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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
Skid Steer Operator
Salary range: $40,500 - $56,000
A skid steer is a smaller, engine-powered loader, usually used to assist with construction projects. As a skid steer operator, your exact duties may vary according to the project at hand, but include digging holes, moving large objects around a construction site, digging trenches, moving dirt or earth, assisting with laying pavement, and plowing snow. Skid steer operator jobs can be either normal employment or contract positions and can range from full-time to part-time. As a skid steer operator, you need a general knowledge of common tasks and responsibilities at construction sites, an understanding of proper construction safety procedures, and several hours of experience working with a skid steer.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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