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$26

How much do distillery operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for distillery operator in the United States is $19.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by distillery operators, and how can they be managed on the job?

Distillery operators often face challenges such as maintaining equipment efficiency, adhering to strict safety protocols, and ensuring product quality throughout the distillation process. These can be managed by following preventive maintenance schedules, staying up-to-date with safety and quality procedures, and working closely with team members such as quality control technicians and maintenance staff. Strong attention to detail and effective communication are key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring smooth operations in the distillery environment.

What is a distillery operator?

Distillery Operators are professionals responsible for overseeing the production of spirits such as whiskey, vodka, or gin in a distillery. They manage the distillation process, monitor equipment, ensure quality control, and maintain safety standards. Their duties often include measuring and mixing ingredients, operating machinery, recording production data, and conducting routine maintenance. Distillery Operators play a key role in ensuring that the final product meets required specifications and regulatory standards.

What is the difference between Distillery Operator vs Bottling Line Worker?

AspectDistillery OperatorBottling Line Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma, certifications in safety and equipment operationHigh school diploma, safety training
Work EnvironmentDistillery production floor, handling fermentation and distillation equipmentBottling line, packaging spirits into bottles
Industry UsageUsed in distilleries for alcohol productionUsed in bottling plants for packaging

Distillery Operators focus on the production process, including fermentation and distillation, while Bottling Line Workers handle packaging and bottling. Both roles require safety training and are essential in alcohol manufacturing, but they differ in daily tasks and equipment used.

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

To thrive as a Distillery Operator, you need a solid understanding of distillation processes, equipment operation, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or industry-specific certification. Familiarity with control systems, quality testing tools, and maintenance procedures is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production in a regulated and fast-paced environment.
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Distillery Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Distillery Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,576 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Distillery Operator- Woodford Reserve- 3rd Shift

Korbel

Versailles, KY • On-site

$16 - $20.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

CURRENT EMPLOYEES, CONSULTANTS, AND AGENCY PARTNERS:

If you currently work for Brown-Forman, please apply by clicking the Careers icon on the Workday portal.

For best results, use Google Chrome to view this page.

Meaningful Work From Day One:
With a zero-loss mindset, the distillery operator will perform all duties related to milling, yeasting, mashing, fermentation, distillation, and barrel filling under minimal supervision in accordance with standard operating procedures and government regulations. Monitor boiler operations, respond to alarms and troubleshoot issues with maintenance support. In addition to the core responsibilities of the distillery, the distillery operators will unload grain, load slop trucks, prepare ingredients for R&D as needed, and perform daily, weekly and annual sanitation duties. This role will work overtime and/or alternate schedules to ensure coverage for planned and unplanned absences (including but not limited to vacation, leave, call-offs, etc.) as required.

What You Can Expect:
Perform all aspects of grain unloading, milling, yeasting, mashing, fermentation, distillation, and barrel fill operations per the standard operating procedures
Monitor boiler room operations and collaborate with maintenance team to resolve issues
Monitor by-products levels and coordinate and execute tanker load out according to schedule
Leverage distillery schedule to ensure proper time for fermentation and distillation
Closely track plant metrics and operational performance, responding and troubleshooting alarms and resolving issues
Ensure all three pot distillation processes meet regulatory requirements and adhere to the standard operating procedures, maintaining accurate records and specified proof
Assist in barrel unload, inspect and cooper barrels as needed prior to and during barrel fill, and assist in loading the barrel truck
Perform general sanitation duties
Perform other duties, responsibilities, and special projects as assigned to meet business and operational needs.

What You Bring to the Table:
High school diploma or equivalent
Must be at least 21 years of age
Strong attention to detail and ability to manage time and work with minimal supervision
Strong analytical and decision making skills
Demonstrated ability to perform mathematical calculations (add, multiply, subtract, etc.)

Proficient in Google and/or Microsoft Suite (Sheets, Mail, etc.)
Physically able to walk, bend, stoop, twist, reach upward/downward, crouch, and ascend/descend stairs/ramps/ ladders, including climbing heights up to 40 or 50 feet, repeatedly over the course of each nightly shift
Physically able to push and pull over 100 pounds
Physically able to tolerate exposure to the following conditions: cold, heat, coal conveyor & height (40'-50') .

What Makes You Unique:
Previous distillery experience
Associate's or bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology or other related science discipline
Experience with the Salesforce platform

Who We Are:
We believe great people build great brands. And we know there is Nothing Better in the Market than a career at Brown-Forman. Being a part of Brown-Forman means you will grow both personally and professionally. You will have the opportunity to solve problems, seize opportunities, and generate bold ideas. You will belong to a place where teamwork matters and where you are encouraged to bring your best self to work.

What We Offer:
Total Rewards at Brown-Forman is designed to engage our people to ensure sustainable and profitable growth for generations to come. As a premium spirits company, we offer equitable pay structures for individual and company performance alongside a pr emium employee experience. We offer a range of premium benefits that reflect our company values and meet the needs of our diverse workforce. #LI

Requisition Type:

Employee

Management Level:

Operations

Global Job Level:

T2

Number of Openings Available:

1

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