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Planer Operator Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$58.75 - $78/hr

... operating production Kubernetes clusters on bare-metal infrastructure - not just deploying workloads in managed clusters. Must understand cluster bootstrapping, control plane architecture, etcd ...

Parallel Works is provider agnostic and federates on-premises GPU clusters, NeoCloud capacity, and hyperscaler regions under one control plane, so the product sold is the operating layer and the ...

AI Compute Sales Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Parallel Works is provider agnostic and federates on-premises GPU clusters, NeoCloud capacity, and hyperscaler regions under one control plane, so the product sold is the operating layer and the ...

AI Compute Sales Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Parallel Works is provider agnostic and federates on-premises GPU clusters, NeoCloud capacity, and hyperscaler regions under one control plane, so the product sold is the operating layer and the ...

Sr. Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$58.75 - $78/hr

... operating production Kubernetes clusters on bare-metal infrastructure - not just deploying workloads in managed clusters. Must understand cluster bootstrapping, control plane architecture, etcd ...

Carpenter - Crew Leader

Peoria, IL · On-site

$31.56 - $34.06/hr

Operating and maintaining shop equipment to include table saw, joiner and planer; lay out and assembles projects in shop. * Maintaining the cleanliness and safety of work area and vehicle.

Carpenter - Crew Leader

Peoria, IL · On-site

$31.56 - $34.06/hr

Operating and maintaining shop equipment to include table saw, joiner and planer; lay out and assembles projects in shop. * Maintaining the cleanliness and safety of work area and vehicle.

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Planer Operator information

See Illinois salary details

$18

$21

$24

How much do planer operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for planer operator in Illinois is $21.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.48 and $23.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a planer operator?

Planer Operators are skilled workers who operate industrial planing machines to smooth, shape, and finish wood or metal surfaces. Their main responsibilities include setting up and maintaining the planer, monitoring the machine during operation, and ensuring the final product meets specific size and quality standards. They may also be responsible for adjusting machine settings, performing regular maintenance, and following safety protocols. Planer Operators often work in manufacturing, woodworking, or metalworking environments.

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

To thrive as a Planer Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and experience with woodworking or metalworking machinery, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with planer machines, safety protocols, and basic measurement tools like calipers and micrometers is typically required. Reliability, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help operators excel in maintaining quality and addressing production issues. These skills ensure safe operation, high-quality output, and efficiency in manufacturing environments.

What are some common challenges faced by planer operators, and how can they be addressed?

Planer Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent machine calibration, managing wood defects, and ensuring safety during high-speed operations. Addressing these issues typically involves regular equipment inspections, prompt maintenance, and following strict safety protocols. Additionally, effective communication with team members and supervisors helps in quickly resolving production issues and maintaining workflow efficiency. Staying proactive and detail-oriented can significantly reduce downtime and improve overall product quality.

What is the difference between Planer Operator vs Millwright?

AspectPlaner OperatorMillwright
CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical training, certifications in machinery operationHigh school diploma, technical training, certifications in machinery installation and maintenance
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, woodworking shopsConstruction sites, factories, industrial facilities
Industry UsageWoodworking, metalworking, manufacturingManufacturing, industrial maintenance, construction
Job FocusOperating planers and similar machinery to shape materialsInstalling, repairing, and maintaining machinery and equipment

While both roles work in industrial settings and require technical skills, a Planer Operator primarily focuses on operating machinery like planers to shape materials, whereas a Millwright specializes in installing, maintaining, and repairing machinery. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are popular job titles related to Planer Operator jobs in Illinois?

For Planer Operator jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Planer Operator jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Planer Operator jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Planer Operator jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Planer Operator job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Planer Operator jobs in IL?

For Planer Operator jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Planer Operator job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,408 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

$17 - $20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Summit Interconnect rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

147th of 159 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Company Description

Summit Interconnect is the largest, privately held PCB manufacturer in North America. The company is focused on the fast-growing defense and high-performance commercial sectors in the North American market. Summit offers solutions ranging from advanced cutting-edge prototyping to complex high-mix, low-to-mid volume production. Summit’s eight facilities are located across California, Illinois, Colorado, and Toronto, Canada. For more information, please visit summitinterconnect.com.

About the Role:

Under general supervision manually submerges panels and/or operates repetitive plating and wet process machines to electroplate/tinplate circuits onto panels.

 

Responsibilities:

  • Manually perform or operate machines requiring standard setups, constant monitoring and periodic adjustments in speed, temperature and/or chemical levels.
  • Check levels of chemical baths and may perform additions as directed on assigned processes.
  • Perform manual operations including machine loading.
  • Operate repetitive plating and wet process machines to plate circuits onto planes, e.g., deposition process.
  • Monitor machine and perform limited preventive maintenance, cleaning screens and makeup/adding chemistry under Lab direction.
  • Comprehend industry standards, customer specifications, designated reference materials and their appropriate application.
  • Work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Work under pressure with time constraints.
  • Operate all Manual Plating processes and supporting equipment with little supervision.
  • Effectively follow company systems and procedures.

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