10 of the Most Popular Types of Control Operator Jobs in 2026

See what kind of roles similar to Control Operator jobs are hiring now

Top Types Of Control Operator Jobs

• Power Plant Operator

  Salary range: $62,500 - $122,000

  As a power plant operator, your duties are to operate and maintain equipment that generates power and regulate these generators to control the output and storage of energy. You also manage the proper flow of electricity and voltage based on consumer demands. At a nuclear power plant, for example, you adjust control rods which generate power, and monitor the reactors, wind turbines, and cooling systems to ensure they operate within specified parameters. At a solar installation, your responsibilities are to monitor heat transfer and position and adjust solar panels or mirrors based on meteorological conditions.

• Machine Operator

  Salary range: $34,000 - $40,500

  Machine operators are skilled in operating machinery, often specializing in one type of machinery or industry to become an expert. Machine operators also have a general skillset, knowing how to operate a wide range of industrial machinery. Since there are numerous industries and sectors that use a multitude of machinery, there is always room to learn more.

• Heavy Equipment

  Salary range: $62,500 - $76,000

  Heavy equipment jobs are typically within the construction or industrial maintenance industries. The two main categories of heavy equipment jobs are heavy equipment operator and heavy equipment mechanic. As a heavy equipment operator, you are in charge of running large pieces of equipment to help build or maintain roads, bridges, large structures, and tunnels or pipelines. Your job duties may include operating bulldozers, front-end loaders, or backhoes responsibly during large projects. Heavy equipment mechanics, on the other hand, help to keep this equipment in working order for the operators by working on engines and other moving parts of the machinery.

• Controller

  Salary range: $97,000 - $138,500

  A controller is high-level accounting position in a firm or company. They often report directly to the CFO (Chief Financial Officer) and are responsible for budgets, audits, and financial reports, as well as ensuring the company complies with all tax codes and regulations.

• Crane Operator

  Salary range: $45,000 - $69,000

  A Crane Operator is a professional heavy machine operator, specializing in cranes. Cranes are a unique kind of heavy equipment that uses pulley systems to move around, raise, and lower large items, such as shipping containers and steel beams. A Crane Operator is in charge of moving these things where they need to go, safely and efficiently. The also log their work, discuss and plan with their team, and perform basic maintenance on their machine.

• Crane Operators

  Salary range: $45,000 - $69,000

  Crane Operators is a popular job search query. Most salaries for Crane Operators jobs pay between $45,000 (25th percentile) and $69,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Crane Operators job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Distributed Control System Operator

  Salary range: $40,500 - $58,000

  Distributed Control System Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Distributed Control System Operator jobs pay between $40,500 (25th percentile) and $58,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Distributed Control 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.

• Solids Control Operator

  Salary range: $40,500 - $58,000

  Solids Control Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Solids Control Operator jobs pay between $40,500 (25th percentile) and $58,000 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Solids Control Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Master Control Operator

  Salary range: $36,500 - $50,000

  A master control operator monitors and records television broadcasts to ensure quality and compliance with government regulations. As a master control operator, your duties include observing and recording satellite, cable, or live on-air programs, and using technology to record, dub, or make other adjustments to the broadcasts. To pursue a career as a master control operator, you need at least a high school diploma or GED certificate and relevant work experience. Some employers prefer candidates with a college degree in communications, journalism, or a related field and technical skills training. Additional qualifications include attention to detail, technical knowledge to operate broadcast equipment and troubleshoot malfunctions, and the ability to archive and organize large amounts of media.

• Central Control Room Operator

  Salary range: $38,000 - $53,000

  Central Control Room Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Central Control Room Operator jobs pay between $38,000 (25th percentile) and $53,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Central Control Room Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.