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Dough Machine Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Machine Operator A

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$16.75 - $20/hr

LINE OPERATOR Love Pizza? Love Working with Your Hands? Join Palermo's! At Palermo's, we don't just ... Monitor dough flow, product quality, and line performance throughout production * Make adjustments ...

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Dough Machine Operator information

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How much do dough machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for dough machine operator in the United States is $18.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Dough Machine Operators?

Dough Machine Operators are workers responsible for operating and maintaining machinery that mixes, kneads, and prepares dough in bakeries or food production facilities. They ensure the machines are set up correctly, monitor the process to maintain quality, and troubleshoot any issues that arise. Their role is essential for producing consistent dough products efficiently and safely. They may also be responsible for cleaning equipment and adhering to food safety standards.

What are some typical challenges a Dough Machine Operator might face on the job?

As a Dough Machine Operator, one common challenge is maintaining consistent dough quality, as factors like ingredient variations, humidity, and machine calibration can affect results. Operators must also address mechanical issues quickly to minimize production downtime and uphold safety standards. Additionally, adapting to changes in production schedules or product specifications requires flexibility and close coordination with other team members, such as bakers and quality control staff.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Dough Machine Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Dough Machine Operator, you need a basic understanding of food production processes, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial mixers, dough sheeters, and safety protocols, as well as any relevant food safety certifications, is typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and problem-solving skills help operators excel in fast-paced environments. These abilities ensure consistent product quality, efficient operation, and adherence to safety standards in food manufacturing.

What is the difference between Dough Machine Operator vs Baker?

AspectDough Machine OperatorBaker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; baking certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories or production facilities, operating machineryBakery shops, restaurants, or commercial kitchens
Job FocusOperating and maintaining dough-making machineryPreparing, baking, and decorating baked goods

The Dough Machine Operator primarily focuses on operating machinery to produce dough, while the Baker is responsible for preparing and baking finished products. Both roles may require similar certifications and work in food production environments, but their daily tasks and skill sets differ significantly.

More about Dough Machine Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Dough Machine Operator jobs? Cities with the most Dough Machine Operator job openings:
What states have the most Dough Machine Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Dough Machine Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Dough Machine Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $37,827 per year, or $18.2 per hour.
Machine Operator A

Machine Operator A

Palermo's Pizza

Milwaukee, WI • On-site

$16.75 - $20/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

LINE OPERATOR
Love Pizza? Love Working with Your Hands? Join Palermo's!
At Palermo's, we don't just make pizza - we craft high-quality products with a passion rooted in family, innovation, and tradition. From our beginnings inspired by Sicilian family recipes to becoming one of the fastest-growing frozen pizza manufacturers in the country, we're proud to create products people love.
We're looking for dependable, motivated team members to join our production team as a Mini Pan Line Operator. If you enjoy fast-paced work, operating equipment, troubleshooting problems, and being part of a team that keeps production moving, this could be the role for you!
Who You'll Work For...
While most companies that sell pizza have no real connection to Italy, Palermo's passion for food and family reaches all the way back to the country where pizza was born. "Papa Palermo" carried the cherished recipes to America from Sicily!
Innovation is at the heart of who we are. We use an entrepreneurial, forward-thinking approach resulting in high-quality products that are consistently recognized by both the industry and consumers.
Our commitment to quality has made Palermo's a leader in private label frozen pizza and contract manufacturing.
Perks...
  • 20 Free Pizzas Per Month
  • Competitive Pay with Opportunities for Overtime
  • Career Growth & Advancement Opportunities
  • Comprehensive Benefits Starting the 1st of the Month After Hire
  • 401(k) & Roth with Company Match
  • Paid Time Off & Floating Holiday
  • Safety-Focused Work Environment with PPE Provided
  • Daily Pay Opportunities

Where You'll Work...
Located in Milwaukee's Menomonee River Valley, Villa Palermo is a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility connected to our corporate headquarters.
Our operations include high-speed production lines, advanced bakery systems, robotic packaging equipment, and a 24-hour shipping and receiving operation focused on producing best-in-class frozen pizza products.
What You'll Do...
  • Operate and monitor the production line and related equipment
  • Verify product setup and line settings before production starts
  • Monitor dough flow, product quality, and line performance throughout production
  • Make adjustments to maintain consistent product quality and production flow
  • Support line startup, shutdown, sanitation, and changeover activities
  • Troubleshoot minor equipment and production issues to minimize downtime
  • Perform required quality and food safety checks
  • Maintain clean, organized, and audit-ready work areas
  • Work collaboratively with Production, Quality, Sanitation, and Maintenance teams
  • Follow all safety, GMP, food safety, and sanitation procedures

What You Bring...
  • Previous manufacturing or food production experience preferred
  • Bakery or dough processing experience is helpful but not required
  • Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment
  • Ability to follow SOPs, safety procedures, and work instructions
  • Basic math and measurement skills
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills
  • High school diploma or GED preferred

Physical & Work Environment
  • Regular standing, walking, bending, twisting, lifting, and reaching
  • Ability to regularly lift up to 50 pounds
  • Exposure to flour dust, noise, moving equipment, and varying production temperatures
  • Required to wear PPE including hair/beard nets, smocks, aprons, and slip-resistant shoes

Why You'll Succeed...
  • You work well in a team-focused environment
  • You stay calm and productive in fast-paced situations
  • You take pride in producing high-quality products
  • You're dependable, safety-minded, and detail-oriented
  • You enjoy hands-on work and solving problems as they arise

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.