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Machine Operator Jobs in Salina, KS (NOW HIRING)

Machine Operator I

Salina, KS ยท On-site

$18.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Starting Pay: $18.75 per hour Additional $2.00 shift differential from 3 p.m. -- 6 a.m. Shift: 2nd Hours: 3:45 pm -2 am Blast 2 What We Offer: * Weekly Friday pay * Earn up to 2 weeks paid time off ...

Machine Operator I

Salina, KS

$18.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Starting Pay: $18.75 per hour Additional $2.00 shift differential from 3 p.m. -- 6 a.m. Shift: 2nd Hours: 3:45 pm -2 am Blast 2 What We Offer: * Weekly Friday pay * Earn up to 2 weeks paid time off ...

Machine Operators, Coverage Team

Abilene, KS ยท On-site

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

As the Machine Operator - Relief Crew , you will operate and maintain machinery with precision, conduct quality inspections, and keep detailed records to uphold production excellence. Additionally ...

1st Shift, Full-Time Machine Operators

Salina, KS ยท On-site

$18.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Machine Operators work with molding (decorative pieces), doors, drawer fronts, face frames, panels, and other components. Machine operators cut cabinetry parts, wood hoods, islands, and all other ...

Heavy Equipment Operator

Solomon, KS ยท On-site

$19 - $23/hr

Operates forklifts, pallet jacks, and other machinery to move items, or signals machine operators to move materials * Keeps inventory, loading areas, and machinery clean. * Receive and inspect ...

Heavy Equipment Operator

Solomon, KS ยท On-site

$19 - $23/hr

Operates forklifts, pallet jacks, and other machinery to move items, or signals machine operators to move materials * Keeps inventory, loading areas, and machinery clean. * Receive and inspect ...

Pole Operator

Salina, KS

$26 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

The Operator will be responsible for operating various heavy equipment and machinery on a construction site, ensuring safe and efficient equipment operation, and adhering to company safety guidelines.

Pole Operator

Salina, KS ยท On-site

$26 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

The Operator will be responsible for operating various heavy equipment and machinery on a construction site, ensuring safe and efficient equipment operation, and adhering to company safety guidelines.

Pole Operator

Salina, KS ยท On-site

$26 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

The Operator will be responsible for operating various heavy equipment and machinery on a construction site, ensuring safe and efficient equipment operation, and adhering to company safety guidelines.

Asphalt Milling Foreperson

Salina, KS ยท On-site

$24 - $27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Comfortable working in all weather conditions; exposed to jobsite hazards such as moving machinery, high places, airborne particles, and loud environments. * Must have specific vision abilities ...

Asphalt Milling Foreperson

Salina, KS ยท On-site

$24 - $27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Comfortable working in all weather conditions; exposed to jobsite hazards such as moving machinery, high places, airborne particles, and loud environments. * Must have specific vision abilities ...

CNC Swiss Lathe Machinist

Minneapolis, KS ยท On-site

$23.50 - $29.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Give detailed instructions and coaching to less experienced machine operators. * Interface with Sales and MFG teams to quote new items per-print while optimizing raw material selection. * Working ...

Wastewater Plant Operator I

Salina, KS ยท On-site

$50K - $53K/yr

  • PTO

The position requires strong mechanical aptitude & a solid understanding of electrical systems, essential for troubleshooting & maintaining complex machinery. The operator must exhibit exceptional ...

Heavy Equipment Operator

Salina, KS ยท On-site

$19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Heavy Equipment Operator AMAT Salina, Kansas, United States Job ID: 526932 APAC-Kansas, Inc ... Operate a variety of construction equipment and machinery-such as excavators, bulldozers, loaders ...

Showing results 21-40

Machine Operator information

See Salina, KS salary details

$11

$17

$22

How much do machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine operator in Salina, KS is $17.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.53 and $18.51 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.

What cities near Salina, KS are hiring for Machine Operator jobs?

Cities near Salina, KS with the most Machine Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Machine Operator job openings in Salina, KS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Full Time, 54% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,953 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Machine Operator I

Schwans

Salina, KS โ€ข On-site

$18.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Starting Pay: $18.75 per hour
Additional $2.00 shift differential from 3 p.m. -- 6 a.m.
Shift: 2nd
Hours: 3:45 pm -2 am
Blast 2
What We Offer:
  • Weekly Friday pay
  • Earn up to 2 weeks paid time off your first year
  • 7 paid holidays and 2 personal days each year
  • Comprehensive Benefit Package, including:
    • 3 Health Plans
    • 2 Dental Plans
    • 2 Vision Plans
    • Immediately vesting 401k with up to 4% Company Match
    • Short- & Long-Term Disability Plans
    • Numerous company-paid benefits, including, financial planning, employee assistance program, life insurance, virtual physical therapy assistance, and caregiving support

If you are interested in joining a growing company with popular retail brands such as Red Baronยฎ, Tony'sยฎ, and Freschettaยฎ pizza; Mrs. Smith'sยฎ and Edwardsยฎ desserts; bibigoยฎ and Pagodaยฎ Asian-style snacks, this role is for you. This is a full-time position in a food manufacturing environment with opportunities for advancement!
What You Will Do:
  • Setting up and pre-running equipment to ensure proper production startup.
  • Controlling line speeds, batch formula, production rates, starting and stopping equipment, and overall product appearance and safety.
  • Completing various quality checks.
  • Completing all required paperwork (for example: downtime, HACCP, etc., utilizing SAP, SOPs, Safety operation, training, as appropriate).

What You Will Bring:
  • High school diploma or GED with 0--1 year of relevant experience preferred.
  • Must be at least 18 years old with the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. regularly.
  • Comfortable with physical labor in a fast-paced, production environment.
  • Be able to stand and walk on concrete floors for long periods and work in varying temperature conditions.
  • Flexible working overtime, weekends, and alternative shifts as needed.

CJ Schwan's and its employing subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, age, race, color, religion, gender, veteran status, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by law. Schwan's Company also provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities or based on a sincerely held religious belief, in accordance with applicable laws. If you need to inquire about an accommodation or need assistance with completing the application process, please email career.search@schwans.com.

Schwan's Home Delivery logo

About Schwan's Home Delivery

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Since 1952, we have been delivering delicious meal solutions for you to share with family and friends -- any time of the day and for any occasion. Some may know us for our ice cream but millions more choose us for our superior quality foods such as wild-caught seafood, USDA choice meats, flavorful fruits and vegetables and of course, decadent desserts. All 100% satisfaction guaranteed. And all frozen fresh and delivered to your door.

Industry

Food and drink manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Marshall, MN, US

Year founded

1952