10 of the Most Popular Types of Machine Operators Jobs in 2026

See what kind of roles similar to Machine Operators jobs are hiring now

Top Types Of Machine Operators Jobs

• Cnc

  Salary range: $41,000 - $56,000

  Cnc is a popular job search query. Most salaries for Cnc jobs pay between $41,000 (25th percentile) and $56,000 (75th percentile) annually. You’ll find many open positions nationwide for Cnc job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Excavator Operator

  Salary range: $45,000 - $59,500

  As an excavator operator, you control the heavy equipment that moves dirt, sand, and other materials on construction sites. In addition to operating the excavator machine, your job duties are to perform routine maintenance on your excavator and coordinate with your supervisor for major repairs. Since your heavy machinery will move earth, rubble, and debris around the construction sites at your jobs, you need to communicate with the site supervisor and other construction workers to ensure everyone’s safety while you’re operating the excavator.

• Entry Level Machine Operator

  Salary range: $32,500 - $39,500

  Entry Level Machine Operator is a common job search query. Most salaries for Entry Level Machine Operator jobs pay between $32,500 (25th percentile) and $39,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Entry Level Machine Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Production Operator

  Salary range: $33,500 - $40,500

  As a production operator, your main responsibilities are to work on an assembly line and to maintain the machine that performs a specialized task at your workstation. Your job duties involve working with metal, plastic, or other consumer goods materials. You need a solid understanding of industry standards and safety protocols, and the patience to perform repetitive tasks throughout your shifts. One of the qualifications for a career as a production operator is a high school diploma or GED certificate. Your employer will provide on-the-job training. Detail-oriented skills are essential for production operator jobs.

• Maquinaria Pesada

  Salary range: $38,000 - $53,500

  Maquinaria Pesada is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Maquinaria Pesada jobs pay between $38,000 (25th percentile) and $53,500 (75th percentile) annually. There are lots of open positions nationwide for Maquinaria Pesada job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Operador De Maquinaria Pesada

  Salary range: $42,000 - $58,500

  Operador De Maquinaria Pesada is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Operador De Maquinaria Pesada jobs pay between $42,000 (25th percentile) and $58,500 (75th percentile) annually. There are lots of open positions nationwide for Operador De Maquinaria Pesada job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Machinist

  Salary range: $43,500 - $59,500

  A machinist is someone who uses heavy equipment to cut machinery parts made of different materials including steel, silicon, aluminum, and plastic. Machinist work takes a great amount of focus and precision. Machinists must be able to read mechanical blueprints, make calculations, determine machine speed, and perform precise cuts to create tools, fixtures, building materials, and other products. In addition to creating products based on preset specifications, machinists must also maintain their machines to ensure they cut properly and safely. This means keeping them properly lubricated and regulating their temperature. In many cases, machinists must have a working knowledge of computers which may help them determine cutting patterns and paths.

• Cnc Operator

  Salary range: $41,000 - $56,000

  A CNC (computer numerical control) machine or router dictates the actions of electromechanical devices. By adding computer programming inputs into the CNC router, a CNC operator (or CNC programmer) can manipulate devices, such as shop machines, into mechanically producing components out of stock material. CNC machines interpret programmed designs as instructions for cutting, sculpting, and finishing prototype parts. CNC is an accurate and repeatable method of machining. Another common CNC method is 3D printing technology.

• Heavy Equipment Operator

  Salary range: $40,500 - $56,000

  Heavy Equipment Operator jobs require the safe and proper use of various types of heavy machinery in a large construction or demolition environment. The tasks of a Heavy Equipment Operator vary depending on the type of job and machinery. Examples of heavy equipment include bulldozers, excavators, loaders, and backhoes. Heavy equipment operators most commonly work in construction, oil and gas pipelines, and logging.

• Manual Machinist

  Salary range: $44,000 - $59,500

  A manual machinist uses manual and machining equipment to create precision tools. Machinists usually start by reading project specifications then they create a plan for executing the project. Manual machinists draw from their vocational program training to drill and cut instruments needed to create precision metal parts and tools. Based on the scope and nature of the project, machinists decide whether to use their manual or machine tools to complete the job of crafting metal tools with precision.