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Bottling Associate Jobs in Baltimore, MD (NOW HIRING)

Bottling Associate information

See Baltimore, MD salary details

$10

$19

$32

How much do bottling associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for bottling associate in Baltimore, MD is $19.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.81 and $20.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a bottling associate?

Bottling Associates are workers responsible for operating and maintaining machinery that fills, caps, labels, and packages bottles in manufacturing facilities, such as beverage or pharmaceutical plants. They ensure that products are bottled safely, efficiently, and according to quality standards. Their duties may include monitoring production lines, performing quality checks, troubleshooting equipment, and keeping work areas clean. Bottling Associates often work as part of a team to meet production targets and follow safety protocols. The role may require standing for long periods and handling repetitive tasks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a bottling associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Bottling Associate, you need attention to detail, manual dexterity, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with bottling machinery, conveyor systems, and safety regulations is typically required. Strong teamwork, reliability, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure efficient production, product quality, and a safe work environment in fast-paced bottling operations.

What are some common challenges faced by bottling associates, and how can they be managed effectively?

Bottling Associates often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent product quality, meeting production quotas, and ensuring safety in a fast-paced environment. Managing these challenges involves being attentive to detail, staying organized, and following strict safety and quality protocols. Effective communication with team members and supervisors is also important to quickly address machine malfunctions or workflow bottlenecks. Regular training and cross-training on different parts of the bottling line can help associates adapt to changing needs and increase their potential for advancement.

What is the difference between Bottling Associate vs Packaging Technician?

AspectBottling AssociatePackaging Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training on equipmentHigh school diploma; technical training often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plant, production lineManufacturing or warehouse setting, packaging area
Job FocusOperating bottling machinery, quality checksAssembling, packing, and labeling products
Industry UsageFood, beverage, or pharmaceutical manufacturingConsumer goods, food, or beverage packaging

While both roles operate within manufacturing environments, a Bottling Associate primarily focuses on running bottling machinery and ensuring product quality during the filling process. In contrast, a Packaging Technician handles the packing, labeling, and preparing products for shipment. Both roles require attention to detail and safety protocols, but their specific tasks differ within the production process.

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

About Us:

Elite Spice is an industry leading spice importer and custom manufacturer offering an extensive line of spices, seasonings and specialty food ingredients. American owned and operated, with six separate state-of-the-art facilities on the East and West Coasts, Elite’s focus on food safety is uncompromising. With a reputation for exceptional quality, superior R&D capabilities, experienced technical support and outstanding customer service, Elite Spice is prepared to meet the needs of all segments of the commercial food industry.

Position Overview:

The primary purpose of the Bottling Line Manager is to lead daily bottling and packaging operations, ensuring production targets are met safely, efficiently, and in compliance with food safety and quality standards. The incumbent may perform a variety of functions which will include leading a team of production associates, ensuring adherence to safety and quality protocols, coordinating with Quality and Maintenance teams, and playing a hands-on role in continuous improvement.       

Key Responsibilities: Performs any combination of (but not limited to) the following duties:

  • Start-up & Line Readiness
    • Lead the commissioning and start-up of a new bottling line for dry spices and seasoning blends.
    • Partner closely with Engineering, Maintenance, Operations, QA, and vendors to ensure equipment is installed, tested, and operating according to specifications.
    • Develop and document standard operating procedures (SOPs), changeover procedures, cleaning protocols, and start-up/shutdown checklists.
    • Establish, track, and continuously improve line performance metrics (OEE, yield, changeover time, downtime, etc.).
  • Daily Operations & Line Management
    • Serve as the primary operator/owner of the bottling line, including fillers, cappers, labelers, coders, checkweighers, and associated conveyor systems.
    • Plan, coordinate, and monitor daily production to meet schedule and cost targets.
    • Ensure all product is filled, sealed, labeled, coded, and packaged in accordance with specifications and regulatory requirements.
    • Troubleshoot operational issues in real time, making necessary adjustments to minimize downtime and material waste.
  • People Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
    • Supervise, train and coach line operators and packaging associates assigned to the bottling line.
    • Build a high-performance, safety focused culture on the line through clear expectations, feedback, and accountability.
    • Collaborate with Technical Service and Quality Control on product standards, weights, labels, allergen controls, and GMP compliance.
    • Work with various Production departments to ensure timely availability of raw materials and packaging components.
    • Interface regularly with Maintenance and Engineering to prioritize preventative maintenance, repairs, and line improvements.
  • Quality, Safety & Compliance
    • Model and enforce strict adherence to food safety, GMPs, and company policies at all times.
    • Conduct and document line checks (weights, fill levels, torque, labels, codes, seals, packaging integrity) with extreme attention to detail.
    • Support and participate in internal and external audits as needed.
    • Identify and drive corrective and preventative actions (CAPA) related to quality or safety on the line.
  • Continuous Improvement & Mechanical Support
    • Proactively identify opportunities to improve line throughput, changeover times, ergonomics, and material utilization.
    • Perform basic mechanical adjustments, minor repairs, and format changes; escalate more complex issues to maintenance.
    • Contribute to capital and process improvement projects associated with the bottling operations.

Education & Experience:

  • Required:
    • Proven experience operating and/or supervising an automated bottling or packaging line handling powders, granulates, or similar dry products.
    • Demonstrated experience leading a small team (lead, senior operator, or supervisory experience) in a manufacturing or packaging environment.
    • High level of attention to detail, particularly around weights, codes, labels, lot traceability, and documentation.
    • Strong mechanical aptitude; comfortable with equipment adjustments, basic troubleshooting, and interpreting manuals and line documentation.
    • Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), food safety, and workplace safety standards.
    • Solid team player who uses organizational and communication skills to work effectively across departments (Operations, QA, Maintenance, Planning, Warehouse, etc.).
  • Preferred:
    • Experience in food, beverage, nutraceutical, or spice/seasoning industry.
    • Direct experience bottling or packaging dry spices, seasonings, or other food powders.
    • Experience with start-up/commission of new lines or equipment.
    • Background working in environments with SQF, BRC, or similar third-party food safety certifications.

Keywords: Bottling line manager, production manager