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Operator Helper Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

5T Management

SEIU Local 1 Helper A (5TMSP)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.75 - $21.75/hr

We operate with an owner-operator mindset: every community we manage is treated with the same care ... About the Role The Helper A supports building operations and janitorial services at an assigned CHA ...

5T Management

SEIU Local 1 Helper C (5TMSP)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.25 - $18.50/hr

We operate with an owner-operator mindset: every community we manage is treated with the same care ... About the Role The Helper C supports on-site janitorial operations at an assigned CHA community.

Reside Living

Maintenance Helper A - Local 1

Chicago, IL · On-site

$27.23/hr

Maintenance Helper A (Local 1) * Benefits are through Local 1 Union and the hourly pay for this ... Operating snow removal machines, etc.). * Complete resident service requests within specified ...

Waste Connections

Laborer Helper

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$20/hr

In this position you will be occasionally operating and moving equipment such as forklifts, skid steers, compactors, and other light equipment. * Helping out throughout the yard as needed and ...

Greystar

Union Helper A- 1001 S. State

Chicago, IL · On-site

$27.23 - $28/hr

Union Helper A- 1001 S. State Full time Chicago, Illinois Apply Now Save Job Job saved ABOUT ... Greystar is the largest operator of apartments in the United States, managing over one million ...

Eco Material Technologies Inc

Operator

Marissa, IL · On-site

$24/hr

JOB SUMMARY Operators are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of plant equipment and ... Promote safe work habits to help create a zero-injury safety culture * Attends regular safety ...

Sotera Health

Operator

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$21.50/hr

... help to ensure the safety of millions of patients and healthcare practitioners around the world ... Operator is responsible for coordinating all activities on the conveyor by organizing the work ...

Sotera Health

Operator

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$21.50/hr

... help to ensure the safety of millions of patients and healthcare practitioners around the world ... Operator is responsible for coordinating all activities on the conveyor by organizing the work ...

Eco Material Technologies Inc

Operator

Marissa, IL · On-site

$24/hr

JOB SUMMARY Operators are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of plant equipment and ... Promote safe work habits to help create a zero-injury safety culture * Attends regular safety ...

Kelly

Be Seen First

Forklift Operator

Joliet, IL · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

... Operator with experience operating warehouse equipment such as Reach Trucks, Sit-Down Forklifts ... We'll help you find what's next.

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsOperator Helper JobsOperator Helper Jobs in Illinois

Operator Helper information

See Illinois salary details

$11

$17

$21

How much do operator helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for operator helper in Illinois is $17.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.30 and $18.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Operator Helper vs Equipment Operator?

AspectOperator HelperEquipment Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, factories, or industrial settings assisting equipment operatorsConstruction sites, factories, or industrial settings operating heavy machinery
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across construction, manufacturing, and industrial sectors as support staffUsed in similar sectors but with responsibility for operating machinery
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level support roles in machinery operationLearning about operating heavy equipment and related roles

The main difference between an Operator Helper and an Equipment Operator is that the Helper assists with supporting tasks and does not operate heavy machinery independently, while the Equipment Operator is responsible for operating and controlling machinery directly. Both roles are essential in industrial and construction environments, but they differ in responsibilities and skill requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operator helper, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operator Helper, you need a basic understanding of machinery operation, safety protocols, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial equipment, hand tools, and sometimes forklift certification are commonly required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and reliability are crucial soft skills for supporting operators and maintaining a safe work environment. These abilities ensure smooth production processes, minimize downtime, and contribute to overall workplace safety and efficiency.

What is an operator helper?

Operator Helpers assist machine operators, technicians, or skilled workers in manufacturing, construction, or production environments. Their duties often include preparing materials, maintaining equipment, cleaning work areas, and helping ensure smooth operation of machinery. They play a vital role in supporting workflow, reducing downtime, and keeping the workplace safe and efficient. Operator Helpers typically work under direct supervision and may advance to more specialized roles with experience.

What are some common challenges operator helpers face on the job, and how can they overcome them?

Operator Helpers often encounter challenges such as adapting to fast-paced environments, maintaining safety standards, and learning to operate different types of machinery. To overcome these challenges, it's important to be proactive in communicating with team members, strictly follow safety protocols, and seek out on-the-job training opportunities. Building strong relationships with experienced operators can also help new Operator Helpers gain valuable insights and hands-on experience, making it easier to navigate daily responsibilities and advance within the team.
What are the most commonly searched types of Operator jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Operator jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Operator Helper jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Operator Helper job openings:
Operator Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operator Helper job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,279 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

General Helpers 3rd shift

International Paper Company

Des Plaines, IL • On-site

$19.52/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

International Paper rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 292 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

294th of 536 rated manufacturers

Job description


Position Title:
General Helper - New Hire
Pay Rate:
$19.52/hr plus $.26 shift differential.
Category/Shift:
Hourly Full-Time - 3rd Shift 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Physical Location:
100 E. Oakton St
Des Plaines, IL 60018
The Job You Will Perform:
Our General Helpers are utilized to assist operators with machine operations. General Helpers will receive hands on training and obtain ongoing learning opportunities to become qualified Operators. You will be required to commit to 8-12 hr. shifts, have no attendance issues, work safely, understand work orders and machine instructions, complete quality checks, maintain machine cleanliness, and do various housekeeping tasks to ensure the work area is clean and safe. Additionally, you monitor and decrease waste and be challenged with meeting company production goals. If you love variety, adapt easily, and enjoy physical, hands on work please apply NOW!
The Skills You Will Bring:
  • A knowledge of safe work practices
  • Basic math skills to include an understanding of various measurements, ie: the ability to read a tape measure
  • An eye for detail
  • An ability to read, review, and understand work orders
  • The ability to work as part of a team to achieve goals
  • Mechanically inclined (nice to have)

What International Paper employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

International Paper logo

About International Paper

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

International Paper is a leading global supplier of renewable fiber-based products. We produce corrugated packaging products that protect and promote goods, and enable worldwide commerce, and pulp for diapers, tissue and other personal care products that promote health and wellness. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 38,000 colleagues globally. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2021 were $19.4 billion.

Industry

Paper manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Memphis, TN, US

Year founded

1898

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