1

Machine Shop Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Machine Shop Operator - 3rd Shift role offers a 32.5 hour work week with a $3.00/hour shift premium Hours are 10:00 PM - 5:00AM and will start Monday night and go until Saturday morning. Shift ...

The Machine Shop Operator - 3rd Shift role offers a 32.5 hour work week with a $3.00/hour shift premium. Hours are 10:00 PM - 5:00AM and will start Monday night and go until Saturday morning. Shift ...

$18 - $21/hr

The Machine Shop Operator is responsible for the set-up, production run, and general operations of the work cell. Processes and procedures employees are expected to follow are located in the Standard ...

Machine Shop

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$16.28/hr

Machine Operator Assistants Wanted at Sustainable Plastics Leader! Do you have strong attention to ... Description for Machine Shop: * Perform a variety of hands-on, repetitive manufacturing tasks to ...

Showing results 41-60

Machine Shop Operator information

See salary details

$12

$18

$23

How much do machine shop operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine shop operator in the United States is $18.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a machine shop operator?

Machine Shop Operators are skilled workers who set up, operate, and maintain machinery used to produce metal parts and tools in manufacturing settings. They read blueprints or technical drawings, select appropriate machine tools, and ensure products meet precise specifications. Their responsibilities may include monitoring machine operations, making adjustments, performing routine maintenance, and inspecting finished products for quality. Machine Shop Operators play a vital role in ensuring the efficiency and accuracy of manufacturing processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a machine shop operator?

To thrive as a Machine Shop Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, experience with machining techniques, and typically a high school diploma or vocational training in machining. Familiarity with CNC machines, manual lathes, milling machines, and knowledge of safety protocols and measurement tools like calipers and micrometers are essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help operators excel in precision work and teamwork. These skills are crucial to ensure high-quality production, minimize errors, and maintain a safe, efficient work environment.

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

Machine Shop Operators often face challenges such as maintaining precision under tight deadlines, handling a variety of complex machinery, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Staying organized and proactive with routine equipment maintenance helps prevent breakdowns and ensures productivity. Additionally, strong communication with team members and supervisors is vital to quickly resolve issues and maintain workflow. Continuous learning and staying updated with new technologies in machining can also help operators overcome evolving industry demands.

What is the difference between Machine Shop Operator vs Machinist?

AspectMachine Shop OperatorMachinist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certificationsHigh school diploma; technical training or certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing shops, factories, machine shopsMachine shops, manufacturing facilities, precision environments
Job FocusOperate and monitor machines, follow instructionsSet up, program, and operate complex machinery for precision parts

Machine Shop Operators typically handle machine operation and basic maintenance, while Machinists often perform more complex setup, programming, and precision work. Both roles are essential in manufacturing, but Machinists usually require more technical skills and training.

What qualifications do you need to work as a machine shop operator?

Machine shop operators typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may require technical training or an apprenticeship in machining or manufacturing. Familiarity with tools, precision measurement, and safety procedures is essential, and some positions may require certification in specific machining techniques or equipment operation.

What cities are hiring for Machine Shop Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Machine Shop Operator job openings:

What states have the most Machine Shop Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Machine Shop Operator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Machine Shop Operator jobs?

For Machine Shop Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Machine Shop Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 39% Full Time, 59% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,827 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Machine Shop Operator - 3rd Shift

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

Eaton
Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and Component Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

$23.40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago


Eaton rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 231 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Eaton's ES AMER ESS division is currently seeking a Machine Shop Operator - 3rd Shift. We are a leader in the design and production of critical power distribution products for many specific segments. The Machine Shop Operator - 3rd Shift role offers a 32.5 hour work week with a $3.00/hour shift premium

Hours are 10:00 PM - 5:00AM and will start Monday night and go until Saturday morning. Shift includes a 30-minute unpaid lunch break. Full Benefits and 401k plan is offered to you day one of employment.

The hourly rate for this position is $23.40 per hour. Shift premium of $3/hour and will train on 1st shift for a couple months. Please note the salary information shown above is a general guideline only

Salaries are based upon candidate skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. What you'll do: What you'll do: This position requires ability to make, install, and repair a wide variety of sheet-metal products. When fabricating a product, this individual selects a suitable sheet of material and lays out the work, following blueprints, sketches, work orders, or verbal instructions.

They locate and mark reference points, using shop mathematics, to calculate angles and curves. Next, they cut the flat material and shape it into a three-dimensional form, using hand and power-driven tolls and fabricating machines. In this function you will: Set up and run punch press, power shear, hydraulic, mechanical power break, EHRT machine, and other fabrication equipment.

Prepare metal parts, fixtures, and equipment for fabrication. Maintain sheet metal equipment Read drawings and sketches of work to be performed Operate light metalworking machines such as shears, brakes, punches, and drill presses to cut, bend, drill, shape, or straighten sheet metal. Fit and join sheet metal parts using riveter, welding, soldering, and similar equipment to fabricate products Grind and buff seams, joints, and rough surfaces Inspect product quality and installation to ensure conformance to specifications Print work orders, check revision levels, and print dispatch lists Move material using a forklift or pallet jack Qualifications: Required (Basic): Must be able to work in the United States without corporate sponsorship now and within the future No relocation benefit is being offered for this position.

Only candidates within a 50-mile radius of the work location will be considered. Active Duty Military Service member candidates are exempt from the geographical area limitation High School diploma or GED from an accredited institution 2+ years of applicable experience Experience with weld light, heavy gauge aluminum, stainless steel, brass work Skills: Ability to develop own stretch outs, shear cuts, and layout. Ability to read and understand written material, including production, and inspection materials Ability to meet specified production standards Ability to perform inspection of work performed to maintain quality standards Ability to lift up to 40 pounds Ability to stand for extended periods of time Good written and verbal communication skills Possess knowledge of basic math #IND123 #LI-KM1 #LI-RR2 We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees.

Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Eaton believes in second chance employment. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction history will be considered regardless of their arrest or conviction history, consistent with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the California Fair Chance Act and other local laws.

You do not need to disclose your conviction history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Eaton is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. To request a disability-related reasonable accommodation to assist you in your job search, application, or interview process, please call us at 1-800-836-6345 to discuss your specific need.

Only accommodation requests will be accepted by this phone number. We know that good benefit programs are important to employees and their families. Eaton provides various Health and Welfare benefits as well as Retirement benefits, and several programs that provide for paid and unpaid time away from work.

Click here for more detail: Eaton Benefits Overview. Please note that specific programs and options available to an employee may depend on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements. #IND123.


What Eaton employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Eaton logo

About Eaton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cleveland, OH, US