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Entry Level Plant Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

PPG

Entry Level Analytical Chemist

Huntsville, AL

$21.25 - $28.50/hr

Join PPG's Aerospace materials lab as an Entry Level Analytical Chemist, where you will work ... Troubleshoot material-related issues, working collaboratively with lab and plant personnel to ...

Primetals Technologies

Fabricator I - Entry Level

Decatur, AL · On-site

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

Primetals Technologies USA, LLC is a leading partner for engineering, plant construction and lifecycle services in the metal industry. We provide innovative and practical solutions to support our ...

MHI

Fabricator I - Entry Level

Decatur, AL · On-site

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

Primetals Technologies USA, LLC is a leading partner for engineering, plant construction and lifecycle services in the metal industry. We provide innovative and practical solutions to support our ...

Primetals Technologies

Machinist I - Entry Level

Decatur, AL · On-site

$19.50 - $26.50/hr

Primetals Technologies USA, LLC is a leading partner for engineering, plant construction and lifecycle services in the metal industry. We provide innovative and practical solutions to support our ...

MHI

Mechanic I - Entry Level

Decatur, AL · On-site

Primetals Technologies USA, LLC is a leading partner for engineering, plant construction and lifecycle services in the metal industry. We provide innovative and practical solutions to support our ...

MHI

Machinist I - Entry Level

Decatur, AL · On-site

$19.50 - $26.50/hr

Primetals Technologies USA, LLC is a leading partner for engineering, plant construction and lifecycle services in the metal industry. We provide innovative and practical solutions to support our ...

Rogers Group

2nd Shift Groundman

Laceys Spring, AL · On-site

General plant/mine labor and clean-up of production areas, including shoveling stone from around ... Being trained in various other entry level production positions and fill in as needed during ...

Rogers Group

2nd Shift Groundman

Laceys Spring, AL · On-site

$1.2K - $1.6K/wk

General plant/mine labor and clean-up of production areas, including shoveling stone from around ... Being trained in various other entry level production positions and fill in as needed during ...

MHI

Team Leader I - Entry Level

Decatur, AL · On-site

Primetals Technologies USA, LLC is a leading partner for engineering, plant construction and lifecycle services in the metal industry. We provide innovative and practical solutions to support our ...

Wayne Farms LLC

Refrigeration Technician III

Decatur, AL

$23.50 - $32/hr

... plant. Performs preventative and predictive maintenance; periodically tests and inspects to verify ... entry level personnel * Works in compliance with all company policies, NCC Animal Welfare ...

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All JobsEntry Level Plant JobsEntry Level Plant Jobs in Decatur, AL

Entry Level Plant information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$10

$17

$26

How much do entry level plant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level plant in Decatur, AL is $17.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $19.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Plant Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Plant Worker, you typically need a high school diploma or GED, basic mechanical aptitude, and familiarity with safety protocols. Experience with production equipment, forklifts, or computerized control systems, as well as OSHA safety certification, is often valued. Strong attention to detail, reliability, and effective teamwork skills help individuals excel in this role. These skills ensure efficient and safe plant operations, minimize downtime, and support overall productivity.

How to make $80,000 a year without a degree?

Entry level plant roles can pay around $40,000 to $60,000 annually, but reaching $80,000 typically requires gaining experience, specialized skills, or certifications such as OSHA safety training or operating heavy machinery. Advancing into supervisory or technical positions, or working overtime and multiple shifts, can also increase earnings without a degree.

What is the difference between Entry Level Plant vs Entry Level Manufacturing Technician?

AspectEntry Level PlantEntry Level Manufacturing Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require technical certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, production plants, industrial settingsFactories, production lines, industrial environments
Industry UsageCommonly used in manufacturing, energy, and processing plantsPrimarily in manufacturing and assembly facilities
Job FocusAssisting with plant operations, basic maintenance, safety proceduresOperating machinery, quality checks, basic troubleshooting

Both roles are entry-level positions in manufacturing environments, requiring similar credentials and working in industrial settings. The main difference lies in job focus: Entry Level Plant roles often involve supporting overall plant operations, while Entry Level Manufacturing Technicians focus more on operating equipment and performing quality checks.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

An entry-level plant operator or technician can potentially earn around $10,000 a month with experience, technical skills, and certifications such as OSHA or HVAC licenses. These roles often require on-the-job training, safety knowledge, and familiarity with industrial equipment, but typically do not require a college degree.

Why is Gen Z struggling to get jobs?

Gen Z faces challenges in securing entry-level plant jobs due to high competition, limited work experience, and the preference for candidates with specific skills or certifications. Additionally, economic factors and automation can impact available opportunities for new workers in the industry.

What is an entry level plant job?

An entry level plant job typically refers to a position in a manufacturing, processing, or production facility where no prior experience is required. These roles often involve operating machinery, assembling products, inspecting materials, or assisting skilled workers. Entry level plant workers receive on-the-job training and are responsible for maintaining safety standards and supporting efficient plant operations. These positions can be a great starting point for a long-term career in manufacturing or industrial sectors.

How to get started in plant jobs?

To start in a plant job, typically you need a high school diploma or equivalent and may require safety training or certifications such as OSHA. Entry-level positions often involve physical work and operating basic machinery, with on-the-job training provided. Gaining relevant skills, such as attention to safety protocols and mechanical aptitude, can improve your chances of employment.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level plant workers, and how can they be overcome?

Entry-level plant workers often face challenges such as adapting to a fast-paced environment, learning to operate complex machinery, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Overcoming these challenges typically involves thorough on-the-job training, seeking guidance from experienced colleagues, and consistently following established safety procedures. Building strong communication skills and staying proactive about learning new processes can help new hires excel and advance within the plant.
What are the most commonly searched types of Plant jobs in Decatur, AL? The most popular types of Plant jobs in Decatur, AL are:
What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Entry Level Plant jobs? Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Entry Level Plant job openings:
Entry Level Plant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Plant job openings in Decatur, AL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 31% Full Time, 65% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,054 per year, or $17.3 per hour.
Entry Level Analytical Chemist

Entry Level Analytical Chemist

PPG Industries, Inc.

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$21.25 - $28.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Join PPG's Aerospace materials lab as an Entry Level Analytical Chemist, where you will work directly supporting product quality, compliance, and development across our polymer, adhesive, sealant, and glass products. You'll partner with experienced scientists in a collaborative, safety-first environment, contributing to decisions that keep our products and processes at the highest standard. This onsite role is at the Huntsville, AL location and will report to the Materials Technology Manager.
Responsibilities
  • Perform physical and chemical tests on raw materials, finished products, and development materials to ensure quality and conformance to specifications.
  • Operate laboratory instruments and complete procedures for viscosity, hardness, stress profile, density, and other physical and electromechanical measurements.
  • Perform and support materials characterization using instrumentation, including TGA, DSC, DMA, XRF, FTIR, ICP-MS, and UV-Vis spectroscopy.
  • Conduct physical property testing of polymer, adhesive, sealant, and glass samples, including sample preparation and documentation.
  • Perform chemical characterization of glass samples and interpret results in the context of product specifications.
  • Analyze experimental data, prepare clear reports and findings for multiple teams.
  • Troubleshoot material-related issues, working collaboratively with lab and plant personnel to identify root causes and recommend solutions.
  • Maintain accurate lab records and ensure compliance with safety protocols and standard operating procedures.
  • Support additional tasks and projects assigned by laboratory leadership.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree (BS) in Analytical Chemistry, Materials Science
  • At least one year of hands-on laboratory experience, through academic research, internships, or industrial roles.
  • Working knowledge of characterization techniques such as FTIR, ICP-MS, XRF, UV-Vis-NIR, or mechanical testing equipment.
  • Only U.S. Citizens, Green Card holders, and political asylees or refuges are eligible to apply

PPG offers comprehensive benefits such as Health, Dental, Life, Retirement Plan, Paid Vacation and Holidays, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Disability/Leave, Family Leave and other Voluntary benefit offerings. Actual benefit offerings confirmed at the time of hire.
#LI-Onsite
About us:
PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD™
Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com and follow @PPG on X.
The PPG Way 2030
We are customer champions
Proactive. Bold. Trustworthy. Everything we do starts with our customers. We listen, move fast and don't stop until we solve their biggest challenges. When our customers win, we all grow.
We act with purpose and speed
Agile. Data-driven. Empowered. We take smart risks to stay ahead of the competition. We work proactively with agility, using quality data to develop solutions that create value.
We are excellent operators
Productive. Collaborative. Accountable. No matter our role, we identify problems, take ownership and always bring solutions. We are both proactive and responsive to drive continuous improvement and deliver results. We support our frontline, the faces of PPG to our customers.
We compete to win
Future-focused. Driven. Ambitious. We are passionate about growing our business and winning with our customers. We deliver results, embrace new technologies and leverage agility and speed as strengths.
We are PPG proud
Strong. United. Passionate. We work safely, act with integrity and value our diverse perspectives. We celebrate achievements and take pride in the positive impact we create together to protect and beautify the world.
At PPG we use AI in the hiring process to make the process more efficient. AI tools do not make hiring decisions. You can learn more by going to https://careers.ppg.com/us/en/candidate-resources.
PPG provides equal opportunity to all candidates and employees. We offer an opportunity to grow and develop your career in an environment that provides a fulfilling workplace for employees, creates an environment for continuous learning, and embraces the ideas and diversity of others. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability status, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
If you need an adjustment due to a disability, please email recruiting@ppg.com.
PPG pay ranges and benefits can vary by location which allows us to compensate employees competitively in different geographic markets. PPG considers several factors in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, qualifications and education, licensure and certifications, and other organizational needs. Other incentives may apply.
Our employee benefits programs are designed to support the health and well-being of our employees. Any insurance coverages and benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents. Benefits will be discussed with you by your recruiter during the hiring process.
PPG values your feedback on our recruiting process. We encourage you to visit Glassdoor.com and provide feedback on the process, so that we can do better today than yesterday.

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