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First Shift Jobs in Reading, PA (NOW HIRING)

Bell and Evans

General Production-1st Shift

Fredericksburg, PA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Giblet Room- 1st shift Job Summary Perform a variety of duties related to the processing of poultry. Including working with live chicken or raw chicken. Tasks include but are not limited to handling ...

Bell and Evans

General Production 1st Shift

Fredericksburg, PA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

ByProduct- 1st shift Job Summary Perform a variety of duties related to the processing of poultry. Including working with live chicken or raw chicken. Tasks include but are not limited to handling ...

The Secant Group

Weaver I - 1st Shift

Quakertown, PA · On-site

The incumbent is assigned to Industrial Weaving or Medical Weaving and typically operates either a broad loom or a shuttle loom. 1st Shift: 6:00am-4:00pm Tuesday-Friday What you will do: * Draws in ...

Pratt Industries

Machine Operator - 1st Shift

Macungie, PA · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

Housekeeping and cleaning of work areas - keep clean and free of tripping hazards during shift and end of shift cleaning of the area. In addition, good housekeeping of areas employee utilizes; break ...

Pratt Industries

Machine Operator - 1st Shift

Macungie, PA · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

Housekeeping and cleaning of work areas - keep clean and free of tripping hazards during shift and end of shift cleaning of the area. In addition, good housekeeping of areas employee utilizes; break ...

Solesis

Weaver I - 1st Shift

Quakertown, PA · On-site

The incumbent is assigned to Industrial Weaving or Medical Weaving and typically operates either a broad loom or a shuttle loom. 1st Shift: 6:00am-4:00pm Tuesday-Friday What you will do: * Draws in ...

Secant

Weaver I - 1st Shift

Quakertown, PA · On-site

The incumbent is assigned to Industrial Weaving or Medical Weaving and typically operates either a broad loom or a shuttle loom. 1st Shift: 6:00am-4:00pm Tuesday-Friday What you will do: * Draws in ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsFirst Shift JobsFirst Shift Jobs in Reading, PA

First Shift information

See Reading, PA salary details

$9

$14

$18

How much do first shift jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for first shift in Reading, PA is $14.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.69 and $15.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does first shift mean in a job posting?

The term 'First Shift' refers to a standard work period that typically takes place during daytime hours, often starting in the early morning and ending in the afternoon. This shift is also sometimes called the 'day shift.' The exact hours can vary by employer, but common times are 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM or 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. First shift is popular for those who prefer a daytime work schedule and want evenings and nights free for personal activities.

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

To thrive as a First Shift Supervisor, you need strong leadership abilities, time management, and a solid understanding of operational procedures, typically supported by prior supervisory or manufacturing experience. Familiarity with scheduling software, production tracking systems, and safety regulations is often required. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and team-building skills help foster a productive work environment. These competencies are critical for maintaining workflow efficiency, ensuring safety, and achieving shift goals.

What are some challenges commonly faced by employees working the first shift, and how can they be managed?

Employees working the first shift often start their workday early in the morning, which can be challenging for those not accustomed to early wake-up times. This schedule can also mean navigating busy commutes and adjusting to earlier bedtimes to ensure adequate rest. However, the first shift typically offers the advantage of having afternoons and evenings free, which can improve work-life balance. To manage these challenges, it's helpful to establish a consistent sleep routine, prepare for the workday the night before, and make use of productivity tools to stay organized during peak hours when most teams are active.

What is the difference between First Shift vs Second Shift?

AspectFirst ShiftSecond Shift
Typical Hours8:00 AM - 4:00 PM4:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Work EnvironmentDaytime operations, regular business hoursEvening/night operations, may have different staffing
Common IndustriesManufacturing, office jobs, retailManufacturing, logistics, customer service
Credentials NeededUsually the same for both shifts, no specific shift requirementSame as First Shift

First Shift and Second Shift primarily differ in working hours. First Shift typically runs during daytime hours, while Second Shift covers evening or night hours. Both shifts often require similar skills and credentials, but the work environment and schedule can impact work-life balance and commute. Employers in manufacturing, logistics, and customer service commonly operate multiple shifts to meet demand.

What cities near Reading, PA are hiring for First Shift jobs?

Cities near Reading, PA with the most First Shift job openings:

Infographic showing various First Shift job openings in Reading, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $30,140 per year, or $14.5 per hour.

Production Associate - 1st Shift

ASM Industries

Leola, PA • On-site

$16/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Monitors injection-molding machines and inspects molded products for surface defects and color variation.

  • Maintains production paperwork, proper counts, and handles product removal, trimming, and placement on cooling fixtures.

  • Performs de-gating or light assembly during machine cycle and uses hand tools or cutters as needed.

Job description

Description:

 Polymar has been located in Lancaster County, PA for over 40 years. We are a family-owned injection molder that services a variety of industries and markets. We offer a small business environment where you are more than just a number. If you are a dependable worker and prefer a smaller, drama-free work environment, then Polymar may be the place for you. We are willing to train the right person but prefer someone who is dependable with a strong work ethic. Our machines need to run so reliability is very important to us.


We have immediate openings on 1st shift.

1st Shift Rate - $16.00 per hour


To learn more about us, visit our website at: www.polymar-asm.com


OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB

Production Associate monitors injection-molding machine, inspects and packs plastic products for a variety of customer accounts.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Monitors machinery that converts plastic pellets into molded parts
  • Inspects molded product for surface defects, such as dents and cracks, color variation per inspection standards
  • Maintains production paperwork and proper counts
  • Places plastic runners into storage bins or granulators
  • Removes product from mold by hand or using tools
  • Trim or remove flash from product using utility knife or cutter
  • Place product on cooling fixture to prevent distortion
  • Perform de-gating or light assembly during machine cycle

OTHER DUTIES

  • Performs all other duties as required
Requirements:

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE AND/OR TRAINING

  • High School diploma or GED preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS

  • Identify problems, inform others, and provide information to assist with solving the problem

VERBAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS 

  • Use verbal skills to communicate with co-workers or customers and/or vendors

WRITTEN COMMUNICATION SKILLS

  • Complete and maintain documentation/records to effectively convey ideas and information both in written and oral form

MATH SKILLS

  • Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, ratios

COMPUTER SKILLS 

  • Not applicable

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

  • Hand tools
  • Power Hand tools
  • Weigh count scale

MENTAL DEMANDS typically required

  • Respond to unpredictability
  • High pressure for results
  • Independent judgment and discretion
  • Organize and prioritize
  • Manage multiple projects / tasks
  • Read, comprehend and follow instructions/work orders
  • Relate to others

PHYSICAL DEMANDS (typically required to perform the essential functions of the job)

  • CONSTANTLY INCURRED (more than 75% time on job)   

- Ability to stand 

- Ability to hear conversation

- Ability to walk 

- Ability to stoop

- Ability to sit 

- Ability to repeatedly bend

- Repetitive finger movement 

- Repetitive twisting or pressure involving wrists or hands 

- Ability to use both hands       

- Ability to use both legs 

- Specific visual requirements

- Ability to communicate orally 

- Use depth perception

- Use color vision 

  • FREQUENTLY INCURRED (25 – 75% time on job)  

- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs 

– Ability to kneel

- Ability to lift up to 10 lbs 

- Reach at high or low level

- Ability to push/pull 15 lbs 

  •  OCCASIONALLY INCURRED (up to 25% time on job)   

- Ability to lift up to 40 lbs 

- Ability to climb stairs

- Ability to carry up to 40 lbs 

- Ability to balance

- Ability to crawl 

WORKING CONDITIONS (typically required)

  • CONSTANTLY INCURRED (more than 75% time on job)   

- Work in dry atmospheric conditions 

- Work with machinery with moving parts

  • FREQUENTLY INCURRED (25 – 75% time on job)   

- Exposure to vibration 

- Work alone

  • OCCASIONALLY INCURRED (up to 25% time on job)   

- Work in heat between 90 degrees - 100 degrees 

- Exposure to alcohol

- Work in excessive or frequent temperature changes

- Exposure to grease/oils

- Work with hands in water

- Exposure to intermittent noise above 85dB 

- Work weekly more than 40 hours

- Exposure to irritant or toxic fumes 

- Work a shift between 8-12 hours

- Exposure to dust (more than nuisance) 

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (typically required to perform the essential functions of the job)

  • CONSTANTLY INCURRED (more than 75% time on job)   
  • Safety Glasses
  • Gloves: latex, work gloves, etc.
  • OCCASIONALLY INCURRED (up to 25% time on job)   
  • Hearing protection
  • Respirator (disposable)