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Manufacturing Operator Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Wireform Operator

Katy, TX ยท On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Wireformer Operator Katy Spring & Mfg., Inc. Katy Spring is seeking a motivated Wireformer Operator to join our manufacturing 2nd shift team. This role involves operating wireforming equipment ...

Wireformer Operator Katy Spring & Mfg., Inc. Katy Spring is seeking a motivated Wireformer Operator to join our manufacturing 2nd shift team. This role involves operating wireforming equipment ...

Equipment Operator

Deer Park, TX ยท On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

Knowledge of equipment capabilities, operating limitations, load capacities, stability considerations, and manufacturer operating requirements applicable to assigned equipment. * Working knowledge of ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Sugar Land, TX ยท On-site

$65K - $84K/yr

Standex International is a global industrial growth company operating through our market-leading ... Our global manufacturing footprint spans the United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Germany ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Sugar Land, TX ยท On-site

$65K - $84K/yr

Standex International is a global industrial growth company operating through our market-leading ... Our global manufacturing footprint spans the United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Germany ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Sugar Land, TX ยท On-site

$65K - $84K/yr

Standex International is a global industrial growth company operating through our market-leading ... Our global manufacturing footprint spans the United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Germany ...

Showing results 21-40

Manufacturing Operator information

See Houston, TX salary details

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How much do manufacturing operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for manufacturing operator in Houston, TX is $18.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.06 and $19.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a manufacturing operator?

A manufacturing operator is in charge of production equipment before, during, and after manufacturing. As a manufacturing operator, your duties are to implement assembly, test and inspect for issues, operate during the production process, and ensure all safety procedures are followed. Your responsibilities also include handling the setup of materials and supplies, maintaining equipment in working condition, and cleaning and repairing when needed. You report any hazardous conditions immediately to your supervisor and perform regular checks to ensure the quality of products and a safe work environment. The job often requires handling heavy equipment and operating industrial vehicles.

What skills and qualifications are important for a manufacturing operator?

To thrive as a Manufacturing Operator, you need a solid understanding of production processes, machinery operation, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with tools such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), automated manufacturing systems, and quality control software is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure efficient production, minimize errors, and maintain a safe, high-quality manufacturing environment.

What are some common challenges faced by manufacturing operators, and how can they be managed?

Manufacturing Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent product quality, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and meeting tight production deadlines. To manage these challenges, operators are trained to follow strict safety and quality protocols, perform regular equipment checks, and communicate effectively with maintenance and quality assurance teams. Adaptability and attention to detail are key, as operators must respond quickly to issues and collaborate with colleagues to ensure smooth production flow. Proactively seeking feedback and staying updated on process improvements can also help operators succeed in the role.

What is the difference between Manufacturing Operator vs Production Technician?

AspectManufacturing OperatorProduction Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; technical or vocational training often preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, production lines, manufacturing plantsFactories, equipment maintenance areas, production lines
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing companies across various industriesManufacturing and industrial facilities, often in specialized sectors
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Manufacturing Operators primarily focus on operating machinery and ensuring production runs smoothly, often with minimal technical training. Production Technicians typically have more technical skills, including troubleshooting and maintenance, and may require additional certifications. Both roles are essential in manufacturing environments, but Production Technicians usually handle more complex tasks related to equipment upkeep and process improvements.

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Manufacturing Operator jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Manufacturing Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Manufacturing Operator job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,868 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Portfolio CEO Network: Industrial Chemicals Manufacturing

American Operator

Houston, TX โ€ข On-site

$130K - $190K/yr

Full-time

This job post hasย expired 1 day ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

ABOUT AMERICAN OPERATOR

American Operator exists to keep the American Dream alive through small-business ownership. We buy small businesses between $5M-$15M in revenue from retiring owners who want their life's work in the hands of leaders who care. We place in an experienced operator as CEO and over time, our CEOs follow a clear pathway to earn significant equity in the business they lead.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We’re actively interviewing CEO candidates for current and future acquisition opportunities. While timing varies by market and acquisition activity, selected candidates enter our CEO network and may be matched with opportunities as they become available.

We are looking for experienced operators who have led an industrial chemical manufacturing operation. This is an opportunity to partner with American Operator through the acquisition process, with the goal of stepping into a profitable, established business with a strong reputation, a loyal customer base, and an experienced team already in place. American Operator leads sourcing and due diligence, and the selected candidate will contribute industry insights during that process before stepping into the operating role post-close.

As CEO, you'll assume full responsibility for day-to-day operations and P&L performance. This is not a turnaround situation, it's an opportunity to build on a solid foundation set by the former owners. Your focus will be on developing and retaining a best-in-class sales force, driving customer acquisition and growth, and scaling the business to new products, customer segments and markets.

American Operator will be your partner from day one, providing strategic support, resources, and guidance while empowering you to lead independently. Most importantly, you'll have a clear path to earning significant equity ownership in the business you grow and lead.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

  • Grow the business with a focus on key performance metrics as you lead day-to-day plant operations

  • Develop and lead the production, quality, and sales team with a culture of high accountability and performance

  • Oversee production and dispensing processes with discipline on batch quality and size across a large product portfolio

  • Monitor sales, margin, and performance compared to budget to inform go-to-market strategy and pricing

  • Manage raw material procurement, plant capacity, and equipment upkeep

  • Maintain EPA product and facility registration and GHS labeling compliance across the product line

  • Partner with American Operator on strategy, budgeting, and growth planning

REQUIREMENTS

  • 7+ years of relevant industry experience, with at least 3 years of P&L ownership over a department or entire plant

  • Experience building high performance teams with accountability for hiring and performance improvement

  • Track record of leading successful LEAN process integrations into batch manufacturing businesses

  • Experience growing sales through a distribution network as a manufacturing rep

  • Direct experience in chemical manufacturing including, formulated products, paints and coatings, lubricants, and other products

  • Currently located in or a willingness to relocate to one of our target markets (Texas, Florida, Illinois, Ohio, or Pennsylvania)

WHAT SETS YOU APART

  • A track record of growth leading an outside sales team where you consistently exceeded targets

  • Stepped in as the new leader after an ownership or leadership transition and earned the trust of the existing production and formulation team

COMPENSATION

Base salary: $130,000–$190,000, plus performance-based bonus opportunities, distributions, and meaningful equity participation beginning at 10% ownership, with the potential to increase based on performance and value creation. Total compensation varies by portfolio company, individual performance, and deal structure, and includes a comprehensive benefits package.

LOCATION

Our target acquisition markets include Texas, Florida, Illinois, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Relocation will be required if you are not currently in or near the market of the opportunity.

Ready to lead the next chapter? Before you apply, we encourage you to visit americanoperator.com to learn more about who we are, how we work, and what our operators have to say about the experience. When you are ready, apply today to start the conversation.