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Plant Operator Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Hshs

Power Plant Operator

Green Bay, WI · On-site

$23.15 - $34.73/hr

Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) is seeking a Power Plant Operator to join our team. Operates and evaluates all power plant equipment for efficiency and safety. Adjusts gauges and dials, reads ...

State of Wisconsin

Utility Plant Operator

Plymouth, WI · On-site

$28.47/hr

The Division of Adult Institutions is currently recruiting to fill a Utility Plant Operator vacancy. This position will be located at Kettle Moraine Correctional Institution in Plymouth, WI. NOTE:

Agropur

Cheese Plant Operator (Nights)

Luxemburg, WI · On-site

$27.56/hr

The Cheese Plant Operator understands and adheres to all safety and quality guidelines and attends any scheduled team meetings. People are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in working ...

Airswift

Senior Plant Operator - Mallard WI

Delavan, WI · On-site

$15.75 - $21.25/hr

Airswift is seeking a Senior Plant Operator to support the operation and maintenance in Delavan, WI. This position is responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable plant performance while ...

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Plant Operator information

See Wisconsin salary details

$13

$22

$40

How much do plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for plant operator in Wisconsin is $22.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.49 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical systems, process control, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with control panels, SCADA systems, and maintenance tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for ensuring smooth operations and responding quickly to issues. These skills are vital for maintaining operational efficiency, safety, and compliance in industrial plant environments.

What are some common challenges faced by plant operators, and how can they be effectively managed?

Plant Operators often encounter challenges such as unexpected equipment malfunctions, maintaining safety protocols, and adapting to variable production demands. Managing these challenges typically involves staying vigilant during routine inspections, promptly reporting and addressing anomalies, and collaborating closely with maintenance teams. Continuous training on updated safety procedures and clear communication with supervisors and co-workers are also crucial for effective problem-solving and ensuring smooth plant operations.

What is a plant operator?

Plant operators are professionals responsible for controlling and overseeing industrial machinery and equipment in facilities such as power plants, water treatment plants, or manufacturing sites. Their main duties include monitoring systems, maintaining equipment, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring that operations run smoothly and safely. Plant operators must follow strict safety protocols, respond to emergencies, and perform routine inspections to keep the plant functioning efficiently. They often work in shifts and may be required to handle complex technical systems. This role typically requires technical training and a strong attention to detail.

What is the difference between Plant Operator vs Equipment Operator?

AspectPlant OperatorEquipment Operator
CredentialsTypically requires a certification or license specific to plant operationsOften requires a commercial driver's license (CDL) or equipment-specific training
Work EnvironmentOperates machinery within industrial plants, power plants, or manufacturing facilitiesOperates heavy machinery outdoors, such as bulldozers, cranes, or forklifts
Industry UsageCommon in energy, manufacturing, and utility industriesCommon in construction, mining, and logistics industries

While both roles involve operating machinery, Plant Operators focus on managing and controlling plant systems within industrial facilities, often requiring specialized certifications. Equipment Operators typically handle heavy machinery outdoors, with a focus on construction or transportation tasks. Understanding these differences helps job seekers target the right roles based on their skills and certifications.

What does a plant operator do?

A plant operator oversees the day-to-day operations of an industrial plant. As a plant operator, you operate different types of machinery and equipment from a control room. You might specialize in a specific type of machinery and work on one part of the process, or you might be a generalist who works on different machines in all parts of the process. Plant operators work in many industries such as the oil and gas industry, manufacturing, utilities and power plants.

What is the work of a plant operator?

A plant operator is responsible for controlling and monitoring machinery and equipment in industrial plants such as power plants, water treatment facilities, or manufacturing plants. They operate control panels, perform routine inspections, and ensure safety and efficiency of operations, often requiring technical skills and certifications. Their work environment can be demanding and may involve shift work to maintain continuous operations.

How much do plant operators make?

Plant operators in Florida typically earn an average annual salary of around $45,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, certifications, and the industry sector. Skilled operators with certifications such as OSHA or EPA may earn higher wages, especially in industrial or power plant environments.
More about Plant Operator jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Plant Operator jobs in Wisconsin?

The most popular types of Plant Operator jobs in Wisconsin are:

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For Plant Operator jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Plant Operator jobs in Wisconsin are:

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Cities in Wisconsin with the most Plant Operator job openings:

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Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plant Operator job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,956 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

Experienced Asphalt Plant Operator

Walbec Group

Milwaukee, WI

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Job Description:

AboutWalbecGroupWalbecproduces high-quality construction materials and delivers unparalleled professionaldesign,engineeringand construction services atits six companies, including Payne and Dolan, Northeast Asphalt, Zenith Tech, Parisi, Premier Concrete, and Construction Resources Management.Whether building bridges, stabilizing shorelines, rehabilitating structures, or providing site engineering and construction solutions for solar,Walbecis yourbridge toexpertisein construction and engineering.With safety and ethics at the core of everything we do, our experienced professionals are hard at work on commercial and industrial sites throughout the Midwest.The Position:We're looking for an Experienced Asphalt Plant Operator to work in our Asphalt manufacturing plants. Under the direction of the Foreman, the Plant Operator will help operate, maintain, and repair the equipment used to product asphalt mix for our paving operations while learning how to operator several types of related construction equipment in a safe and efficient manner.Responsibilities:
  • Follow all safety requirements to maintain a safe work environment
  • Maintain a clean and orderly work site including shoveling, sweeping, and skid steer operation.
  • Monitor equipment operation for consistent flow of materials to produce high-quality, in-spec hot mix asphalt for internal and external customers
  • Load out trucks for material distribution utilizing computerized operations
  • Willingness to learn new tasks, do different tasks throughout the day and be a team player
  • Feed aggregate materials into the asphalt plant
  • Replace wear components on plant equipment (including cutting, welding, fabricating)
  • Work on elevated platforms as well as enter and monitor confined spaces
  • Monitor aggregate gradations and moisture contents to ensure consistency of materials
  • Monitor hot mix asphalt test results to verify finish materials are consistent, of high quality, and are produced within job specifications
  • Use equipment such as: Welders (Stick, MIG), Oxy Acetylene Torches, Pneumatic Jackhammers, Power Tools (Drill, Grinder, Impact Wrench, etc.), Front End Loader, Skid Steer Loader, Aerial Man Lift, Telehandler Lift, Water Truck, Telescoping Boom Truck, Dump Truck
Requirements:
  • 5+ years of relevant work experienced preferred
  • Valid Driver's License and satisfactory driving record
  • Must be punctual and dependable.
  • Ability to work varied hours including nights, early mornings, and weekends as needed
  • Capacity to tolerate and work in variable weather conditions, and work in dirty and dusty environments.
  • Ability to work in confined spaces and elevated platforms, including heights over 50'.
  • Mechanical/Fabricating and repair experience is preferred
  • Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Successfully pass aptitude tests
  • High School diploma or GED equivalent preferred
  • Prior experience and/or education in a related field preferred
  • Member of the appropriate trade union or willingness to become a union member are required. Union membership is not required prior to employment. Our Human Resources Department is able to assist in that process as needed.
The Benefits:
  • Competitive union wages and strong benefits
  • Reliable, steady work across Southern Wisconsin
  • On-the-job training from experienced crew members
  • Supportive, family-focused work culture
  • Opportunities to grow within the company
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action employer, and it is our practice toprovideequal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants. In addition, it is the policy of the Company tocomply withapplicable federal,stateand local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in each locality in which the Company has employees. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply!

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