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

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

Top Types Of Manufacturing Operator Jobs

• 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.

• Factory Worker

  Salary range: $32,000 - $37,500

  The duties and responsibilities of a factory worker vary depending on the purpose of the factory. As a factory worker, you take part in at least one aspect of the manufacturing or production process. The different steps needed to produce a product are collectively called a production line. A factory worker may use machinery or perform manual tasks as part of the line. Some factory workers monitor output, pack or sort finished products, or assess the quality of manufactured goods. You may also be trained to do multiple jobs on the line.

• Entry Level Production Operator

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

  Entry Level Production Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Entry Level Production Operator jobs pay between $33,500 (25th percentile) and $40,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Entry Level Production Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• No Experience Manufacturing

  Salary range: $31,500 - $43,500

  No Experience Manufacturing is a common job search query. Most salaries for No Experience Manufacturing jobs pay between $31,500 (25th percentile) and $43,500 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for No Experience Manufacturing job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• 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.

• Production Worker

  Salary range: $31,000 - $37,000

  Production Worker is a common job search query. Most salaries for Production Worker jobs pay between $31,000 (25th percentile) and $37,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Production Worker job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Wafer Operator

  Salary range: $35,500 - $43,000

  Wafer Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Wafer Operator jobs pay between $35,500 (25th percentile) and $43,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Wafer Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Operador Maquinaria

  Salary range: $31,000 - $37,000

  Operador Maquinaria is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Operador Maquinaria jobs pay between $31,000 (25th percentile) and $37,000 (75th percentile) annually. You’ll find many open positions nationwide for Operador Maquinaria 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.

• Manufacturing

  Salary range: $42,000 - $60,000

  Manufacturing jobs involve creating new products and goods. Manufacturers use raw materials or separate components to build something entirely new. Whether it’s chemical, physical, or mechanical, as long as you are creating a product, you are working in manufacturing. The only exception is construction, which is considered separate from manufacturing. Manufacturing jobs include making prepackaged food or beverages, creating computers and electronics, and producing clothing. Bakers, printers, tailors, furniture builders, and woodworkers are all considered manufacturers. Most manufacturers work in a factory, mill, or plant, but you can also find work in labs.