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Entry Level Manufacturing Jobs in Wheaton, IL (NOW HIRING)

Entry-Level Machinist

Joliet, IL

$21 - $28.75/hr

Entry-Level Manual Machinist About Conhagen Conhagen is a leading provider of rotating equipment ... Technical school coursework in machining, manufacturing, welding, industrial maintenance, or a ...

Entry-Level Machinist

Joliet, IL · On-site

$21 - $28.75/hr

Entry-Level Manual Machinist About Conhagen Conhagen is a leading provider of rotating equipment ... Technical school coursework in machining, manufacturing, welding, industrial maintenance, or a ...

Entry-Level Machinist

Joliet, IL · On-site

$21 - $28.75/hr

Entry-Level Manual Machinist About Conhagen Conhagen is a leading provider of rotating equipment ... Technical school coursework in machining, manufacturing, welding, industrial maintenance, or a ...

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Manufacturing information

See Wheaton, IL salary details

$13

$30

$49

How much do entry level manufacturing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level manufacturing in Wheaton, IL is $30.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.49 and $33.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are there entry-level manufacturing jobs?

Yes, entry-level manufacturing jobs are widely available and often require minimal prior experience. These positions typically involve tasks such as assembly, operating machinery, or quality control, and may require basic skills, physical stamina, and safety training. Many companies offer on-the-job training for new workers.

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.

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 training. Entry-level positions often require physical stamina, attention to detail, and the ability to operate machinery or tools, with on-the-job training provided by employers.

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.

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 most commonly searched types of Manufacturing jobs in Wheaton, IL? The most popular types of Manufacturing jobs in Wheaton, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Manufacturing jobs in Wheaton, IL? For Entry Level Manufacturing jobs in Wheaton, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Manufacturing jobs in Wheaton, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Manufacturing jobs in Wheaton, IL are:
What cities near Wheaton, IL are hiring for Entry Level Manufacturing jobs? Cities near Wheaton, IL with the most Entry Level Manufacturing job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Manufacturing job openings in Wheaton, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,948 per year, or $30.3 per hour.

Production Associate (1st, 2nd & 3rd Shift)

Avient

West Chicago, IL

$20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Avient rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 84 rated plastic manufacturers


Job description

Are you looking for a stable job with great benefits and pay? Consider becoming part of the Avient team!

 
We know your time is valuable and you have a lot of job ads to review. Let us break down the important details!

 
Pay: $20.00
 
Schedules: 
1st: 7:00AM - 3:30PM; Monday - Friday
2nd: 3:00PM - 11:30PM; Monday - Friday
3rd: 11:00PM - 7:30PM; Sunday - Thursday

 
What is the job: In this entry-level manufacturing position as a Production Associate with Avient you will be responsible for performing weigh-up or packaging duties within the production department. Ensuring the highest quality product at the lowest possible cost and meeting customer specifications and delivery requirements in accordance with Avient policies and procedures.

 
At Avient, we're a global team creating materials that make a real difference in people's lives. From the world's strongest fiber used in personal protective equipment to recycling innovations and eco-friendly transportation solutions, our work spans a vast array of applications that help build a better future, all while giving back to the communities where we live and work.

 
What you can expect from us:

 
Competitive compensation including a bi-annual bonus plan
Medical benefits that begin day 1 - no waiting period
Paid time off: Two weeks of vacation pro-rated based on start date, in addition to sick time, paid holidays, floating holidays, community service/volunteer days
401K with company match - 100% vested
High regard for safety. Avient is 3x safer than the industry average!

 
What we expect from you:

 
Dependable & reliable
Openness to work overtime as needed
Team player who is eager to share their knowledge with others and learn from other team members
Apply now or continue reading for more details!

Our purpose at Avient Corporation is to be an innovator of materials solutions that help our customers succeed, while enabling a sustainable world.


Innovation goes far beyond materials science; it's powered by the passion, creativity, and diverse expertise of 9,000 professionals worldwide. Whether you're a finance wizard, a tech enthusiast, an operational powerhouse, an HR changemaker, or a trailblazer in materials development, you'll find your place at Avient.


Join our global team and help shape the future with sustainable solutions that transform possibilities into realities. Your unique perspective could be the key to our next breakthrough!


We believe that all of our global employees are leaders and that the six most important behaviors for driving our strategy and culture are the same no matter if an employee is a leader of self, a leader of others, or a leader of the business.


By playing to win, acting customer centric, driving innovation and profitable growth, collaborating seamlessly across Avient, and motivating and inspiring and developing others and yourself you will accelerate your ability to achieve Avient's strategic goals, to meet our customer needs, and to accomplish your career goals.


At Avient, we believe a wide variety of thoughts, ideas and backgrounds gives us the creativity to be successful in a rapidly changing world.  In support of this, we stress equality of opportunity for all qualified individuals in accordance with applicable laws. Decisions on hiring, promotion, development, compensation or advancement are based solely on a person's qualifications, abilities, experience and performance.


Avient is an equal opportunity employer. We maintain a policy of non-discrimination in providing equal employment to all qualified employees and candidates regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, genetic information, protected veteran's status, or other legally protected classification in accordance with applicable federal, state and local law. If you need an accommodation because of a disability to complete an online application, please contact the Avient HR Team by emailing, ApplicationAccommodation@Avient.com.

Qualifications

High School diploma, General Education Diploma (GED) or equivalent training & experience
Work experience in an industrial operations environment preferred
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, or procedure manuals
Must have mathematical skills to add, subtract, multiply and divide. Must have the ability to use conversions, work with different units such as
weight, volume, density, distance, etc.

Physical Demands

Requires standing and sitting for extended periods of time, talking and listening
Must be able to walk and use hands. Occasionally requires bending, stooping, climbing ladders and stairs
May occasionally be required to lift, push or pull up to 50 pounds
Ability to frequently communicate and understand work instructions and information in a fast-paced manufacturing environment where noise level is loud.
Must be able to detect and discern safety alarms and respond accordingly.
Generally requires the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, safety shoes, hearing protection, hard hat, respiratory protection
Exposure to outside weather conditions is routine
May be exposed to working in extreme heat and humidity
May also be exposed on occasion to dust or fumes

Final compensation within this range may vary based on factors including but not limited to background, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as geographic location of the position. The Company offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, short-term disability insurance, paid time off, paid vacation time, paid parental leave, paid holidays annually. Learn more about our benefits at: Career Opportunities | Avient.

The wage range, other compensation, and benefits information listed is accurate as of the date of this posting. Avient reserves the right to modify this information at any time, with or without notice, subject to applicable law.
Essential Functions

Obtains the correct documentation for the batch. Ensures the correct ingredients are delivered to the work area. May be required to obtain the correct ingredients for mixing and weigh out the ingredients to meet the recipe specifications.
Sets up and starts any weigh-up or packaging machinery, checking all controls for adherence to operating/safety procedures.
Notifies appropriate personnel of any issues, problems or concerns in a timely manner.
Safely and neatly processes, batch off, screen, cut up, package and/or skid material to correct size/container according to customer specifications.
Accurately supplies/supports Production Operators with appropriate materials/functions to efficiently keep all equipment operational.
Performs all required machine cleaning.
Completes and maintains required paperwork and/or documents.
Follows and complies with all safety and work rules and regulations. Maintains departmental housekeeping standards.

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