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Plant Manager Trainee

Easley, SC · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Plant Manager Trainee - Animal Feed Position Title: Plant Manager Trainee Classification: Exempt, Department: Operations - Reports to: CEO/Owner Position Summary: Manages company plant operations ...

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How much do plant trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for plant trainee in the United States is $22.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a plant trainee?

A plant trainee is an entry-level position in manufacturing or industrial facilities where individuals receive on-the-job training in plant operations, safety procedures, and equipment use. The role often involves learning technical skills, working under supervision, and may require relevant certifications or a high school diploma. It serves as a stepping stone for careers in plant management, engineering, or operations.

What skills do you need to be a plant operator?

A plant operator needs strong technical skills, including understanding of machinery, control systems, and safety procedures. Good problem-solving, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a team are also important. Certifications in operating equipment or safety training are often required or preferred.

How hard is it to become a plant operator?

Becoming a plant operator typically requires completing relevant training, gaining experience, and obtaining certifications such as a state license or operator certification. The process involves understanding plant systems, safety protocols, and often working in physically demanding environments, but it is achievable with proper education and on-the-job training.

How much do entry level plant workers make?

Entry-level plant workers typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on the industry, location, and company. Starting salaries may increase with relevant skills, certifications, and experience working in a manufacturing or industrial environment.

What is the difference between Plant Trainee vs Plant Operator?

AspectPlant TraineePlant Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training programsHigh school diploma; technical certification or license often preferred
Work EnvironmentTraining site, plant facilities, supervised environmentOperational plant floor, machinery, shift work
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level training roles in power plants, manufacturing, or chemical plantsFull-time operational roles in similar industries

In summary, a Plant Trainee is an entry-level position focused on learning and training within a plant environment, often requiring minimal experience. A Plant Operator, on the other hand, is a fully responsible role involving the direct operation of plant equipment, requiring more experience and certifications. Both roles are essential in plant operations but differ mainly in responsibility and experience level.

More about Plant Trainee jobs
What cities are hiring for Plant Trainee jobs? Cities with the most Plant Trainee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Plant jobs? The most popular types of Plant jobs are:
What states have the most Plant Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for Plant Trainee jobs include:
Plant Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plant Trainee job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,126 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Power Plant Trainee

US Department of the Army

Warsaw, MO

$37.72/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

United States Army rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 488 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

About the Position: Serves as a Power Plant Trainee completing the generalized portion of the formal Hydroelectric Power Plant Personnel Training Program as prescribed by ER/EP 1130-2-510; which precedes assignment to a specific target occupation (Power Plant Operator, Power Plant Electrician, Power Plant Mechanic, or Power Plant Electronics Mechanic, Industrial Equipment Mechanic) and further training as prescribed by the Hydroelectric Power Plant Training Program Manual.Qualifications:Who May Apply: US Citizens
This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Serves as a Power Plant Trainee completing the generalized portion of the formal Hydroelectric Power Plant Personnel Training Program as prescribed by ER/EP 1130-2-510; which precedes assignment to a specific target occupation (Power Plant Operator, Power Plant Electrician, Power Plant Mechanic, or Power Plant Electronics Mechanic, Industrial Equipment Mechanic) and further training as prescribed by the Hydroelectric Power Plant Training Program Manual.
Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): ability to do the work of a Power Plant Trainee I - without more than normal supervision. Candidates must have the ability to perform common tasks of a Power Plant Trainee, such as assist in basic welds, soldering, and reading precision tools like micrometers, blueprint drawings and calipers, assisting of journeymen mixing and pouring concrete. must have the ability to work under normal supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who observes tasks in progress and upon completion to make sure they are properly performed. - Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.
  • Physical Effort: Work requires extensive walking, standing, and climbing vertical and inclined ladders and stairs; and some stooping, bending, kneeling, and crawling. Work may be done in awkward and cramped positions which may require the physical endurance to work under poor conditions for prolonged periods of time. Requires lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and twisting objects frequently weighing up to and occasionally over 45 pounds. Required to operate large valves, apply servolocks, lift deck hatches, and perform other tasks requiring up to 75 pounds of pulling or turning force. Must have good distant vision in each eye and be able to read fine calibrations; glasses permitted. Ability to distinguish basic colors is required. Ability to hear the conversational voice, with or without a hearing aid, is required. An amputation of arm, hand, leg or foot will normally disqualify an applicant for appointment. Any physical condition which would cause the applicant to be a hazard to his/herself or to others is disqualifying.
  • Working Conditions: The principal assignment is to the powerhouse; however the work area may include intake structures, and spillway areas. Work is principally indoors in a well heated, lighted and ventilated environment, but occasional outdoor work exposes employee to usual climate extremes. Exposed to equipment and machinery noises, heights, oils, greases, confined areas, dust, dirt, water, heat and cold, odors, fumes, and moving and/or energized equipment. Occasionally works in proximity to high voltages and currents. Is subject to the discomfort of safety equipment required such as hard-hats and ear plugs. Must wear appropriate safety equipment and protective clothing, and successfully complete and maintain all occupational health requirements, including pulmonary capacity and other routine occupational and pre-employment medical examinations.
Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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Industry

National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

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