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Production Operators Jobs in Columbus, MS (NOW HIRING)

... operating equipment and conducting housekeeping activities in each assigned area โ€ข Feeding product or placing product onto equipment for processing or removing items after processing โ€ข ...

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Production Operators information

See Columbus, MS salary details

$11

$17

$23

How much do production operators jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for production operators in Columbus, MS is $17.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $19.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the production operator's salary?

The average salary for production operators typically ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and industry. Many production operators earn additional benefits such as overtime pay and certifications in equipment operation or safety protocols.

What does a production operator do?

A production operator is responsible for operating manufacturing equipment, monitoring production processes, and ensuring quality standards are met. They often perform routine maintenance, follow safety protocols, and document production data to support efficient factory operations.

What kind of job is a production operator?

A production operator is responsible for operating and monitoring manufacturing equipment to produce goods efficiently and safely. The role often requires understanding of machinery, adherence to safety protocols, and sometimes certification or training in specific processes. They typically work in factories or production facilities on shifts that may include nights and weekends.

What skills do you need to be a production operator?

Production operators need strong attention to detail, manual dexterity, and the ability to follow safety protocols and standard operating procedures. Basic math skills, familiarity with machinery, and the ability to work in a team environment are also important. Some positions may require certifications such as OSHA safety training or equipment-specific licenses.

What is the difference between Production Operators vs Machine Operators?

AspectProduction OperatorsMachine Operators
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, assembly linesFactories, manufacturing plants, equipment-focused settings
Job FocusOverseeing production processes, quality control, ensuring safetyOperating, monitoring, and maintaining machinery
Common UsageManufacturing, assembly, production linesManufacturing, industrial settings, equipment operation

Production Operators and Machine Operators often work in similar environments within manufacturing plants. While Production Operators focus on overseeing entire production processes and quality, Machine Operators specialize in operating specific machinery. Both roles require similar credentials and are essential for efficient manufacturing operations.

Infographic showing various Production Operators job openings in Columbus, MS as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,993 per year, or $17.8 per hour.
Curing-Production Operator

Curing-Production Operator

Yokohama Tire Corporation

West Point, MS โ€ข On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

A Curing Technician in a tire manufacturing plant plays a crucial role in the final stage of tire production: the curing process. This involves transforming a "green" (uncured) tire into a finished product with the desired shape, tread pattern, and material properties. 


  • Operating Curing Presses and Equipment: 
  • Loading and unloading green tires into curing presses. 
  • Operating and monitoring curing presses, including controls, gauges, and indicators. 
  • Making minor adjustments and troubleshooting issues with the presses and equipment. 
  • Performing mold and bladder changes as required. 
  • Cleaning and drilling venting in molds. 
  • Building and tearing down bladders. 
  • Assisting in spraying and loading passenger tire presses (if applicable). 
  • Maintaining data input and accurately recording time and production details. 
  • Quality Control and Adherence to Specifications: 
  • Conducting first tire checks. 
  • Chasing scrap (identifying and removing defective products). 
  • Ensuring serial changes in molds are accurate. 
  • Inspecting products to ensure they meet quality and quantity standards. 
  • Reporting any malfunctions, out-of-spec conditions, or other extraordinary conditions to supervision. 
  • Maintenance and Repair: 
  • Performing minor mechanical adjustments and emergency repairs on presses and equipment. 
  • Tearing down, cleaning segmented molds, drilling molds, and cleaning molds in the press. 
  • Creating work orders in SAP for maintenance and communicating with the maintenance department. 
  • Safety and Environmental Compliance: 
  • Following all plant policies, environmental policies, and safety policies. 
  • Ensuring all Environmental, Safety, and Health (ESH) procedures, policies, and legal requirements are implemented and monitored. 
  • Being certified to operate a forklift through the safety department (as needed). 
  • Promoting and monitoring safety within the curing department and the plant. 
  • Communication and Teamwork: 
  • Effectively communicating with curing supervision, other setup technicians, and curing press operators. 
  • Mentoring and training team members as necessary. 
  • Adapting to changes in the work environment, including computer interfaces. 
  • Workplace Organization and Efficiency: 
  • Following standard practices to ensure prompt and accurate quality and quantity production. 
  • Keeping work areas neat, clean, aligned, and orderly.