Machine Operator
$31.38/hr
Machine Operator / Chemical Operator Pay: $24.63 /hr starting Location: Clackamas, OR Job ... paper mill, foundry) or technical machine operation experience. * Ability to train on day shift ...
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Machine Operator
$31.38/hr
Machine Operator / Chemical Operator Pay: $24.63 /hr starting Location: Clackamas, OR Job ... paper mill, foundry) or technical machine operation experience. * Ability to train on day shift ...
Paper Mill Operator information
See Portland, OR salary details
$14.79 - $16.15
5% of jobs
$16.15 - $17.52
16% of jobs
$17.79 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$17.52 - $18.89
19% of jobs
The median wage is $19.77 / hr.
$18.89 - $20.26
15% of jobs
$20.26 - $21.62
12% of jobs
$22.76 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$21.62 - $22.99
10% of jobs
$22.99 - $24.36
6% of jobs
$24.36 - $25.72
3% of jobs
$25.72 - $27.09
4% of jobs
$27.09 - $28.46
7% of jobs
$28.46 - $29.83
2% of jobs
$14
$21
$29
How much do paper mill operator jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for paper mill operator in Portland, OR is $21.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.84 and $23.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is the difference between Paper Mill Operator vs Paper Machine Tender?
| Aspect | Paper Mill Operator | Paper Machine Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | High school diploma or equivalent; technical training often preferred | High school diploma; technical training or certification beneficial |
| Work Environment | Manufacturing plant, operating machinery in a paper mill | Same manufacturing plant, focusing on operating and monitoring paper machines |
| Job Responsibilities | Operating paper production equipment, monitoring quality, maintaining machinery | Adjusting machine settings, troubleshooting, ensuring continuous paper production |
Both roles work within paper manufacturing plants, requiring technical skills and machinery operation. While Paper Mill Operators oversee overall production and quality, Paper Machine Tenders focus more on operating and fine-tuning paper machines during production. The roles are closely related, often overlapping, but differ slightly in scope and specific duties.
What are some common challenges paper mill operators face during their shifts, and how can they effectively address them?
Paper Mill Operators often encounter challenges such as machine malfunctions, maintaining consistent product quality, and managing tight production schedules. To address these issues, operators are trained to troubleshoot equipment quickly, follow strict safety and maintenance protocols, and communicate effectively with team members and supervisors. Staying vigilant and proactive, as well as participating in ongoing training, helps operators adapt to changing production demands and minimize downtime.
What does a paper mill operator do?
A Paper Mill Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining the machinery used to produce paper products in a manufacturing facility. Their duties include monitoring equipment, adjusting controls, inspecting finished products for quality, and troubleshooting any issues that arise during production. Operators must ensure that safety and environmental regulations are followed while keeping the production process running smoothly. They may also handle raw materials, keep detailed records, and perform basic maintenance on equipment.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a paper mill operator?
To thrive as a Paper Mill Operator, you need a solid understanding of manufacturing processes, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial machinery, computerized control systems, and safety certifications such as OSHA training are often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications ensure efficient production, minimize downtime, and maintain a safe working environment in the mill.
What are popular job titles related to Paper Mill Operator jobs in Portland, OR? For Paper Mill Operator jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Paper Mill Operator jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Paper Mill Operator jobs in Portland, OR are:
$31.38/hr
Contractor
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO
Re-posted 5 days ago
Job description
Machine Operator / Chemical Operator
Pay: $24.63 /hr starting
Location: Clackamas, OR
Job Responsibilities:
- Operate and monitor industrial equipment involved in manufacturing processes.
- Assist with mixing, processing, and manufacturing chemicals.
- Unload chemicals from tanker trucks and rail cars by connecting hoses and pumping materials into storage tanks.
- Route base chemicals through piping systems to mixing tanks and fill tanks per production specifications.
- Create new chemical batches by mixing chemicals in automated mixing tanks.
- Transport, route, and mix chemicals using computerized control systems.
- Monitor automated production systems from a control room environment.
- Manually add chemicals to mixing tanks when required.
- Test batch samples to ensure quality standards are met.
- Monitor, unload, and operate machinery safely and efficiently.
- Adhere strictly to all safety procedures and protocols; wear a respirator when working in close proximity to chemicals (approximately 20–30% of the shift, typically worn for 10–30 minutes at a time).
Qualifications:
- Must have prior experience working in industrial or manufacturing environments.
- Comfortable with repetitive tasks and following detailed procedures.
- Chemical manufacturing experience is preferred but not required.
- Candidates without chemical experience should have heavy industrial manufacturing experience (e.g., paper mill, foundry) or technical machine operation experience.
- Ability to train on day shift before transitioning to assigned shift.
Shift Details:
- Regular Scheduled Shift: 2:00pm – 10:00pm, Monday – Friday
- Overtime/Busy Periods: May work up to 12-hour shifts (2:00pm – 2:00am) to meet project deadlines.
Employee Value Proposition (EVP):
- This job tops out at $31.38 p/hr so lots of room for growth. Arclin is looking for long-term employees. They offer a good benefits package when hired direct including:
- Health and Dental.
- Healthcare FSA.
- Dependent Care FSA.
- Life and Disability Insurance.
- Business Travel Accident Insurance.
- Retirement Savings Plan 401(k) Savings Plan.
- Paid Vacation.
- Education Assistance.
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of PORTLAND, OR.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $24.63 - $24.63/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in PORTLAND,OR.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Aug 14, 2026.
About AerotekAerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.
Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
Company Description
We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.