1

First Shift Production Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

1st Shift Production Associate

Elkhart, IN · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

SUMMARY Work in a production environment following all safety procedures, quality processes and hitting our targeted build rates. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS * Follow proper safety procedures and processes

1st Shift Production Employee

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

As a Production Employee, you'll play a critical role in the manufacturing process by maintaining plant operations including picking and sorting metals, operating mobile equipment, and housekeeping ...

1st Shift Production Employee

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

As a Production Employee, you'll play a critical role in the manufacturing process by maintaining plant operations including picking and sorting metals, operating mobile equipment, and housekeeping ...

1st Shift Production Employee

Fort Wayne, IN

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

As a Production Employee, you'll play a critical role in the manufacturing process by maintaining plant operations including picking and sorting metals, operating mobile equipment, and housekeeping ...

1st Shift Production Employee

New Carlisle, IN · On-site

$12.50 - $15.50/hr

Dump Truck, Wheel Loader, Skid Steer Loader and Forklift, in a safe and productive manner. * Load Containers, sort scrap, sample material, any others duties as requested by Lead or supervisor.

New

1st Shift Production Employee

New Carlisle, IN · On-site

$12.50 - $15.50/hr

Dump Truck, Wheel Loader, Skid Steer Loader and Forklift, in a safe and productive manner. * Load Containers, sort scrap, sample material, any others duties as requested by Lead or supervisor.

1st Shift Production Employee

New Carlisle, IN

$12.50 - $15.50/hr

Dump Truck, Wheel Loader, Skid Steer Loader and Forklift, in a safe and productive manner. * Load Containers, sort scrap, sample material, any others duties as requested by Lead or supervisor.

1st Shift Production Employee

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$14 - $16.75/hr

Subsidiary OmniSource Overview Maintain plant operations including but not limited to picking, equipment operation and cleaning. Responsibilities * Picking Line - Sort scrap to upgrade & remove ...

SubsidiaryOmniSourceOverview Maintain plant operations including but not limited to picking, equipment operation and cleaning. Responsibilities * Picking Line - Sort scrap to upgrade & remove ...

1st Shift Production Employee

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$14 - $16.75/hr

OmniSource Maintain plant operations including but not limited to picking, equipment operation and cleaning. * Picking Line - Sort scrap to upgrade & remove nonconforming items * Clean any spillage ...

Showing results 21-40

First Shift Production information

See Indiana salary details

$10

$15

$20

How much do first shift production jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for first shift production in Indiana is $15.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $16.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a first shift production job?

First shift production jobs refer to positions in manufacturing or production facilities that take place during the first shift of the workday, typically starting in the early morning and ending in the afternoon (often around 6 AM to 2 PM or 7 AM to 3 PM). Employees in these roles are responsible for operating machinery, assembling products, performing quality checks, and ensuring production targets are met. First shift positions are popular for those who prefer a daytime work schedule and want their evenings free. These jobs can be found in various industries, including automotive, food processing, and consumer goods.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a first shift production worker?

To thrive as a First Shift Production worker, you need a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and basic understanding of manufacturing processes, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with production machinery, safety protocols, and sometimes ERP or inventory management systems is typically expected. Reliability, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for facilitating smooth operations. These skills and qualities are vital to maintaining production efficiency, ensuring safety, and meeting quality standards during the critical first shift.

What are some common challenges faced by first shift production workers, and how can they be addressed?

First Shift Production workers often face challenges such as maintaining consistent productivity during peak hours, adapting to rapidly changing production priorities, and coordinating with other shifts to ensure smooth transitions. Effective communication with supervisors and team members is crucial to address these issues, as is staying organized and proactive about reporting any equipment or quality concerns. Many companies provide ongoing training and clear shift handover procedures to help workers succeed and minimize disruptions.

What is the difference between First Shift Production vs Second Shift Production?

AspectFirst Shift ProductionSecond Shift Production
Work HoursTypically 8:00 AM - 4:00 PMUsually 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Work EnvironmentDaytime manufacturing or assembly linesEvening/night shifts in similar settings
CredentialsSame certifications often required as Second ShiftSame certifications as First Shift
Employer UsageCommon in manufacturing, production plantsEqually common in manufacturing, production roles

First Shift Production and Second Shift Production roles are similar in credentials and work environment, differing mainly in work hours. Both involve manufacturing or assembly tasks in similar settings, with shift timing being the primary distinction.

What are entry level first shift production jobs?

Entry-level first shift production jobs typically involve tasks such as operating machinery, assembling products, and quality checking in a manufacturing environment. These roles often require basic skills, a high school diploma or equivalent, and may include on-the-job training; shifts usually run during daytime hours from morning to late afternoon.

What are popular job titles related to First Shift Production jobs in Indiana?

For First Shift Production jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching First Shift Production jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for First Shift Production jobs in Indiana are:

Infographic showing various First Shift Production job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,877 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

1st Shift Production Associate

Welch Packaging

Elkhart, IN • On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Welch Packaging rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 121 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

SUMMARY
Work in a production environment following all safety procedures, quality processes and hitting our targeted build rates.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Follow proper safety procedures and processes
  • Responsible for ensuring the product being built is built to spec and 100% accurate
  • Responsible for maintaining the highest level of productivity to ensure 100% on time delivery to our customers.
  • Responsible for maintaining the housekeeping standards of the plant
  • Responsible for working as a team with all team members of the facility.
  • Day to day responsibilities may include some or all of the following assembling, stacking, wrapping, stapling, gluing, stickering, and taping boxes.

REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent preferred

Experience
  • 1+ years in a manufacturing/production environment
  • Ability to work safely adhering to all safety processes and policies.

SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS OR ABILITIES
  • Strong written and oral communication.
  • Organization and attention to detail.
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Time management.
  • Systems analysis.
  • Mathematical and deductive reasoning.
  • Critical thinking.
  • Active learning.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the functions of this job.
Physical Requirements:
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds on a repeatedly on a regular basis.
  • Must be able to stand for 8-10 hours a day.
  • Bend, stand, squat, twist repeatedly.

Work Environment:
  • Loud Environment that requires hearing protection
  • Exposure to fumes or airborne particles
  • Manufacturing facility with machinery and equipment
  • occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; high, precarious places; toxic or caustic chemicals; extreme heat; and risk of electrical shock
  • Fast paced environment

Disclaimer: This list does not represent all physical demands. Descriptions are representative of those that must be met by employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the jobs' essential functions.
Welch Packaging is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran.

What Welch Packaging employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom