Terminal Operator
Columbus, OH · On-site
Senior System Administrator
$113K - $149K/yr
Laser Operator
Columbus, OH · On-site
$17 - $19/hr
Forklift Operator
Lockbourne, OH · On-site
$19.40/hr
Forklift Operator
$19.40/hr
Be Seen First
Forklift Operator
Groveport, OH · On-site
$19 - $22/hr
Forklift Operator
$19.40/hr
Forklift Operator
$19.40/hr
Forklift Operator
$16.50 - $19.25/hr
Forklift Operator
$19.40/hr
5 of the Best Types of System Operator Jobs in 2026
Discover some great types of System Operator jobs that are hiring now.
To become a System Operator higher education is not always necessary, but there are some associate degree options. For example, an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Power Plant Technology teaches relevant theory and includes practical training opportunities. Hands-on experience is helpful for this role, though companies usually provide on-the-job training. Some employers might require North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) certification; for some specialties, companies request that System Operators complete additional certifications within a time frame after initial employment. Typically, System Operators work in shifts; the role often requires some evening, weekend, and holiday hours. Candidates should have Microsoft Office competency and learn new computer programs quickly.
If you are interested in a System Operatorjob, here are some kinds of positions to explore for this type of work with open positions on ZipRecruiter.
High Paying System Operator Jobs

Full Time System Operator
Salary range: $40,500 - $79,500
Full-time employment hours are generally determined by the employer. There is no single universal definition; however, various laws and policies govern different types of eligibility and statuses. For example, the Fair Labor Standards Act does not define full-time employment but does require overtime pay after 40 hours of work in a workweek for non-exempt employees. The Affordable Care Act, in determining Applicable Large Employers, defines full-time employees as those working an average of at least 30 hours per week, or 130 hours a month. The H-1B Visa Program defines full-time as 40 hours per week, normally, and in no event would less than 35 hours per week be considered to be full-time employment. In practice, full-time employment is typically between 32 and 40 hours per week.
Senior System Operator
Salary range: $40,500 - $79,500
Senior System Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Senior System Operator jobs pay between $40,500 (25th percentile) and $79,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Senior System Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
System Operator Entry Level
Salary range: $40,500 - $79,500
Entry-level jobs are positions that do not require any previous experience in the role. Most entry-level jobs are aimed at high school or college graduates as a starting point for a future career goal. A college student may have majored in their ideal career field, but will still need to start in an entry-level position to train in a real-world environment. Some students move from internships into entry-level jobs, but most entry-level jobs do not expect a candidate to have any prior employment or on-site training.
System Operator Trainee
Salary range: $50,000 - $58,500
The requirements to get a trainee job vary by industry. In some, such as architecture or accounting, you must graduate from an accredited college program before you can begin work. Other industries, such as retail, manufacturing, or telemarketing, may require only a high school diploma or a GED certificate to begin a training program. No matter what profession you are interested in, you should have strong verbal and written communication and an interest in continuing the career.
Apprentice System Operator
Salary range: $35,500 - $45,500
Apprentice System Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Apprentice System Operator jobs pay between $35,500 (25th percentile) and $45,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Apprentice System Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.