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Machine Operator Jobs in Decorah, IA (NOW HIRING)

FTHR

Machine Operator I

Cresco, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

Description Machine Operator Reports To: Line/Department Supervisor Location: Cresco, IA Responsibilities: * Perform basic adjustments of equipment and keep machine clean and clear of clutter.

FTHR

Machine Operator I

Cresco, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

Description Machine Operator Reports To: Line/Department Supervisor Location: Cresco, IA Responsibilities: * Perform basic adjustments of equipment and keep machine clean and clear of clutter.

CaptiveAire

Machine Operator

West Union, IA

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

Due to growth, we are currently hiring Press Brake/Shear Operators at our West Union, IA manufacturing facility. Join us if you are interested in working in a fast paced, financially sound, climate ...

AVEKA Group

Production Operator- All Shifts

Waukon, IA · On-site

$18.50 - $20/hr

Operate machinery and package product - Employee Owned Company - Growth opportunities - good workplace culture! Entry level and experienced operators welcome to apply! We are looking for people who ...

AVEKA GROUP INC

Production Operator- All Shifts

Waukon, IA

$15.75 - $19/hr

Operate machinery and package product - Employee Owned Company - Growth opportunities - good workplace culture! Entry level and experienced operators welcome to apply! We are looking for people who ...

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All JobsMachine Operator JobsMachine Operator Jobs in Decorah, IA

Machine Operator information

See Decorah, IA salary details

$11

$16

$21

How much do machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine operator in Decorah, IA is $16.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

While most machine operator roles do not reach $500,000 annually, high-level positions in industries like oil and gas, aerospace, or executive management can exceed this income level. Achieving such earnings typically requires extensive experience, specialized skills, certifications, and often leadership responsibilities or ownership stakes.

What jobs make $3,000 a day?

High-paying jobs that can reach $3,000 a day often include specialized roles such as senior corporate executives, certain medical specialists, high-level consultants, and skilled trades like offshore drilling or certain construction projects. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, certifications, or working in high-demand industries with long hours or high risk.

What is a machine operator's job salary?

The average salary for a machine operator typically ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on experience, industry, and location. Skilled operators with certifications or experience working with specialized machinery may earn higher wages, and some positions offer shift differentials or overtime pay.

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.

What is the highest paying machine operator job?

The highest paying machine operator roles are often found in specialized industries such as aerospace, oil and gas, or manufacturing of complex machinery, where advanced skills and certifications are required. These positions may offer higher salaries due to the technical expertise, safety requirements, and experience needed, with some earning over $70,000 annually depending on location and industry.

What are machine operators?

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 is the work of 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, perform quality checks, and troubleshoot issues as needed, often following safety protocols and using tools like control panels or gauges.
More about Machine Operator jobs
What cities near Decorah, IA are hiring for Machine Operator jobs? Cities near Decorah, IA with the most Machine Operator job openings:
Machine Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Machine Operator job openings in Decorah, IA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,035 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Machine Operator I

FTHR

Cresco, IA • On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Description
Machine Operator
Reports To: Line/Department Supervisor
Location: Cresco, IA
Responsibilities:
  • Perform basic adjustments of equipment and keep machine clean and clear of clutter.
  • Produce materials through use of machines.
  • Troubleshoot operator and basic machine problems.
  • Measure and visually inspect sample products for surface and dimensional defects using calipers, gages, and templates.
  • Observes machine operation to detect product defects or machine malfunctions, adjusting machines, within tolerances, as necessary.
  • Reads job orders to determine product specifications to plan operational sequences.
  • Positions, loads, and secures stock material required for production, manually or by using power assisted equipment.
  • Additional Duties as Assigned

Skills and Experiences:
  • Strong Mechanical Skills
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
  • Ability to follow oral and written communication from supervisor, lead or co-worker.
  • Experience operating manufacturing large equipment

Potential Exposures:
  • Regular exposure to manufacturing environment including noise, dust, and hot or cold temperatures.

At Featherlite Exiss Sooner Holdings Co., LLC, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all qualified applicants and employees and the workplace is free from unlawful discrimination or harassment. Employment decisions are based on merit alone, without consideration of an applicant's or employee's membership in any protected class.

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