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Entry Level Manufacturing Jobs in Portage, MI (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Manufacturing information

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$29

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How much do entry level manufacturing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level manufacturing in Portage, MI is $29.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.72 and $32.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level manufacturing?

An Entry Level Manufacturing job involves performing basic tasks in a production or assembly environment, often under the guidance of experienced workers. Responsibilities may include operating machinery, assembling products, inspecting materials, and maintaining a clean work area. No prior experience is usually required, as on-the-job training is provided. These positions are ideal for individuals looking to gain hands-on experience in manufacturing and develop technical skills.

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

A typical day for an entry level manufacturing employee involves operating and monitoring machines, assembling products or components, conducting quality checks, and ensuring a clean and safe work area. You’ll often work as part of a team, communicating with supervisors and co-workers to maintain production goals. Depending on the facility, shifts may vary, and you may rotate between different tasks to keep up with workflow demands. This variety keeps the workday active and helps employees develop a broad set of skills relevant to advancing in the manufacturing industry.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Manufacturing worker, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong attention to detail, and basic mechanical aptitude. Familiarity with operating machinery, using hand tools, and following safety protocols—sometimes demonstrated through OSHA certifications—is important. Reliability, teamwork, and effective communication help set candidates apart in fast-paced manufacturing environments. These abilities are crucial for maintaining production quality, efficiency, and safety on the job.

How to start a career in entry level manufacturing?

To start a career in entry level manufacturing, gain basic technical skills through high school education or vocational training, and consider obtaining certifications such as OSHA safety or equipment operation licenses. Entry-level positions often require physical stamina, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a team environment, with on-the-job training provided for specific machinery and processes.

What are the most commonly searched types of Manufacturing jobs in Portage, MI?

The most popular types of Manufacturing jobs in Portage, MI are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Manufacturing jobs in Portage, MI?

For Entry Level Manufacturing jobs in Portage, MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Portage, MI are hiring for Entry Level Manufacturing jobs?

Cities near Portage, MI with the most Entry Level Manufacturing job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Manufacturing job openings in Portage, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,152 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Manufacturing Machine Operator, Processing (3rd shift) - Sturgis, MI Plant

Sturgis, MI • On-site


Abbott

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 138 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

173rd of 544 rated manufacturers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by parents


$19.05 - $38.15/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Job Title
Manufacturing Machine Operator, Processing (3rd shift)
Working at Abbott
At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and your family, be your true self, and live a full life. You'll also have access to:
  • Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.
  • Employees can qualify for free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year.
  • An excellent retirement savings plan with a high employer contribution
  • Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program, and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor's degree.
  • A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries worldwide and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.
  • A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as the best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.

The Opportunity
This position works out of our Sturgis, MI location in the Abbott Nutrition division. Our Nutrition business develops science-based nutrition products for people of all ages, from helping babies and children grow to keeping adult bodies strong and active. Millions of people around the world count on our leading brands - including Similac®, PediaSure®, Pedialyte®, Ensure®, and Glucerna® - to help them get the nutrients they need to live their healthiest lives.
For over 70 years, Abbott's Sturgis, Mich., has been impacting its community while producing products that provide essential nutrition to millions of families around the world. Working here, you'll feel part of a family that is dedicated to making a difference and helping others.
What You'll Work On
  • This is an entry level position is for our Processing department.
  • Responsible for the manufacturing of liquid adult, pediatric, and medical nutritional products. Including lifting and physical handling of raw ingredients during the weighing, staging and manufacturing processes, operation of scales, portable pumps, container rinsers, homogenizers, dry blending, and any other related processing equipment
  • Learn and perform hand cleaning, clean-in-place (CIP), heat treatment systems, cleaning-out-of-place (COP), routine housekeeping, and other cleaning and sanitization tasks as assigned by leadership
  • Interact with computer systems that are integrated into the manufacturing process along with word order documentation of the manufacturing steps
  • Preparation/operation/monitoring/documentation of bulk slurries for blending operations, heat treatment processes, controlled weigh system of batch ingredients, and any other applicable systems and documents that are required to operate these systems
  • Operation/monitoring/documentation of a computer-controlled clean-in-place (CIP) system utilized for manufacturing equipment (i.e. tanks, heat treatment system, vessels, etc.)
  • Receive and unloading of bulk raw ingredients and CIP chemicals and material movements/staging of ingredients with a powdered industrial forklift
  • Troubleshoot equipment breakdowns

You'll be accountable for meeting our compliance standards including FDA, OSHA and Abbott policies and procedures.
Required Qualifications
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Ability to continuously lift up to 50lbs throughout the shift

Preferred Qualifications
  • At least 6 months of food manufacturing experience
  • Mechanical aptitude, solid problem-solving skills and high attention to detail

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Pre-Employment Inquiries and Citizenship | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (eeoc.gov)
Apply Now
Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives: www.abbottbenefits.com
Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your future and live your best life. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity and Military/Veteran friendly Employer, committed to employee diversity.
Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott, and on Twitter @AbbottNews.
The base pay for this position is
$19.05 - $38.15/hour
In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.
JOB FAMILY:
Manufacturing
DIVISION:
ANSC Nutrition Supply Chain
LOCATION:
United States > Sturgis : Building 01A
ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS:
WORK SHIFT:
Shift Premium (United States Of America)
TRAVEL:
No
MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE:
No
SIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES:
Continuous standing for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day), Continuous walking for prolonged periods (more than 2 hours at a time in an 8 hour day), Lift, carry, push or pull weights of more than 20 pounds/9 kilos on a regular/daily basis
Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Women/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans.
EEO is the Law link - English: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_English.pdf
EEO is the Law link - Espanol: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_Spanish.pdf

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