How To Become An Operator Trainee: What It Is and Career Path

What is an operator trainee and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

An operator trainee is someone who is learning how to perform a job by shadowing an experienced worker. They can work in various industries and roles, from city wastewater municipalities to manufacturing plants. Their daily tasks will differ depending on the role they are training for. Some operator trainees learn how to operate heavy machinery such as Bobcats, while others spend their days learning how to maintain systems within a processing plant. Usually, the position requires at least some hands-on knowledge and experience with tools. Operator trainees also need to be observant to learn from their supervisors. Sometimes, they have to do administrative tasks such as preparing progress reports.

The requirements to become an operator trainee will depend on the industry and position. While about half have a bachelor's degree, many others have only a high school diploma. Although a relevant internship may be helpful, they do not need much professional experience.

Operator trainees earn an average salary of $32,173 a year. However, once they finish their traineeship and are promoted to a full-time position, they can earn much more.

ScoreOperator TraineeUS Average

Salary

2.9

Avg. Salary $36,978

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

4.4

Growth rate 7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

8.5

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.25%

Asian 9.35%

Black or African American 12.56%

Hispanic or Latino 17.59%

Unknown 3.49%

White 55.77%

Gender

female 22.50%

male 77.50%

Age - 46

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46

Stress level

4.4

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity level

5.6

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.8

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an operator trainee

Explore operator trainee education requirements

Most common operator trainee degrees

Bachelor's

58.2 %

Associate

14.0 %

High School Diploma

13.0 %

Start to develop specific operator trainee skills

Skills	Percentages
Customer Service	18.58%
Hand Tools	15.41%
CDL	10.81%
DOT	4.77%
Minor Maintenance	4.33%

Complete relevant operator trainee training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New operators trainee learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an operator trainee based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real operator trainee resumes.

Research operator trainee duties and responsibilities

Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
Operate valves, pumps and extruders.
Work oilfield operations as a Jr.
Perform LOTO on process equipment and piping.

Prepare your operator trainee resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your operator trainee resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an operator trainee resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable operator trainee resume templates

Build a professional operator trainee resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your operator trainee resume.