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Operator Operator Jobs in Cleveland, OH (NOW HIRING)

Aerotek

Index Operator

Valley City, OH

$23 - $30/hr

Index Operator We are seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Index Machine Operator to join our manufacturing team. In this role, you will be responsible for operating and maintaining high-precision ...

Thomas Employment

Acme Operator

Willoughby, OH

$25 - $27/hr

Manufacturing company located in Euclid, Ohio looking for 1st shift Acme operator. Company has been in business for 80+ yrs. Prefer 3+ yrs. experience. Must have a working knowledge of tooling and ...

Surge Staffing

Plastics Operator

Medina, OH · On-site

Job Summary Are you a dependable Plastics Operator with machine operator experience? We are seeking reliable individuals to join our production team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. If you ...

Surge LLC

Crane Operator

Strongsville, OH · On-site

Crane Operator We are seeking an experienced Crane Operator to join our growing team. The ideal candidate will have experience safely operating overhead cranes to load and unload steel coils while ...

Surge Staffing

Crane Operator

Brunswick, OH · On-site

$23/hr

Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Crane Operator to join our growing team. The ideal candidate will have experience safely operating overhead cranes to load and unload steel coils while ...

Idaho Pacific Holdings

Drum Operator

Richfield, OH · On-site

$16.50 - $19.75/hr

The Drum Operator's main function involves running a potato-dehydrating drum. The Drum Operator must always consider product quality and work towards producing a consistent product based on customer ...

Lubrizol Corporation

Chemical Operator

Painesville, OH

$16.75 - $19.25/hr

The Chemical Operator will execute and contribute to the unit work activity task list. In this role you'll: * Performs rounds & field quality testing to check process equipment, product quality, and ...

Lubrizol Corporation

Chemical Operator

Painesville, OH · On-site

$16.75 - $19.25/hr

The Chemical Operator will execute and contribute to the unit work activity task list. In this role you'll: * Performs rounds & field quality testing to check process equipment, product quality, and ...

Private Company

Be Seen First

Machine Operator

Mentor, OH · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

Looking for 1st, 2nd and 3rd shift Operators! Looking for "I can fix anything" type of people. 2nd Shift Machine Operators. Must have prior (personal or professional machine repair experience). Prior ...

K-1 Speed Inc

Track Operator

Avon, OH · On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

As a Track Operator , you will be at the core of the day to day operations, leading and guiding our customers to a fun, safe karting experience. Is this you? Duties and Responsibilities * Provide ...

Impact Employment Solutions

Machine Operator

Solon, OH · On-site

$16/hr

Machine Operator Solon, Ohio Hours: 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Thursday Overtime: Mandatory overtime on Friday when scheduled Pay: $16 per hour - Paid Weekly We are seeking a reliable and ...

DHL

Forklift Operator

Streetsboro, OH · On-site

$20.25/hr

Forklift Operator Shift: 3rd Shift Hours: 10pm-6am Days: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday. Wednesday and Friday Pay: $20.25 per hour plus $1.50 Shift Differential plus $2.50 Freezer premium Required ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsOperator Operator JobsOperator Operator Jobs in Cleveland, OH

Operator Operator information

See Cleveland, OH salary details

$10

$19

$28

How much do operator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for operator operator in Cleveland, OH is $19.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.30 and $21.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do operators make?

Operators' salaries vary depending on the industry, experience, and location, but the median annual wage for equipment operators in the United States was around $48,000 as of 2022. Skilled operators with certifications or specialized training can earn higher wages, and some may work overtime or night shifts that increase their earnings.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an operator operator?

To thrive as an Operator, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, mechanical aptitude, and familiarity with standard operating procedures for machinery or equipment. Experience with industry-specific tools, safety certifications, and systems such as SCADA or PLCs is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong teamwork skills make an Operator stand out. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable operation of equipment in industrial or manufacturing environments.

What does an operator operator do?

An Operator Operator usually monitors and controls machinery or equipment, ensuring smooth and efficient production processes. Daily tasks include inspecting equipment for proper functioning, recording data, troubleshooting minor issues, and adhering to safety protocols. One of the common challenges is responding quickly to unexpected malfunctions or process deviations, which requires strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail. Operators often work as part of a team, coordinating with supervisors, maintenance staff, and quality control to maintain productivity and safety standards.

What is the difference between Operator Operator vs Machine Operator?

AspectOperator OperatorMachine Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, technical certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilitiesFactories, construction sites, manufacturing plants
Industry UsageCommon in various manufacturing sectorsCommon in manufacturing, construction, and production industries
Comparison Search IntentYesYes

Operator Operator and Machine Operator roles share similarities in work environment and industry usage, often requiring similar credentials. However, Operator Operator may involve overseeing multiple machines or processes, while Machine Operators typically focus on operating specific equipment. Both roles are essential in manufacturing and industrial settings, with overlapping skills and responsibilities.

What does operator mean for a job?

An operator is a worker responsible for operating machinery, equipment, or systems in various industries such as manufacturing, construction, or transportation. The role typically requires technical skills, safety training, and sometimes certifications, and involves monitoring, controlling, and maintaining equipment to ensure efficient operation.

What is an operator operator?

An Operator Operator is typically responsible for monitoring and controlling machines, equipment, or systems in various industries, such as manufacturing, utilities, or transportation. Their duties often include starting and stopping machinery, observing gauges and meters, performing routine maintenance, and troubleshooting issues to ensure efficient and safe operations. Operators must follow strict safety protocols and may be required to maintain records of operations and report any anomalies. The specific responsibilities can vary depending on the industry and the type of equipment involved.

Which operator operator job pays the most?

Among operator roles, heavy equipment operators, such as crane or bulldozer operators, tend to have the highest salaries due to the specialized skills and certifications required. Industrial machine operators and control room operators in energy or manufacturing sectors also earn higher wages, especially with experience and relevant certifications. Salary levels vary based on industry, location, and experience, but these roles generally offer the highest pay within the operator job category.

What are popular job titles related to Operator Operator jobs in Cleveland, OH?

For Operator Operator jobs in Cleveland, OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Operator Operator jobs in Cleveland, OH look for?

The top searched job categories for Operator Operator jobs in Cleveland, OH are:

What cities near Cleveland, OH are hiring for Operator Operator jobs?

Cities near Cleveland, OH with the most Operator Operator job openings:

Operator Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operator Operator job openings in Cleveland, OH as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,479 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Portfolio CEO Network: Powder Coating Shop

American Operator

Cleveland, OH • On-site

$130K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

ABOUT AMERICAN OPERATOR

American Operator exists to keep the American Dream alive through small-business leadership and 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 a powder coating 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 team, including line leads and applicators, with a culture of high accountability and performance

  • Oversee production on the finishing line (pretreatment, booths, and cure ovens) with discipline on throughput, quality, and on-time delivery

  • Build upon existing customer relationships and grow into new end markets to reduce industry concentration

  • Own company compliance for hazardous waste, and other regulations

  • Manage equipment upkeep and capex

  • 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 team hourly team with accountability for hiring and performance improvement

  • You have led operations with a focus on batch production runs on tight timelines

  • Track record of profitably growing sales for job shops that rely on reputation and service quality

  • Direct experience within powder coating, liquid paint, metal finishing, and metal fabrication.

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

WHAT SETS YOU APART

  • Owned responsibility for the compliance and record-keeping that comes with a permitted facility (air permits, VOC logs, hazardous waste)

  • Diversified a customer base across end markets to reduce concentration, and you bring direct powder coating, liquid paint, or metal-finishing experience as a strong plus

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 Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin. 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.