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Food Manufacturing Machine Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Simos

Food Manufacturing Machine Operator

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$20.86/hr

Food manufacturing experience is preferred. * Experience operating machinery or equipment is preferred. * Knowledge of machine operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. * Ability to read and ...

Adecco

Manufacturing Machine Operator

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$20/hr

Manufacturing Machine Operator - Phoenix, AZ Pay Rate: $20.00/hour Schedule: Monday-Friday | 2:15 PM - 10:45 PM Location: Phoenix, AZ Position Overview We are looking for a dependable and motivated ...

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Verstela

Machine Operator -3rd Shift

Addison, IL · On-site

$19/hr

Bilingual Machine Operator | Spanish & English | 3rd shift Are you bilingual in Spanish/English and have at least one year of food manufacturing machine operation experience? If you're looking for a ...

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How much do food manufacturing machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for food manufacturing machine operator in the United States is $18.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a manufacturing machine operator do?

A manufacturing machine operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and monitoring machinery used in food production to ensure efficient and safe operation. They perform routine inspections, make adjustments as needed, and follow safety protocols, often working with tools and quality control measures. This role requires attention to detail and adherence to industry standards to maintain product quality and safety.

What is a food machine operator?

A food machine operator is a worker responsible for operating and maintaining machinery used in food manufacturing processes. They ensure equipment runs efficiently, follow safety protocols, and may need to monitor product quality and perform routine maintenance. This role often requires attention to detail, technical skills, and adherence to food safety standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Manufacturing Machine Operator, and why are they important?

To excel as a Food Manufacturing Machine Operator, you need a solid understanding of machinery operation, basic mechanical aptitude, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with automated production equipment, safety protocols, and sometimes HACCP certification is important. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong problem-solving skills help operators maintain quality and efficiently address issues. These skills ensure safe, consistent production and help meet strict food industry standards.

What does a Food Manufacturing Machine Operator do?

A Food Manufacturing Machine Operator is responsible for running and maintaining machinery that processes, packages, or prepares food products in a factory setting. Their tasks include setting up equipment, monitoring production lines, performing quality checks, and troubleshooting minor issues to ensure efficient operation. They must follow strict safety and hygiene standards to prevent contamination and ensure product quality. Operators may also be involved in cleaning machinery and recording production data.

What are some common challenges faced by Food Manufacturing Machine Operators, and how can they be managed?

Food Manufacturing Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent product quality, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and adhering to strict safety and hygiene standards. Managing these challenges requires attention to detail, quick problem-solving skills, and thorough knowledge of the machinery used. Regular training, proactive maintenance, and effective communication with maintenance and quality assurance teams help operators minimize downtime and ensure smooth operations. Staying organized and following established protocols can also make it easier to handle high production demands and frequent changeovers.

What is the highest paying job in the food industry?

In the food industry, executive roles such as Food Production Managers or Plant Managers tend to be the highest paying positions, often earning six-figure salaries. These roles require extensive experience, leadership skills, and knowledge of manufacturing processes and safety regulations.

What is the highest paying machine operator job?

The highest paying machine operator jobs are often found in specialized industries such as aerospace, oil and gas, or pharmaceutical manufacturing, where operators may earn higher wages due to the complexity and safety requirements. Senior or lead machine operators with advanced certifications and extensive experience can also command higher salaries, especially when operating complex or high-value equipment. Certifications in equipment safety or process control can further increase earning potential.

What is the difference between Food Manufacturing Machine Operator vs Food Processing Technician?

AspectFood Manufacturing Machine OperatorFood Processing Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; technical training or certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, production lines, manufacturing plantsProcessing facilities, quality control labs, production areas
Job FocusOperating and monitoring machinery to produce food productsMaintaining, troubleshooting, and improving processing equipment
Common UsageManufacturing food items like snacks, beverages, canned goodsEnsuring quality, safety, and efficiency in food processing

While both roles work in food production environments, Food Manufacturing Machine Operators primarily focus on operating machinery, whereas Food Processing Technicians handle equipment maintenance and quality control. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

More about Food Manufacturing Machine Operator jobs
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What states have the most Food Manufacturing Machine Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Food Manufacturing Machine Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Food Manufacturing Machine Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Food Manufacturing Machine Operator jobs are:
Food Manufacturing Machine Operator jobs near you
Food Manufacturing Machine Operator

Food Manufacturing Machine Operator

Kroger

Albany, GA • On-site

$19.50 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

For the best and fastest consideration, please apply directly to KrogerCareers.com.  Thank you!
Tara Foods, a proud member of the nation-wide Kroger Manufacturing, is looking for a Machine Operator to be part of our team.  At Tara Foods, we uniquely offer the resources and benefits of a Fortune 500 company while maintaining a hometown atmosphere centered around teamwork, support, and development. 
What We Offer:
  • Competitive wage depending on experience.
  • Two weeks of paid vacation after completion of first year.
  • 10 Paid Holidays (4 of your own choosing).
  • Full benefits package (Low Cost), including medical, dental, vision, 401k and life insurance.
  • Set Schedule, do not rotate between shifts.
  • Tuition reimbursement.
  • Employee discounts at all Kroger stores nationwide.
  • Many other perks.

Description for Candidates:
  • Responsible for all aspects of manufacturing operation, including equipment and products within the manufacturing and ensuring accuracy and timeliness of all assigned job functions to achieve and maintain world-class quality. 
  • Perform all jobs safely, efficiently and accurately to maintain and improve the performance of the entire plant in the areas of Safety, Quality, Reliability (SQR) and our Customer 1st strategy. 
  • Provide leadership that embodies our 7 Kroger Manufacturing High Performance Work System principles. 
  • Demonstrate the company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.

Responsibilities for Candidates:
  • Safely and effectively operate and maintain assigned machines and all related equipment to ensure daily orders are met.
  • Responsible for all safety procedures, including the wearing of all required personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Monitor product to ensure quality standards are met or exceeded.
  • Read and follow standard work for manufacturing policies.
  • Safely operate a variety of warehouse equipment and vehicles and utilize a variety of hand tools.
  • Arrange for the maintenance and repair of manufacturing equipment when needed.
  • Complete safety observations.
  • Maintain work area in a clean and orderly fashion.
  • Verify proper components at the work station before beginning a job.
  • Complete all required paperwork and documentation, writing clearly and legibly.
  • Complete If down, do list for this position when conditions warrant.
  • Actively participate in Total Process Control (TPC) activities.
  • Plan, oversee and participate in manufacturing operations and activities.
  • Maintain regular and predictable attendance, as well as working overtime as needed.
  • Follow established programs, policies and practices to produce safe, quality foods that meet regulatory and company requirements.
  • Accountable to the Kroger Manufacturing Food Safety and Quality Principles.
  • Must be able to work around ingredients and/or finished products known to contain food allergens.
  • Must be able to perform the essential job functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Qualifications for Candidates:
Minimum:
  • Basic math skills.
  • Effective oral and written communication skills.

Desired:
  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Any previous food manufacturing experience.