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Entry Level Production Operator Jobs in Rockingham, NC

Supervises the day-to-day activities of a team of entry level individual contributors. Provides ... Operating Procedure), SSOP (Standard Sanitary Operational Procedure) and requirements; or ability ...

Provide technical training and guidance to maintenance staff and production operators on electrical systems and best practices. * Maintain up-to-date documentation on electrical systems ...

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Entry Level Production Operator information

See Rockingham, NC salary details

$9

$15

$20

How much do entry level production operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level production operator in Rockingham, NC is $15.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $16.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level production operator?

An Entry Level Production Operator is a worker who assists in the manufacturing process by operating machinery, assembling products, and ensuring that production lines run smoothly. They typically work under the supervision of more experienced staff and follow established procedures to maintain quality and safety standards. This role usually requires little to no prior experience, making it suitable for individuals starting their careers in manufacturing. Responsibilities may include monitoring equipment, performing basic maintenance, and keeping the work area clean. Entry Level Production Operators play a vital role in ensuring that products are made efficiently and meet company standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level production operator?

To thrive as an Entry Level Production Operator, you need basic mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with manufacturing equipment, safety protocols, and the use of quality control systems is often required. Reliability, teamwork, and a strong work ethic are valuable soft skills for excelling in this role. These competencies ensure efficient production processes, product quality, and a safe working environment.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level production operators, and how can I prepare for them?

Entry level production operators often encounter challenges such as adapting to fast-paced environments, maintaining attention to detail during repetitive tasks, and learning to operate machinery safely. To prepare, it's helpful to focus on developing good organizational habits, being proactive in communicating with supervisors, and staying attentive to safety protocols. Many companies provide on-the-job training, so showing a willingness to learn and taking initiative will help you succeed and grow within the production team.

What is the difference between Entry Level Production Operator vs Production Technician?

AspectEntry Level Production OperatorProduction Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic technical skillsHigh school diploma; technical training or certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing or production floor, repetitive tasksManufacturing, often more technical, troubleshooting involved
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing plants, assembly linesUsed in similar settings, with more focus on equipment maintenance
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for entry-level manufacturing rolesSeeking technical roles with more responsibility

Entry Level Production Operators typically perform basic manufacturing tasks with minimal technical training, focusing on assembly and quality checks. Production Technicians often have additional technical skills, troubleshooting, and maintenance responsibilities. Both roles are common in manufacturing industries, but Production Technicians usually require more specialized training.

Do you need experience to be an entry level production operator?

Entry level production operators typically do not need prior experience, as these roles are designed for beginners. Employers often provide on-the-job training and may look for basic skills such as attention to detail and the ability to follow safety procedures. Certifications like OSHA safety training can be beneficial but are not always required before starting.

How to become an entry level production operator with no experience?

To become an entry level production operator, focus on developing basic mechanical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to follow safety protocols. Many employers provide on-the-job training, so having a high school diploma or equivalent is often sufficient to start, and obtaining certifications such as OSHA safety training can improve your chances of employment.

What are entry-level production operator jobs?

Entry-level production operator jobs involve working on manufacturing or assembly lines to operate machinery, monitor processes, and ensure product quality. These roles typically require basic technical skills, attention to safety protocols, and may involve shift work or physical activity.

What cities near Rockingham, NC are hiring for Entry Level Production Operator jobs?

Cities near Rockingham, NC with the most Entry Level Production Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Production Operator job openings in Rockingham, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,870 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

Production Supervisor-RTC

Butterball

Raeford, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Butterball rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

298th of 443 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Guides the day-to-day activities for a line or area in a food processing facility ensuring standards are met in a safe, efficient, and effective manner. Develops and implements plans to ensure KPIs are met, including maintaining safety culture and ensuring continuous improvement through the utilization of Butterball Operating System Solutions (BOSS). Support and empower change at the floor level.
At Butterball, we exist to help people pass love on. As the most recognized name in turkey, the brand represents more than 60 years of cherished memories, providing quality, great tasting products that make meals something to celebrate every day. We proudly believe that life at Butterball means having a team who supports you, having the opportunity to grow personally and professionally, and making an impact on the health of others daily.
Whether you choose to work at one of our five (5) manufacturing facilities in NC, AR, MO, farms in AR, NC, and KS, corporate office in NC, IL, or in the field, we believe we have an opportunity for everyone to succeed. At Butterball, we believe in fostering a culture where every team member is valued, could grow professionally and contribute to our success. Join us in our Purpose and apply for an opportunity today!
Key Responsibilities:
  • Supervises the day-to-day activities of a team of entry level individual contributors. Provides guidance, coaching, and support to ensure successful completion of tasks. Participates in HR activities such as hiring, terminations, performance management, goal setting, team member development, scheduling, etc. Enforces systems, policies, and procedures.
  • Ensures team understands and follows all safety policies and procedures. Conducts routine safety and quality audits providing on-the-floor coaching as needed.
  • Serves as a role model ensures team's understanding of, and compliance, with all company policies and regulatory guidelines (including USDA, OSHA, DOL, EEOC, HACCP etc.)
  • Accountable for team's adherence to manufacturing protocols, product specifications, quality guidelines.
  • Ensures effective use of labor, tools, supplies, and equipment to maximize efficiency and capacity.
  • Conducts routine scanning of department to identify and solve problems (e.g. equipment operations, processes, etc.) or escalate as needed. Identifies and addresses needs for further training and development.
  • Maintains accurate and timely records of production data. Responsible for identifying and resolving gaps in efficiency and quality.
  • Updates daily/weekly department reports (i.e. production reports, attendance reports, preflight check list, staffing reports, training reports).
  • Participates in investigations (e.g. accidents, employee complaints, etc.). Conducts initial investigation, ensures all information is gathered and properly documented, and resolves limited employee complaints.
  • Participates in department / facility meetings. Provides consultation and advice drawing from day-to-day practical experience in their area of responsibility.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Butterball Core Competencies
Caring about people, valuing contributions, and empowering to succeed is the Butterball Way. We recognize the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to Butterball and seek to create an environment where everyone can thrive. Everyone has a seat at the table and is expected to embody our core competencies:
  • Safety First: We put safety first. The health, safety, and well-being of our people, products, and turkeys is everyone's responsibility and everyone's jobs.
  • Integrity: We trust each other to do the right thing. We act with integrity and gain the confidence and trust of others through honesty, respect, and authenticity.
  • Stewardship: We take care of what matters. We are accountable to our commitments and take responsibility for the well-being of our teams, our quality, our customers, our business, our brand, and our communities. We are always answerable for our actions and those we lead.
  • Enthusiastic Attitudes: We create a climate where everyone feels they belong and can be engaged, every day. Where our people are enthusiastic and motivated to do their best and work together to make great things happen.
  • Continuous Improvement: We are committed to continuous improvement. We challenge ourselves and our company to constantly learn, develop, grow, improve, and innovate.

Essential Functions, Duties & Abilities
  • Knowledge of USDA regulations, HACCP (Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points), SOP (Standard Operating Procedure), SSOP (Standard Sanitary Operational Procedure) and requirements; or ability to learn and apply new concepts quickly
  • Proficient in safety best practices and standards
  • Familiarity with operations metrics, such as yields, lbs. /birds per man hours (PMH), line speeds, etc.
  • Good leadership skills with the ability to coach, guide, support, and motivate a team
  • Solid verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively interact at all levels
  • Solid data review, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Basic math skills (e.g. addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages)
  • Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
  • Good time-management, organization, and prioritization skills with the ability to adapt to shifting priorities

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • Experience in poultry/meat manufacturing
  • Bachelor's degree

Education & Experience:
  • 4+ years of relevant experience or the knowledge, skills, and abilities to succeed in the role.
  • 1+ year of leadership experience or the knowledge, skills and abilities to succeed in the role.
  • High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.

Physical Demands:
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk, hear, reach, bend, stoop, kneel, and use hands and fingers to operate equipment, computer, telephone, keyboard, and occasionally climb and lift to or about 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, color vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Working Conditions:
  • Work will be performed in a variety of conditions. Occasionally in a climate-controlled office environment(s) and primarily in a manufacturing plant environment with varying conditions, such as cold areas, wet areas, warm areas, chemicals, and other site conditions.
  • This position requires the individual to wear and work in personal protective equipment while in the manufacturing environment.
  • The noise level of the office environment is usually moderate; the noise level in the manufacturing environment may exceed 85 DBA and require hearing protection.
  • Occasional travel may be required.

Disclaimer
We embrace equal opportunity employment. Butterball is committed to the fair and impartial treatment of all employees and applicants for employment without regard to gender, age, race, religion, color, national origin, physical or mental disability, military/veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, or any other status protected by law.
This position is deemed Safety Sensitive for purposes of Butterball's Drug/Alcohol Screening & Testing Policy. Details will be provided to individuals who receive a conditional job offer, or upon request.
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of what is required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not imply or establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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.

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About Butterball

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Butterball, LLC, one of America's most iconic brands, helps consumers celebrate Thanksgiving and every day in between. Located in the thriving Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina area, our goal is to provide a diverse array of career opportunities and paths which include our farms, processing facilities and support offices. We are the largest producer of turkey products in the U.S., and we make a lot more than Thanksgiving turkeys. Our company's measurable growth is in no small part due to our team members in North Carolina, Arkansas, Illinois, and Missouri, who each have a seat at the table to contribute to our success

Industry

Food and beverage wholesalers

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Garner, NC, US

Year founded

1954

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