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Relief Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Relief Operator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$14

$21

$30

How much do relief operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for relief operator in Chicago, IL is $21.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.32 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a relief operator?

Relief Operators are trained personnel who temporarily fill in for regular operators at industrial or manufacturing facilities, such as chemical plants, oil refineries, or power plants. Their main role is to ensure continuous and safe operations by stepping into various operator positions when the primary staff are on leave, on breaks, or otherwise unavailable. Relief Operators must be knowledgeable about multiple operational processes, safety protocols, and equipment. They help maintain smooth workflow and minimize downtime by being flexible and adaptable to different tasks. This position often requires strong problem-solving skills and the ability to quickly learn new procedures.

How does a relief operator manage transitioning between different equipment or workstations during a shift?

Relief Operators are responsible for covering various equipment or workstations, often stepping in for other operators during breaks or shift changes. To manage these transitions smoothly, Relief Operators must quickly familiarize themselves with the current status of each workstation, review operational logs, and communicate clearly with the outgoing operator. This adaptability helps maintain consistent production and safety standards. Strong attention to detail and effective communication are key to ensuring a seamless handover and minimizing downtime.

What is the difference between Relief Operator vs Process Operator?

AspectRelief OperatorProcess Operator
CredentialsTypically requires safety training and basic operational certificationsRequires specific process or plant operation certifications
Work EnvironmentWorks in industrial plants, often on short-term or temporary basisWorks in continuous process environments, often full-time
Employer & IndustryEmployers include manufacturing, oil & gas, chemical plantsEmployers include chemical, petrochemical, and manufacturing industries

Relief Operators primarily provide temporary coverage and safety-focused support in industrial settings, while Process Operators handle ongoing, routine operations of plant processes. Both roles require safety training, but Process Operators typically need more specialized process certifications. Relief Operators are often employed for short-term needs, whereas Process Operators work full-time in continuous operations.

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

To thrive as a Relief Operator, you need a solid understanding of industrial processes, equipment operation, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with control systems, SCADA software, and routine maintenance tools is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing shifts and responding to emerging issues. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and continuous plant operations, especially when stepping in for other operators.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Relief Operator jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Relief Operator jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Relief Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Relief Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Relief Operator job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,634 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

FULL TIME BUS OPERATOR

Chicago Transit Authority

Chicago, IL • On-site

$28.85/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Chicago Transit Authority rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 36 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

650th of 845 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

STARTING SALARY

$28.85

POSITION SUMMARY 
Operates a bus over an established route adhering to predetermined schedule in a safe, efficient and courteous manner to allow passengers to board, travel and alight at scheduled stops. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Drives bus and announces stops along routes.
  • Announces cross streets and intersecting transit stops.
  • Inspects passes; ascertains appropriate fares.
  • Ensures that customers deposit only appropriate coins and bills into fare-box.
  • Issues and receives transfer cards (collects invalid transfer cards) and receives and returns fare-cards.
  • Contacts Control Center regarding all problems.
  • Operates lift to board and discharge disabled passengers.
  • Inspects vehicle for lost articles.
  • Prepares daily trip sheets and bus for service.
  • Removes refuse and prepares bus for pull-out.
  • Tallies various categories of boarding passengers by manually operating a recording device.
  • Enters tally numbers from recording device at beginning and end of run.
  • Performs other duties as assigned

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

  • Required to submit to and pass drug and alcohol testing as mandated by the Federal Transportation Administration.
  • Required to be at least 21 years of age.
  • Required to have an acceptable driving record and a valid State of Illinois Class "B" Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or a valid State of Illinois CDL permit with the following three endorsements: KNOWLEDGE, PASSENGER and AIR BRAKES.  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Required to be standing changing destination and bus numbers, signs, helping people board bus, to walk to relief points, checking bus and sitting while driving bus.
  • Required to lift, to carry and to push of brake pedal and accelerator, windows and to pull door control latch.
  • Required to climb into vehicle and adjustment of mirrors, to balance, to stoop to adjust driver’s seat, to kneel, to crouch and to crawl.
  • Required to reach accepting and validating transfer cards and fare cards, adjusting mirror, to handle transfer and fare cards; steering wheel, to finger operating fare box, horn, punching transfers, to feel distributing and receiving transfer and fare cards, to talk announcing streets and answering passenger inquiries, to hear listening to traffic sounds, signal requesting stops, emergency vehicles, passenger questions and radio monitor.
  • Required to see near and far watching stopped vehicles, checking passes/cards and general traffic conditions viewing of traffic signals and riding passes.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

  • Possess customer service experience or skills to provide outstanding customer service to passengers.
  • Must possess a comprehensive knowledge of the rules, regulations and procedures relative to the operation of surface vehicles.
  • Must possess a comprehensive knowledge of pertinent state and municipal traffic laws.
  • Must possess the skills necessary to accurately read and interpret bus schedules.
  • Must possess a thorough knowledge of the fare structure, transfer regulations and the rules and procedures governing Bus Operators.
  • Required to possess a knowledge of arithmetic.
  • Required to speak in a clear and accurate manner.
  • Must possess a thorough knowledge of the preparation and usage of applicable transportation forms.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Required to work most of the time with activities performed inside of bus.
  • Required to work under extreme cold when the temperature control is malfunctioning or undeSaver extreme heat when does not work in winters, air conditioning, wet and/or humid conditions when not working in summers, driving in rain/fog and noise and vibration for traffic noises, passengers street conditions, normal bus operation.
  • Required to work with various mechanical malfunctions of vehicle breakdowns, electrical, burns, explosives, chemicals, heights and other exposed to possibility of injury related to traffic accidents.
  • Required to work under atmospheric conditions like fumes, exposure to diesel fumes, exhaust, toxic fumes in garage prior to pull out, odors like acid battery, dust like blowing dirt/dust through open windows, mist, gases and other

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