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Food Industry Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Food Scientist I

Tinton Falls, NJ · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Conduct research and product development activities in the food and pet food industry. * Bring key skills and knowledge in generating new product ideas, processing concepts from idea to final ...

Food Scientist I

Tinton Falls, NJ · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Conduct research and product development activities in the food and pet food industry. * Bring key skills and knowledge in generating new product ideas, processing concepts from idea to final ...

Food Scientist I

Tinton Falls, NJ · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Conduct research and product development activities in the food and pet food industry. * Bring key skills and knowledge in generating new product ideas, processing concepts from idea to final ...

Food Scientist I

Tinton Falls, NJ · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Conduct research and product development activities in the food and pet food industry. * Bring key skills and knowledge in generating new product ideas, processing concepts from idea to final ...

Food Scientist I

Tinton Falls, NJ · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Conduct research and product development activities in the food and pet food industry. * Bring key skills and knowledge in generating new product ideas, processing concepts from idea to final ...

Food Scientist I

Tinton Falls, NJ · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Conduct research and product development activities in the food and pet food industry. * Bring key skills and knowledge in generating new product ideas, processing concepts from idea to final ...

Food Scientist I

Tinton Falls, NJ · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Conduct research and product development activities in the food and pet food industry. * Bring key skills and knowledge in generating new product ideas, processing concepts from idea to final ...

Food Scientist I

Tinton Falls, NJ · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Conduct research and product development activities in the food and pet food industry. * Bring key skills and knowledge in generating new product ideas, processing concepts from idea to final ...

Food Scientist I

Tinton Falls, NJ · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Conduct research and product development activities in the food and pet food industry. * Bring key skills and knowledge in generating new product ideas, processing concepts from idea to final ...

Food Scientist I

Tinton Falls, NJ · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Conduct research and product development activities in the food and pet food industry. * Bring key skills and knowledge in generating new product ideas, processing concepts from idea to final ...

Any experience or education related to food industry or food safety and the ability to pass a certified professional food safety credential examination approved by the department within 36 months.

Any experience or education related to food industry or food safety and the ability to pass a certified professional food safety credential examination approved by the department within 36 months.

Food Service Associate

Columbia, MO · On-site

$16.50 - $17.50/hr

Previous experience in the food industry is highly desirable * Knowledge of food production, preparation, serving, and sanitation practices * Strong time management skills to handle multiple tasks ...

Food Service Associate

Columbia, MO · On-site

$16.50 - $17.50/hr

Previous experience in the food industry is highly desirable * Knowledge of food production, preparation, serving, and sanitation practices * Strong time management skills to handle multiple tasks ...

Food Sourcing Manager

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$56K - $77K/yr

Monitor food industry trends, market conditions, and emerging donation opportunities to identify innovative sourcing strategies. * Recommend improvements to food sourcing policies, practices, and ...

Showing results 41-60

Food Industry information

See salary details

$19K

$58.5K

$118K

How much do food industry jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for food industry in the United States is $58,498.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,000.00 and $72,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the food industry?

The food industry encompasses all businesses and activities involved in the production, processing, packaging, distribution, and sale of food. This includes agriculture, food manufacturing, restaurants, grocery stores, and food service providers. The industry plays a vital role in ensuring the food supply chain operates smoothly from farm to table, meeting safety and quality standards. Careers in the food industry can range from food scientists and chefs to marketing professionals and supply chain managers.

What is the difference between Food Industry vs Food Service Worker?

AspectFood IndustryFood Service Worker
CredentialsVaries; may include food safety certificationsTypically requires food handler permits or basic training
Work EnvironmentFactories, production plants, warehousesRestaurants, cafes, catering venues
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturers, distributors, large-scale food companiesRestaurants, fast food chains, catering services
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Food Industry encompasses roles in food manufacturing, processing, and distribution, often involving production facilities. In contrast, Food Service Workers operate directly in customer-facing environments like restaurants and cafes. While both roles require food safety knowledge, the Food Industry focuses on production and logistics, whereas Food Service Workers focus on customer service and food preparation. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find roles aligned with their skills and career goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the food industry?

To thrive in the food industry, you need a solid understanding of food safety, culinary techniques, and industry regulations, often supported by relevant training or certifications. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale systems, and food handling certifications (like ServSafe) is commonly required. Strong teamwork, communication, and adaptability help individuals excel in dynamic and customer-focused environments. These skills ensure food quality, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction in a highly competitive industry.

How to get a food industry job?

The qualifications you need to work in the food industry vary significantly by position. To be a chef, you may need to attend culinary or hospitality school, although many people who work in kitchens learn practical skills on the job and work their way up through the staff. Working in food production may require a bachelor’s degree in food science or a closely related degree. Serving and front-of-house managerial positions often require a high school diploma or a GED certificate, although many high school students get summer jobs as servers or bussers.

What are some common challenges faced when working in the food industry, and how can I prepare for them?

Working in the food industry often involves fast-paced environments, strict health and safety regulations, and peak periods of high customer demand. Adapting quickly to changing priorities, maintaining excellent hygiene standards, and staying calm under pressure are essential skills. Being proactive in learning food safety protocols and developing strong communication with your team can help you succeed and grow within the industry.

What cities are hiring for Food Industry jobs?

Cities with the most Food Industry job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Industry jobs?

The most popular types of Food Industry jobs are:

What states have the most Food Industry jobs?

States with the most job openings for Food Industry jobs include:

Infographic showing various Food Industry job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,498 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Production Mechanic - 1st shift (Food industry)

Lactalis

Buffalo, NY • On-site

$30.65 - $32.71/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Lactalis USA rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

100th of 438 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Ready for more than just a job? Build a career with purpose.
At Lactalis in the USA, we're committed to providing meaningful opportunities for our people to learn, grow, and thrive-whether you're just starting your journey with us or looking to take the next step in your career. From day one, we offer the tools and support to help you succeed.
As the world leader in dairy, Lactalis is a family-owned company with over 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals across the globe. Each day, we're proud to produce award-winning dairy products that bring people together.
In the US, we proudly offer an unrivaled house of beloved brands, including Galbani® Italian cheeses and ricotta, Président® specialty cheeses and butters, Kraft® natural and grated cheeses, Breakstone's® cottage cheese, Cracker Barrel®, Black Diamond® cheddar, and Parmalat® milk. Our yogurt portfolio includes siggi's®, Stonyfield Organic®, Brown Cow™, Oui®, Yoplait®, Go-Gurt®, :ratio®, Green Mountain Creamery®, and Mountain High®, along with a growing family of ethnic favorites like Karoun®, Gopi®, and Arz®.
At Lactalis, we live by our core values-Ambition, Engagement, and Simplicity. We foster a workplace where innovation thrives, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and everyone's unique background and ideas are valued.
Even if you don't meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We want to hear about your PASSION, your STORY, and how your EXPERTISE can help us shape the future of dairy.
From your PASSION to ours
Lactalis USA, part of the Lactalis family of companies, is currently hiring a Production Mechanic/1st shift based in Buffalo, New York.
Summary : Responsible for a variety of tasks that requires knowledge and/or ability to learn both production equipment and major utility systems. Will work closely with a Class 3 Mechanic or mentor. This is a training/apprentice level. Ability to progress and desire to learn of high importance.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
1. PM's will be done on a daily basis.
2. Troubleshoot and repair production equipment in production operations, utilities, buildings & grounds, etc.
3. Maintains machines with respect to bearings, assembly, disassembly, power transmission, rigging, and lubrication.
4. Effectively completes bench work utilizing common hand tools.
5. Learns to do rudimentary pipefitting of water, steam, and air lines with steel, plastic, and copper pipe materials.
6. Performs routing preventative maintenance on designated equipment. Will assist upper class mechanic on major overhauls. Learns to identify potential issues and reports these to the necessary persons.
7. Attention to detail and accuracy in work required.
8. Clear communication abilities, written and verbal.
9. Knowledge of computer software helpful.
Requirements
Qualifications:
  • Strong HVAC required.
  • Previous food manufacturing experience preferred.
  • Mechanical experience necessary, electrical abilities necessary.
  • Stationary engineers/ammonia refrigeration experience preferred.
  • Must have a valid driver's license.

At Lactalis, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options. We support insurance costs significantly, contribute generously to retirement plans, and offer Paid Time Off from day one. We are committed to your professional growth, providing training and development opportunities, including Education Reimbursement. Join us and grow your career.
Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against applicants with regard to any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities. Further, any division of the Company that is an Affirmative Action Employer will comply with all related legal obligations.
#CHEESEIND
Salary Description
$30.651 - $32.71

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