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60 Operator jobs in Columbus, OH

10 of the Most Popular Types of Operator Jobs in 2026

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

In the manufacturing environment, an Operator refers to a plant employee who operates various machinery or equipment. Your specific duties will vary depending on where you are working. For many job positions, you won’t need more than a high school diploma or GED equivalent, but others might require that you’ve completed an apprenticeship. Most training is done on-the-job, but you will need to be able to learn and remember a range of responsibilities. In addition to using plant equipment to produce goods, you might also be trained in undertaking basic maintenance and repair tasks, so you must possess good mechanical skills. Though it depends on the employer, the role usually requires that you be at least 21 years old and physically fit, as you may have to do heavy lifting on a regular basis.

If you are interested in a job related to Operator, here are some popular related job searches with the most open positions on ZipRecruiter.

Top Types Of Operator Jobs

List of the top 10 highest paying Operator positions in 2026, with salary ranges, according to ZipRecruiter.

  • No Experience Excavator Operator

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

    No Experience Excavator Operator is a typical job search query Most salaries for No Experience Excavator Operator jobs pay between $45,000 (25th percentile) and $59,500 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for No Experience Excavator Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

  • 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.

  • Heavy Equipment Operator Union

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

    Heavy Equipment Operator Union is a common job search query. Most salaries for Heavy Equipment Operator Union jobs pay between $40,500 (25th percentile) and $56,000 (75th percentile) annually. You’ll find many open positions nationwide for Heavy Equipment Operator Union job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

  • 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.

  • Field Operator

    Salary range: $37,000 - $52,500

    A field operator handles large machinery and operates them on site. Depending on the industry, field operators may drive cement trucks to construction sites, or operate waste trucks to load and unload at disposal sites. Their primary duties include following all company operating procedures to set up new machines and equipment, running the machinery in accordance to guidelines, and troubleshooting any problems that arise. The career requires basic mechanical aptitude and familiarity with all company safety rules and regulations.

  • Oil Field Heavy Equipment Operator

    Salary range: $52,000 - $72,500

    Oil Field Heavy Equipment Operator is a common job search query. Most salaries for Oil Field Heavy Equipment Operator jobs pay between $52,000 (25th percentile) and $72,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Oil Field Heavy Equipment 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 De Equipo Pesado

    Salary range: $43,500 - $70,000

    Operador De Equipo Pesado is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Operador De Equipo Pesado jobs pay between $43,500 (25th percentile) and $70,000 (75th percentile) annually. There are plenty of open positions nationwide for Operador De Equipo Pesado job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

  • Forklift Operator

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

    Forklift operators operate forklifts and other equipment to distribute, store, and move goods and cargo. This job combines operating heavy machinery while driving through tight spaces, moving freight, and making sure the whole operation is completed safely and efficiently.

  • Entry Level Operator

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

    Entry Level Operator is a common job search query. Most salaries for Entry Level 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 Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

  • Fly In Fly Out Heavy Equipment Operator

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

    Fly In Fly Out Heavy Equipment Operator is a common job search query. Most salaries for Fly In Fly Out Heavy Equipment Operator jobs pay between $40,500 (25th percentile) and $56,000 (75th percentile) annually. There are plenty of open positions nationwide for Fly In Fly Out Heavy Equipment Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

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