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Cheese Maker Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Cheese Maker information

See Indiana salary details

$10

$15

$22

How much do cheese maker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for cheese maker in Indiana is $15.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.12 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cheese maker?

A Cheese Maker is responsible for producing cheese by overseeing the entire cheesemaking process, from selecting and preparing ingredients to aging and packaging the final product. They work with milk, cultures, rennet, and other ingredients to create different types of cheese, ensuring proper texture, flavor, and quality. Cheese Makers must follow food safety regulations, maintain equipment, and often experiment with new recipes. The job requires attention to detail, patience, and knowledge of dairy science.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cheese maker?

A successful Cheese Maker requires strong knowledge of food safety, dairy science, and hands-on production techniques, often supported by relevant experience or a degree in food science or a related field. Familiarity with pasteurization equipment, pH meters, and sanitation systems, as well as any necessary food handling certifications, is typically expected. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team are vital soft skills. These abilities ensure the consistent production of high-quality cheese, adherence to regulatory standards, and smooth teamwork within a production environment.

What does a typical day look like for a cheese maker and what kind of work environment should I expect?

Cheese Makers usually start their day by receiving and inspecting milk, monitoring the production process, and ensuring equipment is properly cleaned and sanitized. The role involves hands-on tasks such as mixing cultures, cutting curds, aging cheese, and troubleshooting production issues to maintain quality standards. You can expect to work in a dairy production facility, often as part of a close-knit team where clear communication and cooperation are essential. The environment may be fast-paced and sometimes physically demanding, but it also provides the opportunity to learn directly from experienced team members. Additionally, there is often room for career advancement into supervisory or quality assurance roles as you gain expertise.

How do you become a cheese maker?

To become a cheese maker, typically one needs to gain knowledge of dairy science and cheese production through formal education or on-the-job training. Many cheese makers learn through apprenticeships or technical programs in food science, and developing skills in sanitation, quality control, and aging processes is essential for success in the field.

How much do cheese makers make?

Cheese makers typically earn between $25,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the scale of the operation. Skilled cheese makers with certifications or specialized knowledge can earn higher wages, especially in artisanal or commercial settings.

What are popular job titles related to Cheese Maker jobs in Indiana?

For Cheese Maker jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cheese Maker jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Cheese Maker jobs in Indiana are:

Infographic showing various Cheese Maker job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,777 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

About UsWe are a leading dairy/cheesemaking operation dedicated to producing high-quality products through safe, consistent, and efficient manufacturing practices. We take pride in our people and are committed to providing a positive, team-oriented workplace. We are a subsidiary of the Michigan Milk Producers Association. A dairy farmer owned cooperative and dairy processor. Founded in 1916, the MMPA serves dairy farmers in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin. Why you'll love working here Competitive PayHealth and wellness benefits with medical coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield, including mental health benefitsPaid time offEmployer-matched 401(k) retirement savings planEmployee appreciation events and recognition awardsEmployee wellness initiativesEmployee feedback and suggestion forumsTasks/Duties: Uphold Food SafetyFollow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).Learn and understand the entire cheese make process while monitoring changes.Monitor pH throughout the make process.Mentor and train cheese make apprentices and table operators.Delegate and assign duties to cheese processors.Monitor the CIP and COP setup.Monitor charting: provide legible paperwork, correct completion of all logs and record keeping including ATP swabbing and chemical titration.Monitor sanitation of all necessary tools and cheese making equipment.Monitor operations of the HTST: sanitize within 15 minutes of startup (Cut in/ Cut out/HSCO), accurate chart installation and labeling, while maintaining a forward flow of product throughout the production run.Monitor proper operations of the vats: agitators, knives, pumps, valves and temperatures.Monitor proper operations of tables: grates, traverse, chain, gaskets, rakes, motors, augers, pre-draw, curd wash, rake feet. Monitor proper pasteurization of cheese make. Report all issues to Production Management right away. Monitor Cheese make acidity development and pH. Be able to set a vat by monitoring incoming milk pH, temperature, and add rennet cultures.Monitor Milk coagulation, check set, make decision of when to cut the curd.Monitor vat cut, curd size and curd heal, vat agitation speed, vat cook, vat pre-draw, vat pump over.Monitor table operations, curd transfer, curd agitation, curd size, curd wash, pre-draw, whey draining, agitator and traverse speed, curd pH and temperature, salt addition, curd size, agitations, raking, shoveling.Ensure all necessary hook ups are in place.Ensure proper time management of the cheese make process.Ensure all team breaks are assigned and completed.Ensure all accidents are reported.Ensure all company policies are maintained.Complete inventories on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.All other tasks as assigned Qualifications: 2-4 years of cheese making experience.Experience in the food industry.Flexible schedule as production forecasts can change.Ability to lift 50 pounds.Applicant must be willing to abide by and follow all food safety laws.Experience in a manufacturing environmentExperience in the food industryPositive attitudeFriendly, approachable demeanorFlexibility with your schedule as production can change on short notice.Ability to work in a warm and humid environment. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the responsibilities. This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive list of responsibilities that are required of the role. Responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice. MMPA provides the opportunity for meaningful work that makes a difference in the dairy industry and in our communities. The diverse talents and perspectives of our employees help us to meet the needs of our member farms and the customers we serve. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. MMPA is committed to maintaining a safe, healthy, and productive environment for all employees as one of our top priorities. As part of our commitment to your well-being and workplace safety, all applicants are required to undergo a drug screening and background check as part of the hiring process. We are not accepting unsolicited candidate introductions, referrals, or rsums from third-party recruiters or staffing agencies for this position. MMPA is an equal opportunity employer. #MMPAND1