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Night Shift Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

3rd Shift Operator

Paris, TN · On-site

$17.25/hr

Production Operator Are you mechanically inclined? Like working with your hands? Want to be part of ... OT Thurs night-Sun 7:30 PM-5:00 AM 12-hr shifts may be required: 6:30-6:30 (day/night)

Night Shift Forklift Operator

Alcoa, TN · On-site

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

MARS Solutions Group is looking for an experienced Night Shift Forklift Operator located in Alcoa, TN . Our client is a Food industry leader looking for high-quality talent to make a difference. They ...

Night Shift Machine Operator

Humboldt, TN · On-site

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

Bongards' Creameries is seeking a Night Shift Machine Operator at our Humboldt facility. This position is focused on operating cheese making equipment on a rotational basis with the goal of a ...

Machine Operator - Night Shift

Rockwood, TN · On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

Machine Operator - Night Shift Architectural Products Group Rockwood, Tennessee, United States Job ID: 527814 Oldcastle, a CRH company, is reinventing what's possible in building solutions. We are ...

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Night Shift Operator information

See Tennessee salary details

$11

$18

$27

How much do night shift operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for night shift operator in Tennessee is $18.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.48 and $20.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a night shift operator?

Night shift operators are employees responsible for overseeing the operation of machinery, equipment, or facilities during nighttime hours. Their duties often include monitoring systems, troubleshooting issues, performing routine maintenance, and ensuring production or service continues smoothly overnight. Night shift operators are essential in industries that require 24/7 operation, such as manufacturing, utilities, or transportation. They must be attentive, able to work independently, and comfortable working non-traditional hours.

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

To thrive as a Night Shift Operator, you need a solid understanding of machinery operation, basic troubleshooting skills, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with manufacturing control systems, safety protocols, and, in some cases, certifications like OSHA training are typically required. Strong attention to detail, reliability, and the ability to work independently are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe and efficient operations during off-hours, minimizing downtime and maintaining production quality.

What are the most common challenges faced by night shift operators, and how can they be managed?

Night shift operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining alertness during late hours, managing sleep schedules, and ensuring effective communication with day shift teams. To address these, it’s important to establish consistent sleep routines, use strategic lighting at work, and utilize handover notes or digital logs to facilitate seamless shift transitions. Building a supportive relationship with team members and supervisors also helps in addressing any operational or personal issues that arise during off-hours.

What is the difference between Night Shift Operator vs Machine Operator?

AspectNight Shift OperatorMachine Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety certificationsHigh school diploma, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, factories during night hoursFactories, production lines, often during day or night shifts
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, industrial sectorsCommon in manufacturing, industrial sectors
Job FocusMonitoring, controlling equipment during night shiftsOperating machinery, ensuring production runs smoothly

Both roles require similar certifications and are found in manufacturing environments. The main difference lies in their focus: Night Shift Operators oversee equipment during night hours, while Machine Operators actively run machinery during various shifts. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers find the right role based on shift preferences and responsibilities.

What's the best night shift operator job?

The best night shift operator jobs are typically in industries like manufacturing, transportation, or utilities, where 24-hour operations are common. These roles often require technical skills, attention to safety protocols, and the ability to work independently during overnight hours. Factors such as pay, benefits, and work environment can also influence job quality and satisfaction.

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Night Shift Operator jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Night Shift Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Night Shift Operator job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,398 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

3rd Shift Operator

P M L Inc

Paris, TN • On-site

$17.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Production Operator 

Are you mechanically inclined? Like working with your hands? Want to be part of a team that makes things happen every single day?

We’re looking for Production Team Members to join our manufacturing team across several departments. If you enjoy staying busy, working with equipment, and taking pride in quality work — this could be a great fit for you.


What You’ll Be Doing
  • Operating production equipment safely and efficiently (presses, extrusion lines, and other machinery)
  • Loading materials and handling finished parts
  • Inspecting parts to ensure they meet quality standards
  • Trimming, finishing, labeling, and packing products as required
  • Performing visual and/or measured inspections using basic tools
  • Completing production and inspection paperwork
  • Reporting equipment, safety, or quality concerns
  • Assisting with basic machine maintenance as trained
  • Keeping work areas clean and organized (5S mindset)

You’ll play a key role in ensuring our customers receive top-quality parts!


Safety Comes First
  • Wear required PPE at all times
  • Follow Lockout/Tagout procedures
  • Never bypass machine guards or safety devices
  • Maintain a clean and organized work area
  • Speak up about hazards or concerns — we support STOP–CALL–WAIT

What It Takes
  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Ability to lift up to 40 lbs. frequently
  • Comfortable standing and walking up to 12 hour shifts
  • Willingness to bend, reach, and stay active throughout the shift
  • Mechanically inclined and detail-oriented
  • Team player with a strong work ethic
  • Reliable attendance
  • Ability to work overtime as needed

Why Join Us?
  • Hands-on work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
  • Team-oriented atmosphere
  • Opportunity to learn multiple departments and grow your skills
  • Be part of making a real product — not just pushing papers

Additional Information

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening and background check, as applicable.


3rd Shift: Sun night–Thurs 9:00 PM–6:30 AM; OT Thurs night–Sun 7:30 PM–5:00 AM
12-hr shifts may be required: 6:30–6:30 (day/night)