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Dairy Processing Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Starting Payrate: $26/HR Dairy Farmers of America is looking for highly dependable team players to join our staff as PROCESSING OPERATORS at our Mechanicsburg, PA facility. The key role of a ...

Wet Process Operator

Turlock, CA · On-site

$23 - $28/hr

Description Wet Process Operator (HTST Licensed)Location: Valley Milk, Turlock, CA Schedule ... The ideal candidate has experience in dairy manufacturing, understands HTST processing principles ...

Whey Processing Operator Position Summary The Whey Processing Operator is responsible for operating ... Previous experience in dairy processing, food manufacturing, filtration, pasteurization, or CIP ...

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Dairy Processing Operator information

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$14

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$31

How much do dairy processing operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for dairy processing operator in the United States is $21.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Dairy Processing Operator vs Milk Plant Worker?

AspectDairy Processing OperatorMilk Plant Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma, certifications in food safety and equipment operationHigh school diploma, basic training in plant procedures
Work EnvironmentProcessing plants, manufacturing lines, cold storageMilk collection, processing, packaging areas
Job DutiesOperate machinery, monitor quality, ensure safety standardsAssist in milk handling, packaging, cleaning

While both roles work in dairy production, Dairy Processing Operators typically handle machinery operation and quality control, requiring specific certifications. Milk Plant Workers often perform more manual tasks and assist in processing. The roles are complementary within dairy manufacturing facilities, with Dairy Processing Operators focusing on technical operations and Milk Plant Workers supporting daily production tasks.

What is a dairy processing operator?

Dairy Processing Operators are professionals responsible for overseeing the production and processing of dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter. They operate and monitor machinery, ensure quality and safety standards are met, and troubleshoot equipment issues. Their role also involves cleaning and sanitizing equipment, maintaining detailed production records, and adhering to strict food safety regulations. Dairy Processing Operators play a crucial part in ensuring that dairy products are safe, consistent, and high-quality before reaching consumers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dairy processing operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Dairy Processing Operator, you need knowledge of food safety regulations, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with pasteurization equipment, automated control systems, and HACCP certification is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for producing safe, high-quality dairy products efficiently while maintaining regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges faced by dairy processing operators during production shifts?

Dairy Processing Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining product quality while meeting production targets, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and ensuring strict adherence to sanitation and safety protocols. Unexpected fluctuations in raw milk quality or temperature can also require quick adjustments to processes. Working collaboratively with maintenance and quality control teams is crucial to resolve issues efficiently and minimize downtime, making strong communication and problem-solving skills essential for success in this role.
More about Dairy Processing Operator jobs
What states have the most Dairy Processing Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Dairy Processing Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Dairy Processing Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Dairy Processing Operator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Dairy Processing Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,984 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Dairy Processing Operator

Schreiber Foods

Shippensburg, PA • On-site

$32.87/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Schreiber Foods rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 75 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

69th of 434 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Job Category:Manufacturing & Operations, QualityJob Family:Machine Operations, Plant Production, Plant Quality Assurance, SanitationWork Shift:Job Description:Earn up to $30.96/hour within 24 months!Looking for a steady, hands-on role in dairy production? This is your opportunity to build a long-term career with strong pay, outstanding benefits, and NO mandatory overtime.What We Offer:Competitive Pay: Earn up to $30.96/hour within 24 monthsPerformance bonuses twice per year based on plant/company goalsTwo retirement plans + up to 15% company contribution in stock shares - a job you can truly retire from401(k) with up to 8% company match (higher than 90% of U.S. companies)Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - ownership in the companyDay 1 Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life insurancePaid vacation & holidays$6,000+ in Lifestyle Benefits - childcare, gym memberships & HSA supportWork-Life Balance: No mandatory overtimeWhat You'll Do:As a Processing Operator, you'll help turn raw materials into high-quality cream cheese and yogurt products that meet customer demand. Responsibilities include:Supporting the daily production of cream cheese and yogurtReceiving milk, operating HTST and other processing equipment, and batching flavored product as neededHelping ensure finished products are ready for packaging on the packaging floorFollowing good manufacturing practices, housekeeping standards, and food safety proceduresWearing required personal protective equipment and meeting OSHA safety requirementsSupporting a clean, safe, and team-focused work environmentWhat You Bring:High school diploma or equivalentAbility to read, understand, and follow written proceduresAt least two years of manufacturing experience preferredAbility to lift 30-50 pounds at waist level and work in hot or cold conditionsAbility to operate an electronic pallet jack and stand-up forkliftCommitment to safety, food quality, attendance, and teamworkAdditional Requirements:Pass the Wonderlic cognitive exam before the interviewPass a basic mechanical assessment at the time of the interviewPass a post-offer background check and drug screenProficiency in reading and comprehension of the English language is requiredWhy This Role?This is more than a job-it's a career path with growth, stability, and strong pay, all in a clean, team-focused environment where safety and food quality come first.Eligible partners will receive:Eligible partners will receive: Get not one, but TWO retirement benefits. When you join our employee-owned company, you'll be part of our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) from day one. That means in addition to an 8% 401(k) match into the ESOP, Schreiber will contribute an extra amount toward your retirement every year. Earn bonus pay. You'll have an opportunity to earn incentive pay twice a year when we meet our company goals. Personal Time Off (PTO) starting on day one. Childcare costs. Get up to $5,000 annually to help you with the cost of childcare. Monthly contributions toward childcare expenses, including independent babysitters. Earn extra money for taking care of yourself. Eligible partners can earn a Wellness Incentive and receive an employer-funded Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA) to use on fitness, mental health, and other lifestyle expenses. Pursue development that's relevant to your role, career goals and the company. Plus, we offer tuition reimbursement if you want to further your education to grow in your role at Schreiber. Get access to medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, pet and mental health benefits starting day one. Experience caring like you've never experienced it before. We have a program that's completely organized by and for other partners who need extra help. It's called Partners Helping Partners. We have hundreds of examples of partners organizing fundraisers to help out others going through a hard time. Benefits that support your whole life. Visit Schreiber - Care for you to see everything Schreiber offers to support your health, wellbeing, and financial future.Schreiber requires that an employee have authorization to work in the country in which the role is based. In the event, an applicant does not have current work authorization, Schreiber will determine, in its sole discretion, whether to sponsor an individual for work authorization. However, based on immigration requirements, not all roles are suitable for sponsorship.Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws. Want to be alerted of new openings? Sign in and click the Job Alerts button in the upper-right corner to create a job alert.

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