhoe, bulldozer, excavator, etc.). and is knowledgeable of their uses and limitations.
Experience: 3-5 years’ experience in operating heavy equipment, preferably in environmental remediation projects.
Education: HS Diploma or equivalent
Machines, Tools, Equipment Used: Rubber-tire or track heavy equipment such as backhoes, loaders, dozers, and excavators; tractors, articulated dump trucks, motor graders, scrapers, pumps, dewatering systems, pugmills, batch plants, dredges, crushers, screens, etc. Hand tools and power tools.
Licenses/Certifications: Must have completed necessary training required per OSHA HAZWOPER including an annual 8-hour refresher.

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