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Operator Helper Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Pratt Industries

2nd Helper Operator

Henderson, KY · On-site

$19/hr

Maximize the utilization of equipment by operating the machinery at available capacity and speed. * Train and assist First and Second Helpers with job duties on the machine. * Cross-train on other ...

Pratt Industries

2nd Helper Operator

Henderson, KY · On-site

$19/hr

Maximize the utilization of equipment by operating the machinery at available capacity and speed. * Train and assist First and Second Helpers with job duties on the machine. * Cross-train on other ...

Aerotek

Production Helper

Covington, KY

$19.55/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Production Helper The Production Helper operates and tends assigned production line machines ... Follow all standard operating procedures, safety guidelines, and production instructions ...

Amcor

Production Helper

Danville, KY

$13.25 - $16.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We champion our customers and help them succeed. We play to win - adapting quickly in an ... Assists the operator during production and downtime to ensure continuous operation * Performs ...

Amcor plc

Production Helper

Danville, KY · On-site

$13.25 - $16.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We champion our customers and help them succeed. We play to win - adapting quickly in an ... Assists the operator during production and downtime to ensure continuous operation * Performs ...

Mister Sparky

Electrical helper

Louisville, KY · On-site

$15.50 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Company car * Dental insurance We need one electrical helper that has at least one year of ... Each franchise location is independently owned and operated by a franchisee. Your application will ...

Tom Drexler Plumbing

Plumbing Helper

Louisville, KY · On-site

Plumbing Helper Location: Louisville, KY Full-Time Compensation: $17-$20 About Us Tom Drexler ... One (1) year of general labor experience using manual and power-operated tools * High school ...

The Reserves Network Inc

2nd Shift Press Helper

Bardstown, KY

$19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Printing Press Helper | $ 1 9 /Hour | 2 :00pm - 10 :30 p m, Monday - Friday What Matters Most ... Willing to be trained to become an Assistant Press Operator * Must be able to pass a pre-employment ...

The Reserves Network Inc

3rd Shift Press Helper

Bardstown, KY

$19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Printing Press Helper | $ 1 9 /Hour | 10:00pm - 6 :30 a m, Sunday - Thursday What Matters Most ... Willing to be trained to become an Assistant Press Operator * Must be able to pass a pre-employment ...

Subcontractors

Helper

Carrollton, KY · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Rumpke is a family-owned and operated company that ranks as one of the largest firms in the waste ... Helpers assist drivers with providing safe, courteous, and complete waste removal for customers.

Rumpke

Helper

Carrollton, KY · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Rumpke is a family-owned and operated company that ranks as one of the largest firms in the waste ... Helpers assist drivers with providing safe, courteous, and complete waste removal for customers.

Rumpke Consolidated Companies

Helper

Carrollton, KY · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Rumpke is a family-owned and operated company that ranks as one of the largest firms in the waste ... Helpers assist drivers with providing safe, courteous, and complete waste removal for customers.

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsOperator Helper JobsOperator Helper Jobs in Kentucky

Operator Helper information

See Kentucky salary details

$10

$15

$19

How much do operator helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for operator helper in Kentucky is $15.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.62 and $16.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Operator jobs in Kentucky?

The most popular types of Operator jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Operator Helper jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Operator Helper job openings:

Operator Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operator Helper job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 48% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,516 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

2nd Helper Operator

Pratt Industries

Henderson, KY • On-site

$19/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Pratt Industries rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 108 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 120 rated packaging manufacturers

Job description

Starting Pay: $19.00+ per hour

SUMMARY

Responsible for all activities associated with running production machines including setup, operation, cleanup, and recommending improvements to operations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Monitor quality.
  • Maximize the utilization of equipment by operating the machinery at available capacity and speed.
  • Train and assist First and Second Helpers with job duties on the machine.
  • Cross-train on other machines.
  • Complete necessary reports in an accurate and timely manner, including but not limited to: Production Data, Machine Operational Status, Safety Data, Quality Data.
  • Turn in maintenance work orders to supervision for needed repairs. Be proactive in the maintenance of equipment.
  • Switch duties with First Helper as necessary.
  • Comply with all company policies and procedures, including safety and maintaining good housekeeping.
  • Adheres to production schedule. Makes recommendations for optimizing the schedule to meet cost, quality and service goals. Reports any unusual scheduling issues to Supervisor.
  • Additional duties may be assigned by management.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Strong desire to learn and grow in a state-of-the-art, fast-paced environment
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Eligible to work in the United States.
  • Successful completion of pre-employment background and drug screen.
  • Work overtime as required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or GED.

Candidates are PREFERRED who offer the following:

Prior work experience in the packaging industry.

6 months' experience in some type of manufacturing operation.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Able to read and follow instructions on factory masters.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Able to read a tape measure with speed and accuracy. Able to calculate figures and amounts such as percentages, measurement, volume and rate. Able to apply concepts of high school math.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or graphic form. Ability to deal with problems involving one or more concrete variables in standardized situations.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

May be required to maintain a current Lift Truck Operator License.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee may occasionally be required to sit. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 to 60 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Pratt is America's 5th largest corrugated packaging company and the world's largest, privately-held producer of 100% recycled containerboard, with more than 10,000 highly-skilled, green-collar employees dedicated to the environment and sustainability. Pratt was founded in the USA more than 30 years ago and, since then, has shown dramatic growth with sophisticated manufacturing facilities in more than 27 states.

Unpack your potential and grow with Pratt Industries - full-time year round jobs with a growing manufacturing company

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