1

Professional Operator Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Warehouse Operator

Dekalb, IL · On-site

$21.81/hr

... on your professional and personal life, so it's equally important you know that the company that ... As a Warehouse Operator (Part-Time Weekend Shift), you will have the opportunity to tap into your ...

Join a company that values your talent, supports your professional development, and is committed to ... Use positive communication skills to mentor operators-in-training and keep the team focused on ...

Join the Kelly ® team as a Machine Operator to work at a premier manufacturing client in Cary, IL ... Kelly ® Professional & Industrial recruiters are focused on only offering opportunities with ...

Warehouse Operator

Dekalb, IL · On-site

$21.81/hr

... on your professional and personal life, so it's equally important you know that the company that ... As a Warehouse Operator (Part-Time Weekend Shift), you will have the opportunity to tap into your ...

Chemical Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$37 - $41/hr

... professional development and providing rewarding opportunities for personal growth. Our goal is to ... Conduct routine operating inspections of the unit, troubleshoot operational problems and respond to ...

The environment supports teamwork, professional growth through safety and equipment training, and a ... The work involves operating stand-up forklifts, using RF scanners, handling corrugated materials ...

Chemical Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$37 - $41/hr

... professional development and providing rewarding opportunities for personal growth. Our goal is to ... Conduct routine operating inspections of the unit, troubleshoot operational problems and respond to ...

Join a company that values your talent, supports your professional development, and is committed to ... Use positive communication skills to mentor operators-in-training and keep the team focused on ...

Warehouse Forklift Operator / Driver Positions Pay Weekly * Hourly Pay $19.00 per hour * Additional ... Ability to create and maintain professional relationships within all levels of the organization ...

The environment supports teamwork, professional growth through safety and equipment training, and a ... The work involves operating stand-up forklifts, using RF scanners, handling corrugated materials ...

Warehouse Forklift Operator / Driver Positions Pay Weekly * Hourly Pay $19.00 per hour * Additional ... Ability to create and maintain professional relationships within all levels of the organization ...

CPT Operator

Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site

$58K - $62K/yr

SCOPE OF POSITION The CPT Operator will be responsible for Cone Penetration operation as well as ... Must possess a strong work ethic and professionally represent the company. * Must be able to ...

CPT Operator

Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site

$58K - $62K/yr

SCOPE OF POSITION The CPT Operator will be responsible for Cone Penetration operation as well as ... Must possess a strong work ethic and professionally represent the company. * Must be able to ...

Warehouse Forklift Operator / Driver Positions Pay Weekly * Hourly Pay $19.00 per hour * Additional ... Ability to create and maintain professional relationships within all levels of the organization ...

Forklift Operator

Sycamore, IL · On-site

$18.86 - $19.78/hr

Our Forklift Operator will receive, store and distribute material and products within establishment ... Extensive training opportunities, professional development programs, career pathing, and mentorship ...

Forklift Operator

Sycamore, IL · On-site

$18.86 - $19.78/hr

Our Forklift Operator will receive, store and distribute material and products within establishment ... Extensive training opportunities, professional development programs, career pathing, and mentorship ...

SCOPE OF POSITION TheCPT Operator will be responsible for Cone Penetration operation as well as ... Must possess a strong work ethic and professionally represent the company. * Must be able to ...

Warehouse Forklift Operator / Driver Positions Pay Weekly * Hourly Pay $19.00 per hour * Additional ... Ability to create and maintain professional relationships within all levels of the organization ...

Press Operator

Geneva, IL · On-site

$21.97 - $23.07/hr

In this role, you will be responsible for operating and monitoring production press machines used ... Be responsible and accountable for the professional use of assigned work periods, machinery ...

Showing results 41-60

Professional Operator information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$12

$20

$29

How much do professional operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional operator in Elgin, IL is $20.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.88 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a professional operator?

Professional Operators are skilled individuals responsible for controlling and monitoring machinery, equipment, or complex systems in industries such as manufacturing, transportation, or utilities. Their duties often include ensuring operational safety, maintaining equipment efficiency, and troubleshooting problems as they arise. Professional Operators must adhere to strict protocols and may be required to document procedures, perform routine maintenance, and collaborate with other team members to ensure smooth operations. The specific responsibilities can vary greatly depending on the industry and the type of equipment or systems involved.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional operator?

To thrive as a Professional Operator, you need a solid understanding of equipment operation, safety protocols, and often a high school diploma or relevant certification. Familiarity with industry-specific machinery, computerized control systems, and, in some cases, licenses such as a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) are typically required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills set standout operators apart. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operations, reducing risks and maximizing productivity in technical environments.

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

Professional Operators often manage complex machinery or systems and must maintain high levels of attention to detail to ensure safety and efficiency. Common challenges include adapting to rapidly changing technologies, troubleshooting unexpected equipment malfunctions, and working in shift-based or high-pressure environments. To address these challenges, operators benefit from continuous training, clear communication with team members, and proactive maintenance practices. Building strong problem-solving skills and staying updated with industry advancements can also aid in overcoming day-to-day obstacles.

What is the difference between Professional Operator vs Equipment Operator?

AspectProfessional OperatorEquipment Operator
CredentialsOften requires specialized certifications or licenses depending on industryTypically requires a standard operating license or certification
Work EnvironmentCan include industrial sites, construction, manufacturing, or specialized facilitiesPrimarily construction sites, factories, or outdoor work areas
Industry UsageUsed across various industries including manufacturing, construction, and energyCommonly used in construction, mining, and logistics

The main difference between a Professional Operator and an Equipment Operator lies in the level of certification and scope of work. Professional Operators often have specialized training and certifications, working in diverse industrial environments. Equipment Operators typically focus on operating specific machinery, mainly in construction or manufacturing settings. Both roles are essential, but Professional Operators usually require broader skills and credentials.

Which professional operator job pays the most?

Heavy equipment operators, such as crane or bulldozer operators, tend to earn the highest salaries among professional operators, especially with specialized skills and certifications. Industrial machinery operators in sectors like oil and gas or manufacturing can also have high earning potential. Salary levels depend on experience, location, and industry demand.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operator jobs in Elgin, IL?

The most popular types of Operator jobs in Elgin, IL are:

What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Professional Operator jobs?

Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Professional Operator job openings:

Warehouse Operator

3M Companies

Dekalb, IL • On-site

$21.81/hr

Full-time, Part-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


3M rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 245 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

158th of 544 rated manufacturers


Job description

Job Title: Part-Time Warehouse Operator Weekend Shift

Location: DeKalb, IL

Shift: Saturday-Sunday 6:30 AM-4:30 PM

Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World

Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it's equally important you know that the company that you choose to work at, and its leaders, will support and guide you. With a wide variety of people, global locations, technologies and products, 3M is a place where you can collaborate with other curious, creative 3Mers.

This position provides an opportunity to transition from other private, public, government or military experience to a 3M career.

The Impact You'll Make in this Role

The person hired for the position of Warehouse Operator will work in our 3M Distribution Center. Assignment could be anywhere from hand assembly, running machinery, warehouse general work or packaging.

We are actively interviewing candidates for current and future Warehouse Operator opportunities. Qualified candidates may be considered for current openings or added to our hiring pool for future opportunities as they become available.

As a Warehouse Operator (Part-Time Weekend Shift), you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative people around the world. Here, you will make an impact by:

* Operate production equipment and work at various machines or workstations to assemble products, package finished goods, and inspect product quality.

* Utilize computer systems to support operations, including process monitoring, data entry, inventory transactions, and order processing.

* Follow established operating procedures, safety requirements, and customer specifications to ensure quality products are produced and delivered on time.

* Fill, process, pick, pack, stage, and prepare customer orders and finished goods for shipment and distribution.

* Inspect products and orders for accuracy and quality, including identifying damaged, missing, or non-conforming items, while maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

Your Skills and Expertise

To set you up for success in this role from day one, 3M requires (at a minimum) the following qualifications:

Required:

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to be considered for this 3M Production role, in compliance with U.S. labor and safety laws.

* Possess a High School Diploma/GED or higher

* Work some weekends, overtime, extended hours and holidays as needed.

Applicants meeting the basic qualifications may be required to take and pass 3M elected testing as a part of the selection process.

Additional qualifications that could help you succeed even further in this role include:

Desired:

* Minimum one (1) year of experience in a warehouse operations role in a private, public, government of military environment

* Demonstrated attention to detail

* Strong written & verbal communication skills

* Basic computer skills

Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).

Pay Transparency:

The starting rate of pay for this position is $21.81/hr. This targeted compensation represents a good faith estimate and can vary based on factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Other benefits and incentives may apply; pay and benefits overview: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/. This information is being disclosed in accordance with local Pay Transparency Rules.

Supporting Your Well-being

3M offers many programs to help you live your best life - both physically and financially. To ensure competitive pay and benefits, 3M regularly benchmarks with other companies that are comparable in size and scope.

Chat with Max

For assistance with searching through our current job openings or for more information about all things 3M, visit Max, our virtual recruiting assistant on 3M.com/careers.

All US-based 3M full time employees will need to sign an employee agreement as a condition of employment with 3M. This agreement lays out key terms on using 3M Confidential Information and Trade Secrets. It also has provisions discussing conflicts of interest and how inventions are assigned. Employees that are Job Grade 7 or equivalent and above may also have obligations to not compete against 3M or solicit its employees or customers, both during their employment, and for a period after they leave 3M.

Learn more about 3M's creative solutions to the world's problems at www.3M.com or on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @3M.

Responsibilities of this position include that corporate policies, procedures and security standards are complied with while performing assigned duties.

Safety is a core value at 3M. All employees are expected to contribute to a strong Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) culture by following safety policies, identifying hazards, and engaging in continuous improvement.

Pay & Benefits Overview: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/

3M does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Please note: your application may not be considered if you do not provide your education and work history, either by: 1) uploading a resume, or 2) entering the information into the application fields directly.

3M Global Terms of Use and Privacy Statement

Carefully read these Terms of Use before using this website. Your access to and use of this website and application for a job at 3M are conditioned on your acceptance and compliance with these terms.

Please click on the following links and select the country where you are applying for employment to review the applicable Terms of Use (link here) and Privacy Policy (link here). Before submitting your application, you will be asked to confirm your agreement with the terms.


What 3M employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom