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Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

CHANO AND SONS INC

Operator

Pulaski, TN

$14 - $15/hr

Operators complete a variety of maintenance, development and operations tasks that promote the efficient production of a manufacturing plant, construction site or other professional setting. Their ...

Sibelco

Operator

Ashland City, TN

$17.75 - $23.25/hr

Operator Location: Ashland City At Sibelco, we advance life through materials. For over 150 years, we've been a trusted leader in sourcing, transforming, and distributing specialty industrial ...

LANXESS

Operator

Memphis, TN · On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Monitor and operate equipment and facilities; including field equipment that insure quality and conformance with standard operating procedures. * Operates valves, pumps, compressors, blowers ...

stellajones

Operator

Memphis, TN

$17 - $22.25/hr

The Operator performs operational work related to loading/unloading tank trucks and railcars; bulk liquid transfer within the facility; performing basic tank, pipe and pumping system maintenance; and ...

Stella-Jones

Operator

Memphis, TN · On-site

$17 - $22.25/hr

The Operator performs operational work related to loading/unloading tank trucks and railcars; bulk liquid transfer within the facility; performing basic tank, pipe and pumping system maintenance; and ...

Garney Construction

Backfill Operator

Nashville, TN · On-site

$17 - $22.25/hr

GARNEY A Backfill Operator job is available at Garney. To be considered for this position you must have previous construction experience. As a Backfill Operator , you will operate machinery to ...

Garney Construction

Backfill Operator

Nashville, TN

$17 - $22.25/hr

GARNEY A Backfill Operator job is available at Garney. To be considered for this position you must have previous construction experience. As a Backfill Operator , you will operate machinery to ...

American Operator

Portfolio CEO: Landscaping

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$130K - $190K/yr

ABOUT AMERICAN OPERATOR American Operator exists to keep the American Dream alive through small‑business leadership and ownership. We place experienced operators into businesses of retiring owners ...

Veolia

Operator I

Gatlinburg, TN

$16.50 - $21.75/hr

The Operator I maintains water/wastewater treatment, processing, disposal and testing equipment in water/wastewater treatment facilities to purify water to meet permit and operational requirements.

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsOperator JobsOperator Jobs in Tennessee

Operator information

See Tennessee salary details

$9

$18

$26

How much do operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for operator in Tennessee is $18.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.29 and $20.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an operator's job salary?

An operator's salary varies depending on the industry, location, and experience, but typically ranges from $30,000 to $70,000 annually. Skilled operators who work with specialized equipment or hold certifications may earn higher wages and additional benefits. Salary can also be influenced by shift work, union membership, and company size.

What are some common challenges faced by Operators in a manufacturing environment and how can they be addressed?

Operators in manufacturing often face challenges such as maintaining consistent product quality, managing machine downtime, and adhering to strict safety protocols. To address these issues, operators must stay vigilant with regular equipment checks, promptly report malfunctions, and follow established standard operating procedures. Continuous training and collaboration with maintenance and quality teams also help operators quickly resolve issues and improve overall efficiency.

What are Operators?

Operators are professionals who control and monitor machinery, equipment, or production processes in various industries, such as manufacturing, utilities, and transportation. Their main responsibilities include ensuring the smooth operation of machines, conducting regular inspections, troubleshooting issues, and maintaining safety standards. Operators may work with highly specialized machinery or more general equipment, depending on the industry. They play a crucial role in keeping production lines running efficiently and safely.

What jobs pay $700 a day?

Operator jobs that can pay $700 a day typically include specialized roles such as heavy equipment operators, crane operators, or industrial machinery operators, often requiring certifications and experience. These positions are usually found in construction, manufacturing, or energy sectors and may involve overtime or shift work to reach higher daily earnings.

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

To thrive as an Operator, strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent are typically required. Familiarity with machinery, control systems, and safety protocols, as well as certifications such as OSHA or equipment-specific licenses, are often necessary. Dependability, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help Operators excel in dynamic and safety-conscious environments. These skills ensure efficient, safe operations and minimize downtime in manufacturing or industrial settings.

What is the job of an operator?

An operator is responsible for controlling and monitoring machinery, equipment, or systems in various industries such as manufacturing, transportation, or utilities. They perform tasks like starting, stopping, adjusting, and troubleshooting equipment, often requiring technical skills and safety training. Operators ensure smooth operation and may use tools like control panels or computer systems to perform their duties.

What is the difference between Operator vs Technician?

AspectOperatorTechnician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; technical certification or associate degree often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, factories, or industrial sitesMaintenance workshops, repair facilities, or industrial settings
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, production, and industrial sectorsMaintenance, repair, and technical support roles in similar industries
Common Search & ComparisonOften searched with similar operational rolesCompared for technical skills and troubleshooting abilities

In summary, Operators primarily focus on running machinery and ensuring production processes run smoothly, often with minimal technical training. Technicians, on the other hand, typically have more technical skills, perform maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs. Both roles are essential in industrial settings but differ in their responsibilities and required credentials.

What Is the Job Description for an Operator?

There are many kinds of operators, but generally, the duties for this position entail working with various types of machinery to produce goods and make repairs when necessary. On-the-job training is very common. Aside from a high school degree or GED certificate, there are not many educational requirements, unless you are looking for an advanced position. However, many employers expect you to have completed an apprenticeship, which is the best way to gain experience and hone the necessary skills. The ability to focus closely on your work is critical while operating hazardous equipment. Other qualifications include hand-eye coordination, a steady hand, and mechanical aptitude.

What operator makes the most money?

In the operator job field, specialized roles such as nuclear power plant operators and airline pilots tend to have the highest salaries due to the technical skills and certifications required. These positions often require extensive training, licensing, and experience, which contribute to their higher earning potential compared to other operator roles.
More about Operator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Operator jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Operator jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Operator jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Operator jobs in TN? For Operator jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operator job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,882 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Operator

CHANO AND SONS INC

Pulaski, TN

$14 - $15/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Operators complete a variety of maintenance, development and operations tasks that promote the efficient production of a manufacturing plant, construction site or other professional setting. Their duties and responsibilities often include:

Monitoring and maintaining warehouse equipment and machinery
Setting up manufacturing equipment
Overseeing training of new or Junior Machine Operators
Using machine equipment to complete tasks
Performing routine inspections of manufacturing equipment
Evaluating the efficiency of each unit regularly, identifying improvements as needed

  • Experience in manufacturing

  • Ability to read and interpret work instructions, specifications, and technical documents

  • Basic mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills

  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality

  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team

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