2

Entry Level Distillery Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

These team members will need to be willing to learn to complete all assigned tasks such as distillation, filtration, and blending within units at the facility. Entry level position that requires NO ...

These team members will need to be willing to learn to complete all assigned tasks such as distillation, filtration, and blending within units at the facility. Entry level position that requires NO ...

Solvent Process Operator I

Dolton, IL · On-site

$15.14 - $30.29/hr

These team members will need to be willing to learn to complete all assigned tasks such as distillation, filtration, and blending within units at the facility. Entry level position that requires NO ...

These team members will need to be willing to learn to complete all assigned tasks such as distillation, filtration, and blending within units at the facility. Entry level position that requires NO ...

Entry Level Distillery information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$20.5K

$43.9K

$71.3K

How much do entry level distillery jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level distillery in Chicago, IL is $43,938.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,358.00 and $49,781.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical day look like for someone in an entry level distillery position?

A typical day in an entry level distillery position involves assisting with the production process, such as measuring ingredients, monitoring fermentation, cleaning equipment, and filling bottles. You may work closely with other production team members to ensure product consistency and quality, following strict cleanliness and safety standards. Expect to spend much of your time on your feet and occasionally lift or move heavy materials. This role provides hands-on learning experiences and an excellent introduction to various aspects of the distillation process, making it a great starting point for career growth in the industry.

What is an entry level distillery?

An entry-level distillery job involves assisting in the production of spirits, such as whiskey, vodka, or gin. Responsibilities may include operating equipment, monitoring fermentation, cleaning facilities, bottling, and packaging. No prior experience is usually required, but attention to detail and the ability to follow safety and quality standards are essential. This role provides hands-on experience and an opportunity to learn the distillation process from the ground up.

How much money does an entry level distillery make?

An entry-level distillery worker typically earns between $12 and $15 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $25,000 to $30,000. Earnings can vary based on location, experience, and the size of the distillery, and some positions may include benefits or tips.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the entry level distillery position, and why are they important?

To thrive in an Entry Level Distillery role, candidates need a keen attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and a basic understanding of beverage production or food safety practices. Familiarity with equipment such as fermentation tanks, bottling machines, and basic lab tools is helpful, and some employers may prefer training or certification in food handling or safety procedures. Strong teamwork, reliability, and a willingness to learn are crucial soft skills that help individuals adapt to fast-paced production environments. These skills and qualities are essential for maintaining quality standards, ensuring workplace safety, and contributing effectively to the distillery team.

What degree do you need to work in an entry level distillery?

Entry level distillery positions typically do not require a specific degree, but a high school diploma or equivalent is usually necessary. Relevant skills include knowledge of safety procedures, basic chemistry, and experience with distillation equipment, which can be gained through on-the-job training or certifications in alcohol production or related fields.
What are the most commonly searched types of Distillery jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Distillery jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Distillery jobs in Chicago, IL? For Entry Level Distillery jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Distillery jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Distillery jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Distillery job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 29% As Needed, 31% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 30% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,938 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

$25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Clean Harbors rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 88 rated recycling and waste


Job description

Clean Harbors Dolton, IL is working an environmentally friendly solvent recycler, is looking to add several Solvent Process Operators to their team! These team members will need to be willing to learn to complete all assigned tasks such as distillation, filtration, and blending within units at the facility. Entry level position that requires NO TRAVEL! We are looking for dedicated individuals with a flexible schedule to work night shift. This is a unique opportunity to learn interesting Chemical Processes - company provided training!
 
Shift: Days 7am-7pm 3/2 Split schedule
 
Pay: $25 
  • Health and Safety is our #1 priority, and we live it 3-6-5!
  • Competitive wages with overtime opportunities.
  • Comprehensive health benefits coverage after 30 days of full-time employment
  • Group 401K with company matching component.
  • Opportunities for growth and development for all the stages of your career
  • Generous paid time off, company paid training and tuition reimbursement.
  • Positive and safe work environments

What does it take to work at Clean Harbors?

  • High School diploma or equivalent required;
  • Must be 18 years or older;
  • 1+ Years of related experience;
  • Fork lift experience preferred (Not Required);
  • Ability to use computer;
  • Ability to lift 50 or more pounds;

Clean Harbors, a Clean Harbors company, has a commitment to excellence deeply rooted in a strong sense of tradition. Our entire business model revolves around keeping North American businesses green. We generate more than $1.2 billion in annual revenue as a world-class environmental service organization and market leader in industrial hazardous waste management, parts-cleaning technology, and oil re-refining. We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery capacity in North America allowing us to re-refine more than 150 million gallons each year.

Every day, we help our customers resolve their waste management needs and reduce their carbon footprint. PROTECTION. CHOICES. PEOPLE. MAKE GREEN WORK.

Clean Harbors is an equal opportunity employer.

Clean Harbors is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact ect@cleanharbors.com or 1-844-922-5547.

Clean Harbors and its subsidiaries are a Military & Veteran friendly company.

Clean Harbors is committed to complying with applicable pay transparency laws and ensuring fair and equitable compensation. The posted salary range reflects the minimum and maximum target for this role. Final compensation may vary based on factors such as location, experience, skills, and business needs. In addition to the base salary, some roles may be eligible for bonus or incentive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.

#LI-CS1

*SK

Key Responsibilities:
  • Ensuring that Health and Safety is the number one priority by complying with all safe work practices, policies, and processes and acting in a safe manner at all times.
 
You will be trained on the following:
 
  • Offloads inbound tankers and performs distillation instructed by the laboratory.
  • Sampling of trucks to laboratory.
  • Completes daily checklist as required for proper operation of the Distillation units.
  • Assures unit has daily maintenance duties performed and communicates any problems or issues with the Distillation units immediately upon discovery.
  • Assures Distillation units are never operated in an unsafe manner or in a manner which is not consistent with Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Ensure that the processing unit is operating according to the issued guidelines and process specifications.
  • Decants material pumping off excess sludge, also does a washout of still between batches to ensure no cross contamination.
  • Reviews all applicable SOP's and scores satisfactorily on quizzes.
  • Completes and submits all associated paperwork as required for waste tracking movements, as well as scanning applications.
  • Ensures that work meets all applicable Health and Safety Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Ensures, understands and has ownership for area specific permit required compliance standards.
  • Responsible for maintaining a clean work environment.
  • Maintain accurate Logs / run sheets.
  • Monitor tank levels while in process using gauges and PLC monitoring equipment checking high level alarms and pumps.
  • Understands Clean Compliance Standard.
  • Performs other duties and tasks as assigned from time to time by management and will be required by the needs of the Clean Harbors business.

What Clean Harbors employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Clean Harbors logo

About Clean Harbors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Clean Harbors is North America’s leading provider of environmental and industrial services. The Company serves a diverse customer base, including a majority of Fortune 500 companies. Its customer base spans a number of industries, including chemical, and manufacturing, as well as numerous government agencies. These customers rely on Clean Harbors to deliver a broad range of services such as end-to-end hazardous waste management, emergency spill response, industrial cleaning and maintenance, and recycling services. Through its Safety-Kleen subsidiary, Clean Harbors also is North America’s largest re-refiner and recycler of used oil and a leading provider of parts washers and environmental services to commercial, industrial and automotive customers. Founded in 1980 and based in Massachusetts, Clean Harbors operates throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Industry

Environmental consulting services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Norwell, MA, US