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Cider Maker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cider Maker information

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$10

$16

$24

How much do cider maker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for cider maker in the United States is $16.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.74 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cider maker?

Cider makers are professionals who craft alcoholic beverages known as cider by fermenting apple juice. They oversee the entire production process, from selecting and pressing apples to managing fermentation, blending, and bottling. Cider makers must have a good understanding of fruit varieties, fermentation techniques, and quality control. They often work in cideries or craft beverage facilities and may also be involved in sourcing ingredients, developing new flavors, and ensuring compliance with food safety standards.

What are some common challenges faced by cider makers during the fermentation process?

Cider makers often encounter challenges such as managing fermentation temperatures, preventing contamination, and achieving consistent flavor profiles across batches. Seasonal variations in apple varieties and sugar content can also impact the fermentation process, requiring careful adjustments and monitoring. Collaboration with team members in quality control and laboratory analysis is essential to quickly identify and resolve any fermentation issues, ensuring a high-quality final product.

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

To thrive as a Cider Maker, you need a thorough understanding of fermentation science, fruit selection, and production processes, often supported by experience in beverage manufacturing or a relevant degree. Familiarity with equipment like fermentation tanks, bottling lines, and quality control instruments, as well as certifications in food safety, are commonly required. Attention to detail, creativity, and problem-solving skills help Cider Makers craft unique flavors and maintain product consistency. These skills are vital for producing high-quality cider, ensuring safety standards, and fostering innovation in a competitive market.

What is the difference between Cider Maker vs Winemaker?

AspectCider MakerWinemaker
CredentialsFood safety certifications, fermentation knowledgeEnology certifications, viticulture knowledge
Work EnvironmentApple orchards, cideries, fermentation facilitiesVineyards, wineries, fermentation tanks
Industry UsageFruit beverage production, craft cider industryWine production, beverage industry

Both Cider Makers and Winemakers work in fermentation and beverage production, but Cider Makers focus on apple and fruit-based beverages, often working in cideries and orchards. Winemakers specialize in grape fermentation within wineries. While their skills overlap in fermentation techniques, their raw materials, certifications, and industry environments differ significantly.

More about Cider Maker jobs

Who are the top companies hiring for Cider Maker jobs?

The top employers for Cider Maker jobs are:

What are popular job titles related to Cider Maker jobs?

For Cider Maker jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Cider Maker job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,445 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Cellar Operator/ Cidermaker

Burlington, VT • On-site

Citizen Cider
Food Services and Drinking Places • 51 - 200 employees

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Job Title: Cider Maker/Production Operator
Department: Operations
FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt
Salary or Wage Range: Competitive
Reports to: General Manager Operations
Date: 1/26/2026
Summary
A cider maker manages the cider making process from sourcing raw materials through to ensuring the product is safely dispatched. A cider maker must understand all aspects of cider production including the pressing of fruit, fermentation process, testing of cider and sanitation.
The cider maker must ensure the production process that meets food and safety requirements within the first 90 days of employment. To do well in this role, you must be very methodical to ensure the quality of cider produced is consistent. Individuals with wine making or beer making experience may already have many of the skills necessary to become a cider maker.
This is a entry-level position with the expectation to learn and become competent in all responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Duties/Responsibilities
The responsibilities of a cider maker may vary depending on the production capacity and the types of cider being produced at our facilities. The primary responsibility of a cider maker is to manage all aspects of the production process and create a high-quality product.
- Sourcing Raw Materials
- Product formulation and new product development
- Quality assurance throughout the cider making process
- Maintenance of Citizen Cider Quality System
- Product Profiling and Testing
- Training and Development
- Develop Production Performance Goals
- Maintaining equipment on the production line
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
  • Environmental Cleaning
  • TK/Line CIP
  • Tanker CIP
  • Yeast Pitching

Supervisory Responsibilities
  • None

Work Environment
The work environment can be cold, wet, hot, and noisy, and employees may frequently have to work in confined spaces like fermenting vessels and tanks.
Physical Demands
  • Ability to stand for extended periods of time, walk, talk, hear, use hands to finger, grasp, handle or feel, push, pull, reach, crouch, kneel, crawl or bend, and perform repetitive motions of the hands and/or wrist.
  • Ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20lbs of force frequently and/or up-to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
  • High mental and visual attention is required for planning difficult work methods and sequences to obtain size, shape, or physical qualities of the product. AND/OR Extremely close visual attention such as making delicate adjustments to control high-speed operations to exercise very precise muscular control.

Travel required
  • None

What Does Citizen Cider Offer You?
Citizen Cider is a place unlike any other. It's a place to inspire people and make an impact. We believe the best way to do that is by fostering an organization of inclusion made up of people from diverse backgrounds, where all contributions are valued and where every employee has the chance to become their best creative and professional self, alongside thoughtful individuals who lead with curiosity, empathy, and optimism. Sure, we work hard, but we also craft moments that allow our workplace to pause, create and connect. We encourage our team to bring their whole selves to work, respect the need for work-life balance, and allow for autonomy in the work process and your career.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Citizen Cider is an equal opportunity employer; applicants are considered for all roles without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, marital, parental, veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
At Citizen Cider we celebrate diversity and embrace our differences, believing that these values add to our culture, products, and services.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Requirements
Required Skills and Abilities
  • Attention to detail
  • Attentive to the work environment/cleanliness
  • Arithmetic proficiency
  • Can be on feet for long hours
  • Comfortably lift 50+ pounds
  • Good communication skills
  • Motivated to work both independently and as a team
  • Willingness to promote sustainable operations with a focus on product loss and energy reductions
  • Mechanical aptitude strongly desired

Required Trainings
  • TK/Line CIP SOP Sign Off - 30 Days
  • Tanker CIP SOP Sign Off - 30 Days
  • Yeast Pitch SOP Sign Off - 45 Days

Required Education and Experience
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Preferred education and experience
  • 6 months Manufacturing

Additional Eligibility Requirements
None