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Factory Jobs in Appleton, MN (NOW HIRING)

Valley Queen

Lab Supervisor

Milbank, SD · On-site

The noise level is significant when working in the factory environment. Physical Demands Please refer to the separate functional for this position. Position Type/Expected Hours of Work Full-time ...

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All JobsFactory JobsFactory Jobs in Appleton, MN

Factory information

See Appleton, MN salary details

$10

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How much do factory jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for factory in Appleton, MN is $16.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $17.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Factory vs Machine Operator?

AspectFactoryMachine Operator
Primary RoleOversees entire manufacturing processes and manages production linesOperates specific machinery within the factory
CredentialsTypically requires basic education; certifications depend on machineryOften requires technical training or certifications for specific equipment
Work EnvironmentFactory floor, involving supervision and coordinationFactory floor, focused on operating machinery
Industry UsageUsed broadly to describe manufacturing facilities and processesSpecific role within factories, focusing on machinery operation

While a factory refers to the entire manufacturing facility or process, a machine operator is a specific role within that environment responsible for operating machinery. Understanding this distinction helps in targeting the right job searches and career planning.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Factory Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Factory Worker, you need basic mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, and attention to detail, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with manufacturing machinery, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications like OSHA training are commonly required. Reliability, teamwork, and good communication skills help individuals excel in this role. These attributes are vital for maintaining efficient production, ensuring workplace safety, and contributing to overall operational success.

What jobs are there in a factory?

Factory jobs include roles such as assembly line workers, machine operators, quality control inspectors, maintenance technicians, and supervisors. These positions often require knowledge of manufacturing processes, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications or training in specific equipment. Factory workers typically work in a team environment and may need to operate tools or machinery efficiently.

What are the different types of factory jobs?

Factory jobs encompass a variety of roles including assembly line workers, machine operators, quality control inspectors, maintenance technicians, and production supervisors. These positions often require skills in operating specific machinery, adherence to safety protocols, and sometimes certifications such as OSHA training. The work environment is typically industrial, with shifts that may include nights and weekends depending on the facility's operations.

What are some common challenges faced by workers in a factory environment, and how can they be addressed?

Factory workers often encounter challenges such as repetitive tasks, meeting production targets under tight deadlines, and maintaining safety standards in a fast-paced environment. To address these, it's important to stay focused, follow established safety protocols, and communicate effectively with supervisors and team members. Many factories also offer training sessions and ergonomic equipment to help reduce physical strain and improve productivity, which can make the work more manageable and rewarding.

What jobs pay $700 a day?

In manufacturing or factory settings, high-paying roles such as skilled tradespeople, specialized technicians, or temporary contract workers can earn around $700 a day, especially with experience or certifications. These positions often require technical skills, safety training, and sometimes overtime or shift work to reach that income level.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Factory jobs that can pay around $4,000 a week without a degree typically involve skilled trades such as industrial welding, specialized machine operation, or maintenance work, often requiring certifications or extensive on-the-job training. High-paying roles in manufacturing or production may also be available for experienced workers, but these are less common and usually depend on overtime, shift differentials, or union agreements.

What Are Different Factory Jobs?

Factory jobs focus on different aspects of the manufacturing process. As a factory worker, you may perform your duties on a production line where you produce, assemble, or package products or parts. Shift managers oversee operations during a particular time of day, while supervisors or foremen manage a department or monitor the entire factory floor. You can work as a technician, a job in which your responsibilities involve maintaining factory equipment. Factories also employ managers, administrative staff, accountants, designers, engineers, and quality assurance professionals. You can find factory jobs in various industries, include automotive, fashion, food, electronics, household goods, and industrial products.

What are factory workers?

Factory workers are employees who perform various tasks in a manufacturing environment, such as assembling products, operating machinery, packaging goods, or performing quality checks. Their roles are essential for producing and preparing products for distribution. Factory workers often work on production lines and must follow strict safety and quality guidelines to ensure efficient and safe operations.
More about Factory jobs
What cities near Appleton, MN are hiring for Factory jobs? Cities near Appleton, MN with the most Factory job openings:
Factory jobs near you
Infographic showing various Factory job openings in Appleton, MN as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,446 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Lab Supervisor

Valley Queen

Milbank, SD • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Summary
This position is responsible for leading and directing the laboratory staff in maintaining a functional laboratory environment capable of verifying the quality and safety of Valley Queen products and environments through microbiological, analytical and sensory evaluation. Understands industry best practices and ensures compliance to support the achievement of the company’s vision, mission and values.

Essential Functions

  • Provide results using microbiological, analytical and sensory evaluation protocol on products and samples collected from finished product, in-process samples and the plant environment.
  • Develop, implement and maintain practices and procedures required to meet ISO 17025 and A2LA laboratory accreditation requirements and Grade A certified laboratory status.
  • Maintain laboratory equipment performance by establishing quality standards, developing operations, quality and troubleshooting procedures, ensuring staff compliance, certifying instrument performance, researching and recommending new technology and arranging existing equipment replacement, service and repair.
  • Oversee laboratory productivity by monitoring workload of functional areas, identifying peak and down time and making the necessary operational or staffing adjustments.
  • Ensure proper and adequate staffing to meet department needs.
  • Maintain laboratory information system by identifying information needs and problems, recommending improvements, establishing priorities, testing, writing user manuals, training employees and maintaining confidentiality.
  • Implement new programs, tests, methods, instrumentation and procedures to meet all customer and regulatory requirements by investigating alternatives, preparing proposals, developing and performing parallel testing and monitoring progress.
  • Participate in the verification and validation of plantwide quality assurance programs.
  • Participate in the routine verification of FSFQ practices and procedures within the production facility.
  • Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, networking and participating in appropriate professional societies.
  • Assist department manager in developing and maintaining a departmental budget that provides the necessary resources to achieve the strategic goals and priorities of the department.
  • Evaluate and disposition finished product in the department manager’s absence.


Competencies

  1. Strong Communication Skills
  2. Technical Knowledge
  3. Organizational Skills
  4. Trend Analysis
  5. Computer Skills

Supervisory Responsibility
This position is responsible for the performance management and hiring of employees within the laboratory.

Work Environment
This position spends approximately 60 percent of the time in an office environment with 30 percent spent in a laboratory environment and 10 percent in a factory environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, chemicals, moving mechanical parts and vibration. The noise level is significant when working in the factory environment.

Physical Demands
Please refer to the separate functional job description for this position.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
Full-time position. Typical hours of work are approximately 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. This position is part an on-call and weekend coverage rotation.

Travel
Less than 15 percent travel expected for this position.

Required Education, Experience & Certifications

Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, chemistry or a laboratory field of study with a minimum of five years of experience working in an accredited laboratory. Proficiency in basic computer skills.

Preferred Education, Experience & Certifications

Master’s degree in microbiology or chemistry is preferred. Desire two to five years of previous supervisory experience. Bilingual in English/Spanish.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications
None.


Monday - Friday
7:30 am to 5:00 pm