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Machine Operator Jobs in Gary, IN (NOW HIRING)

Novolex

Machine Operator

Alsip, IL

$23/hr

Machine Operator Alsip, IL Compensation Includes * Starting Pay Rate of $23.00/hour * Additional $1/hour shift differential pay for night shift * New Hire Bonus: $250 (paid at 60 days), $250 (paid at ...

Novolex

Machine Operator

Alsip, IL

$23/hr

Machine Operator Alsip, IL Compensation Includes * Starting Pay Rate of $23.00/hour * Additional $1/hour shift differential pay for night shift * New Hire Bonus: $250 (paid at 60 days), $250 (paid at ...

Novolex

Machine Operator

Alsip, IL · On-site

$23/hr

Machine Operator Alsip, IL Compensation Includes * Starting Pay Rate of $23.00/hour * Additional $1/hour shift differential pay for night shift * New Hire Bonus: $250 (paid at 60 days), $250 (paid at ...

Novolex

Machine Operator

Alsip, IL · On-site

$23/hr

Machine Operator Alsip, IL Compensation Includes * Starting Pay Rate of $23.00/hour * Additional $1/hour shift differential pay for night shift * New Hire Bonus: $250 (paid at 60 days), $250 (paid at ...

Integrity Trade Services

Machine Operator

Park Forest, IL · On-site

$16.75 - $20/hr

Maintain machines and keep work area clean and safe Location: Park Forest, IL Schedule/Shift Details * 7:00 am to 3:30 pm Qualifications * Must have excellent math skills * Must have excellent ...

Pratt Industries

Paper Machine Operator

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$14.50 - $17.25/hr

Paper Machine Operator: Drive Innovation and Excellence in Papermaking! Are you an ambitious, technically-minded individual ready to launch a high-impact career in a cutting-edge manufacturing ...

Leggett & Platt

Machine Operator Floater

Kouts, IN · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

We are seeking a Machine Operator Floater to join our team at our Merit Steel location in Kouts, Indiana. The Machine Operator Floater is a dynamic and adaptable team member responsible for ...

Pratt Industries

Paper Machine Operator

Valparaiso, IN

$14.50 - $17.25/hr

Paper Machine Operator: Drive Innovation and Excellence in Papermaking! Are you an ambitious, technically-minded individual ready to launch a high-impact career in a cutting-edge manufacturing ...

Leggett & Platt

Machine Operator Floater

Kouts, IN · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

We are seeking a Machine Operator Floater to join our team at our Merit Steel location in Kouts, Indiana. The Machine Operator Floater is a dynamic and adaptable team member responsible for ...

Leggett & Platt

Machine Operator Floater

Kouts, IN · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

We are seeking a Machine Operator Floater to join our team at our Merit Steel location in Kouts, Indiana. The Machine Operator Floater is a dynamic and adaptable team member responsible for ...

Verstela

Machine Operator 1st shift

Hobart, IN

$19 - $22/hr

Machine Operator If you have 1-2 years of manufacturing experience and can read work orders and accurately use a tape measure, this could be the opportunity you've been looking for! Join a growing ...

Giesecke+Devrient

Machine Operator-3rd Shift

Lemont, IL · On-site

$18 - $23.57/hr

Join our team in Bolingbrook, IL as a 3rd shift Machine Operator working Monday - Saturday 11:00 pm - 7:00 am and bring printed sheets to life, transforming them into high-quality cards using cutting ...

Giesecke+Devrient

Machine Operator-3rd Shift

Lemont, IL · On-site

$18 - $23.57/hr

Join our team in Bolingbrook, IL as a 3rd shift Machine Operator working Monday - Saturday 11:00 pm - 7:00 am and bring printed sheets to life, transforming them into high-quality cards using cutting ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsMachine Operator JobsMachine Operator Jobs in Gary, IN

Machine Operator information

See Gary, IN salary details

$11

$18

$23

How much do machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine operator in Gary, IN is $18.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $19.38 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

What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Operator jobs in Gary, IN?

The most popular types of Machine Operator jobs in Gary, IN are:

What cities near Gary, IN are hiring for Machine Operator jobs?

Cities near Gary, IN with the most Machine Operator job openings:

Machine Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Machine Operator job openings in Gary, IN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,641 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Machine Operator

Alsip, IL

Novolex
Plastics Packaging Film and Sheet (including Laminated) Manufacturing • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Novolexexternal

$23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 26 days ago

Novolex rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 105 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 122 rated packaging manufacturers

Job description

Why Choose Us?

Novolex is a leading manufacturer of food, beverage, and specialty packaging that supports multiple industries including foodservice, restaurant delivery and carryout, food processing, grocery and retail, and industrial sectors. Novolex manufacturing and sourcing expertise spans a diverse range of substrates including resin, paper, molded fiber, aluminum and more. We provide customers a broad array of stock and customized solutions with 120 product categories, 250 brands and over 39,000 SKUs.

Our Sustainability Commitment

The Novolex sustainability vision is built upon three pillars: our products, our operations and our people. Each is critically important to our growth and future as a business. These pillars form the foundation of our company-wide commitment to sustainability, helping us achieve our ambitious goals through our wide-ranging initiatives.


Machine Operator

Alsip, IL

Compensation Includes

  • Starting Pay Rate of $23.00/hour
    • Additional $1/hour shift differential pay for night shift
  • New Hire Bonus: $250 (paid at 60 days), $250 (paid at 90 days) and $250 (paid at 6 months) 

Available Shifts

  • Days: 5am-5pm
  • Nights: 5pm-5am

Responsibilities

  • Understand and follow all safety procedures
  • Setup and operate bag machine and support equipment to convert paper into bags
  • Read and verify order sheets
  • Understand print job requirements and quality issues
  • Stacking and labeling finished good accordingly
  • Changing, threading and stripping  rolls of paper throughout shift
  • Complete daily production paperwork
  • Maintain a safe and clean work area
  • Responsibility for food safety and GMP’s
  • Perform job tasks as assigned by manager or supervisor that pertain to productivity and success within production
Qualifications
  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • Eligible to work in the United States
  • Successful completion of pre-employment background and drug screen
  • Ability to work 12 hour days
  • Work overtime as needed
  • Satisfactorily completes training courses as determined by management
  • Ability perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation
  • Ability to lift up to 50-70lbs
  • Bendng, twisting, stooping etc. throughout a 12 hr shift

#INDQSR


What You'll Get From UsBenefits

With safety as our top priority and a commitment to employee well-being an important focus, we offer comprehensive and competitive benefits that include medical, dental and vision insurance as well as a variety of other well-being resources focused on mental, physical and financial health. Specific benefits and well-being programs may vary depending on where you work.

Community Engagement

At Novolex, giving back to the local communities that support us is important. Our Focused Giving Program prioritizes support for organizations whose missions promote sustainability initiatives or address food and hunger needs. We also encourage facility level support of activities in the communities where our employees live and work.

Training and Development

We offer constant opportunities for advancement. From skills development to advanced education programs, training and development programs and courses are available through MyLearning. Programs include company and industry training curricula, support for formal education through the Tuition Reimbursement Program (Non-Union), and a Learning Management System that supports and enhances employee skills at all levels of the organization.

Novolex is committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices, including but not limited to selection, hiring, promotion, transfer, and compensation to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to age, race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, handicap or disability, genetics, citizenship status, service member or veteran status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law. Any individual who, because of his or her disability, needs an accommodation in connection with an aspect of the Company's application process should contact myHRservices@novolex.com.

Formerly Pactiv Evergreen

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