Machine Operator Jobs in Arlington, TX
Machine operators keep Arlington's production lines running, and the role is one of the most reliable step-up jobs in local manufacturing because plants around the Great Southwest Industrial District constantly need trained hands to run presses, molders, and automated cells. Operators who learn to set up and troubleshoot their machines earn noticeably more than entry line workers.
Current machine operator Openings in Arlington, TX
Listings marked External are sponsored openings provided by the Jobs2Careers network.
Top Arlington Employers Hiring Machine Operators
These Arlington-area manufacturers regularly hire machine operators across automotive, plastics, and industrial products.
- GM Arlington Assembly - stamping-press and automated-cell operators building full-size SUVs.
- Poly-America - extrusion and film-line operators at high-volume plastics plants near Arlington.
- Trinity Industries - press and fabrication operators for railcar and industrial products.
- Gestamp - stamping and forming operators supplying GM Arlington.
- Martinrea - metal-forming operators in the automotive supply chain.
- Forvia (Faurecia) - injection-molding and production operators for auto interiors.
Machine Operator Salaries in Arlington
- Entry level: about 17 to 20 dollars per hour
- Experienced: about 20 to 26 dollars per hour
- Senior (setup operator, lead): about 26 to 34 dollars per hour
These are estimates that vary by machine type, shift, and union status. Operators who can perform setups and changeovers earn more, plus shift differentials, overtime, and benefits including medical and 401k.
How to Become a Machine Operator in Arlington
Most Arlington machine-operator jobs require a high school diploma or GED plus on-the-job training, and many start as entry line workers who cross-train onto machines. Tarrant County College offers machining, CNC, and manufacturing technology programs that speed advancement, and NIMS credentials help. Texas does not license machine operators, so hands-on skill and reliability drive pay.
What the Job Involves
Machine operators set up, run, and monitor production machines such as presses, molders, extruders, or CNC cells, load material, check part quality, clear jams, and record output, all while meeting quotas on a shift. The work is physical, fast, and safety-critical around powered equipment.
Skills Employers Look For
- Ability to read gauges, work orders, and basic blueprints
- Machine setup and changeover skills
- Basic measurement and quality-check ability
- Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting
- Reliability and safety focus
Career Path and Advancement
Arlington operators often start as production associates, move to machine operator, then setup operator, line lead, and into skilled trades like maintenance or CNC machining or into supervision. Learning multiple machines is the fastest way to raise pay.
Related Careers in Arlington
If machine operation interests you, these related Arlington roles are natural next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a license to be a machine operator in Texas?
No. Texas does not license machine operators. A high school diploma or GED plus on-the-job training is typical, and NIMS or forklift certs help you advance.
How long does it take to become a machine operator in Arlington?
Many workers move onto a machine within weeks to a few months of starting on the line. Learning setups and changeovers to reach higher pay can take several months to a year.
What is the night-shift or overtime pay for machine operators in Arlington?
Night shifts usually add about 1 to 3 dollars per hour, and overtime past 40 hours pays time-and-a-half. GM and UAW-covered suppliers generally offer the strongest premiums.
Can you work as a machine operator remotely in Arlington?
No. Operating production machinery is site-based work done on the plant floor and cannot be done remotely.
Which Arlington employer pays machine operators the most?
GM Arlington Assembly typically leads on operator pay through its UAW wage scale, with high-volume plants like Poly-America and metal-forming suppliers offering competitive rates for skilled setup operators.