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Machinery Operator Jobs in Champaign, IL (NOW HIRING)

CKS Packaging

Machine Operator

Urbana, IL · On-site

$18/hr

1st, 2nd, and 3rd Shift Machine Operators Needed- Urbana, IL (Please note if you are viewing this posting on an external job board, unless specifically stated in the posting, the provided hourly ...

CKS Packaging

Machine Operator

Urbana, IL · On-site

$18/hr

1st, 2nd, and 3rd Shift Machine Operators Needed- Urbana, IL (Please note if you are viewing this posting on an external job board, unless specifically stated in the posting, the provided hourly ...

PlastiPak

Machine Operator - Night Shift

Champaign, IL · On-site

$19.50/hr

Joining us as a Machine Operator is a great way to get started with Plastipak. Shift: Nights 6:45pm - 7:15 am * Standard rotating schedule of 3 days on, 2 days off, 2 days on, 3 days off * Includes 2 ...

Harbrand LeRoy Fertilizer Services

Be Seen First

Equipment Operator

Le Roy, IL · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

Reporting to the Location Manager, this role involves operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting heavy machinery essential to daily operations. The successful candidate will support smooth equipment ...

PlastiPak

Advanced Operator - Night Shift

Champaign, IL · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Minimum of 1 year of experience operating manufacturing machines & equipment. * Excellent ... mechanical skills, exhibited by related mechanical experience * Hydraulics, pneumatics & electrical ...

Paul's Machine & Welding

Crane Operator

Villa Grove, IL · On-site

Crane Operator We are seeking a skilled and safety-conscious Millwright Crane Operator to join our ... PAUL'S Machine and Welding Corp is an Equal Opportunity Employer that prohibits discrimination or ...

H3 Manufacturing Group

CNC Mill Machinist

Champaign, IL · On-site

$26 - $31/hr

Our CNC Operators are responsible for independently operating and performing routine setups on CNC machines to produce precision components that meet customer specifications. This position requires 1 ...

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All JobsMachinery Operator JobsMachinery Operator Jobs in Champaign, IL

Machinery Operator information

See Champaign, IL salary details

$12

$18

$23

How much do machinery operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for machinery operator in Champaign, IL is $18.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a machinery operator?

A Machinery Operator is a skilled worker responsible for operating and managing heavy machinery or equipment in industries such as manufacturing, construction, or agriculture. Their duties include setting up machines, monitoring operations, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring equipment runs safely and efficiently. Machinery Operators must follow safety protocols and may also be responsible for routine maintenance and quality checks. Good mechanical aptitude and attention to detail are essential for this role.

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

To thrive as a Machinery Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with specific machinery, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications like OSHA training are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication help operators respond quickly to issues and maintain productivity. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, efficient machine operation and minimize downtime or accidents in industrial settings.

What are some common challenges machinery operators face in maintaining equipment efficiency, and how can they address them?

Machinery Operators often encounter challenges such as unexpected equipment breakdowns, routine wear and tear, and the need to quickly adapt to new technologies. To address these issues, operators should follow scheduled maintenance procedures, stay up-to-date with equipment manuals and training, and communicate promptly with maintenance teams about any irregularities. Proactively identifying minor issues before they escalate can minimize downtime and ensure a smooth workflow.

What is the difference between Machinery Operator vs Equipment Operator?

AspectMachinery OperatorEquipment Operator
CredentialsTypically requires machinery-specific certifications or licensesOften requires general equipment operation certifications
Work EnvironmentWorks with heavy machinery like bulldozers, cranes, or excavatorsOperates various construction or industrial equipment
Industry UsageCommon in construction, mining, manufacturingCommon in construction, transportation, logistics

Machinery Operators and Equipment Operators often share similar certifications and work environments, but Machinery Operators usually handle specific heavy machinery, while Equipment Operators may operate a broader range of equipment across industries.

How much do you get paid as a machinery operator?

Machinery operators typically earn an average annual salary ranging from $40,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in operating heavy equipment or specialized machinery can earn higher wages, often supplemented by overtime or shift differentials.

What cities near Champaign, IL are hiring for Machinery Operator jobs?

Cities near Champaign, IL with the most Machinery Operator job openings:

Machinery Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Machinery Operator job openings in Champaign, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 41% Full Time, 57% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,882 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Machine Operator

CKS Packaging

Urbana, IL • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time, Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

CKS Packaging rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

103rd of 122 rated packaging manufacturers

Job description

1st, 2nd, and 3rd Shift Machine Operators Needed- Urbana, IL

(Please note if you are viewing this posting on an external job board, unless specifically stated in the posting, the provided hourly/salary estimates may not be accurate as they are not provided by CKS.)

What’s In it for You?

  • Stable, growing organization with opportunity for future advancement of qualified candidates
  • Competitive pay based on experience and qualifications
  • Paid vacation, sick days, and bonus after eligibility period met
  • Excellent medical, dental, and vision benefits at modest employee contributions
  • 401k participation with Company matching contributions upon completion of first 30 days of service

Responsibilities

  • Ensure that production equipment is operating to optimum efficiency
  • Start and stop production equipment as needed
  • Maintain operation excellence standards of housekeeping- sweeping, mopping, wiping down equipment when necessary
  • Troubleshoot and repair processing issues
  • Assist in changeovers as needed
  • Monitor finished product flow and be able to clear jams and resume process flow as needed
  • Monitor and maintain material levels
  • Assist utility and packaging employees and assist in giving breaks as needed
  • Actively involved in the coordination and completion of progressive training required to advance to the next level
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

  • Demonstrate mechanical skills
  • Demonstrate knowledge of hand tools
  • Possess the required tools to successfully perform job duties
  • Demonstrate ability to properly startup and shut down blow molding machines
  • Posses basic processing skills
  • Demonstrate working knowledge of computer and touch screen operation

1st Shift: Monday 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Tuesday–Friday 7:45 AM – 4:00 PM
2nd Shift: 3:45 PM – 12:00 AM
3rd Shift: 11:45 PM – 8:00 AM

What CKS Packaging employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

CKS Packaging logo

About CKS Packaging

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Plastics packaging film and sheet (including laminated) manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Atlanta, GA, US

Year founded

1985

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