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Machine Operator Jobs in Kennewick, WA (NOW HIRING)

Americold

Forklift Operator

Wallula, WA · On-site

$21.20/hr

Under general supervision, the Forklift Operator will ensure safe and accurate receipt, storage, and shipment of food products utilizing equipment including, but not limited to, sit down and stand-up ...

Americold

Forklift Operator

Pasco, WA · On-site

$21/hr

Under general supervision, the Forklift Operator will ensure safe and accurate receipt, storage, and shipment of food products utilizing equipment including, but not limited to, sit down and stand-up ...

Americold Logistics, Inc.

Forklift Operator

Pasco, WA · On-site

$21/hr

Under general supervision, the Forklift Operator will ensure safe and accurate receipt, storage, and shipment of food products utilizing equipment including, but not limited to, sit down and stand-up ...

Americold Logistics

Forklift Operator

Wallula, WA · On-site

$21.20/hr

Under general supervision, the Forklift Operator will ensure safe and accurate receipt, storage, and shipment of food products utilizing equipment including, but not limited to, sit down and stand-up ...

R+L Carriers

Forklift Operator FT

Umatilla, OR

$24.51/hr

Forklift Operator FT $24.51 hr. Full-Time, Monday - Friday, 5:00 AM - 1:00 PM PTO available after the first 90 calendar days of employment and enjoy an excellent benefits package that includes our ...

R+L Carriers

Forklift Operator FT

Umatilla, OR · On-site

$24.51/hr

Forklift Operator FT $24.51 hr. Full-Time, Monday - Friday, 5:00 AM - 1:00 PM PTO available after the first 90 calendar days of employment and enjoy an excellent benefits package that includes our ...

Americold

Forklift Operator

Pasco, WA · On-site

$21/hr

Under general supervision, the Forklift Operator will ensure safe and accurate receipt, storage, and shipment of food products utilizing equipment including, but not limited to, sit down and stand-up ...

Americold Logistics, Inc.

Forklift Operator

Pasco, WA · On-site

$21/hr

Under general supervision, the Forklift Operator will ensure safe and accurate receipt, storage, and shipment of food products utilizing equipment including, but not limited to, sit down and stand-up ...

R+L Carriers

Forklift Operator FT

Umatilla, OR · On-site

$24.51/hr

Forklift Operator FT $24.51 hr. Full-Time, Monday - Friday, 5:00 AM - 1:00 PM PTO available after the first 90 calendar days of employment and enjoy an excellent benefits package that includes our ...

Americold Logistics

Forklift Operator

Pasco, WA · On-site

$21/hr

Under general supervision, the Forklift Operator will ensure safe and accurate receipt, storage, and shipment of food products utilizing equipment including, but not limited to, sit down and stand-up ...

TCF

Seasonal Forklift Driver (Night Shift)

Pasco, WA · On-site

$19.81/hr

As a Forklift Operator your main purpose would be to operate a forklift to move product form one ... Forklift experience or qualified to operate forklift machinery. Must be able to pass Twin City ...

WinCo Foods

WinCo Foods

Richland, WA

$17.38 - $21.06/hr

Machines and Equipment Operated: * Pallet jacks, hand truck, garbage and card board compactor. * Electronic fork lift as needed. * Box Knife For minors hired, hours may differ as well as machines and ...

Propak

Sit Down Forklift Operator

Pasco, WA · On-site

$1.5K/wk

Excellent vision (including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus) for operating machinery, reading documentation, and ...

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All JobsMachine Operator JobsMachine Operator Jobs in Kennewick, WA

Machine Operator information

See Kennewick, WA salary details

$12

$18

$23

How much do machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine operator in Kennewick, WA is $18.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $19.71 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 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, perform quality checks, and follow safety protocols, often using tools like control panels and gauges. This role requires attention to detail, technical skills, and sometimes certification or training in specific machinery.

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 shifts, often requiring knowledge of specific machinery and safety protocols.

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 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.

More about Machine Operator jobs
What are popular job titles related to Machine Operator jobs in Kennewick, WA? For Machine Operator jobs in Kennewick, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Machine Operator jobs in Kennewick, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Machine Operator jobs in Kennewick, WA are:
What cities near Kennewick, WA are hiring for Machine Operator jobs? Cities near Kennewick, WA with the most Machine Operator job openings:
Machine Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Machine Operator job openings in Kennewick, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $38,337 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Forklift Operator

Americold

Wallula, WA • On-site

$21.20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Americold Logistics rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 117 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

203rd of 360 rated logistics

Job description

Primary Responsibility:
Under general supervision, the Forklift Operator will ensure safe and accurate receipt, storage, and shipment of food products utilizing equipment including, but not limited to, sit down and stand-up forklifts, high-reach forklifts, stand-up straddle trucks, walk behinds, pallet jacks, double pallet jacks and radio frequency equipment. 
What You'll Do: 
Efficiently and safely load and unload freight using proper equipment to move products to storage throughout facility. 
Effectively stack and store merchandise, pick and assemble orders for shipment, check freight for accuracy, damage, and infestation, while labeling, sorting, wrapping, packing, and repacking as directed by management. 
In compliance with OSHA standards, operate equipment (sit down and stand-up forklifts, high-reach forklifts, stand-up straddle trucks, walk behinds, single/double pallet jacks and RF scanners) in a manner that promotes safety. 
Must be able to meet production standards while maintaining a clean and orderly work environment. 
Perform other duties such as inventory, cleaning, or forklift battery changes and may be required to perform other duties outside of normal responsibilities as needed. 
What Experience and Education You Need: 
High school diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred.  
Three (3) months of related work experience preferred. 
What Could Set You Apart: 
An ability to work independently. 
Ability to work overtime, evenings, or weekends to complete work or to attend meetings as assigned, and the ability to adhere to attendance policies by showing up to assigned shift on time. 
Demonstrated ability to pay close attention to details and meet deadlines. 
Physical Requirements: 
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential functions for this position and meet the physical requirements needed to perform them, including but not limited to frequently requiring the ability to drive a forklift, sit, hear, or talk, use close vision, use hands to grasp, handle or feel objects, and type and manipulate controls.  Employees are occasionally required to use distance vision, stand, kneel, or crouch. Reasonable accommodation may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities. While performing the essential functions of this job, the associate: 
Must be able to work in spaces with 55 inches of headroom. 
Must be able to tolerate working environment with inside controlled temperatures varying from32 degrees Fahrenheit to minus 45 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as outside ambient temperatures (including heat, cold and precipitation). 
Must tolerate heights up to 30 ft. and be able to access elevated products from inside safety cage.
May stand to rebuild pallets with products. Requires tolerance of standing posture up to 5 hours, over an 8-10-12 hour shift. Occasionally required to walk; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. 
Must be able lift boxes of varying weights from 10 lbs. up to 55 lbs. from ground level to 80 inches in height and up 70 lbs. to 50 inches in height rebuilding pallets without assistance. Must be able to lift and carry product a distance of 6 ft. without mechanical assistance. 
Wear clothing,boots, headgear, and gloves that protect against the cold.  
Must be able to use hands and fingers to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear. 
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.  
Ability to maintain reasonably regular and punctual attendance consistent with ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards/requirements.

The Company's good-faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting for this position is $21.20 hourly 

Americold offers a range of benefits, including medical/dental/vision insurance, STD/LTD coverage, 401(k) with Company match, FSA, life insurance, EAP, and paid time off, some of which may vary depending on the particular position and whether it is covered by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

Americold is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and complies with applicable employment laws. 
EOE/AA M/F/D/V DFW. 

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