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Food Manufacturing Machine Operator Jobs in Illinois

Urban Farmer

Machine Operator

Manteno, IL

$18 - $22.25/hr

Bakery - Machine Operator Overview: Urban Farmer is seeking a skilled Machine Operator to join our ... Operate Specialized Food Manufacturing Equipment: * **VEMAG - Extruder :**Operate the VEMAG dough ...

Integrity Trade Services

Machine Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.68/hr

Position: Machine Operator Pay: $19.68/hr. Shift: 4:00 am to between 2:00 pm and 4:30 pm Mon-Sat ... Prior experience in food manufacturing or packaging is a plus * Mechanical aptitude and ...

Just In Time Staffing LLC

Be Seen First

Machine Operator

Franklin Park, IL · On-site

$20/hr

This position is responsible for operating manufacturing machinery utilized in a high-quality medical device manufacturing environment. Essential Responsibilities * Set up and operate assembly ...

Express Employment

Machine Operators

Decatur, IL · On-site

$18/hr

Machine Operators | $18.00/hr | Tuesday - Friday Cool job!!! Tillamook ice cream plant Decatur, IL ... Previous manufacturing experience * Previous food grade manufacturing experience preferred

RENSA FILTRATION INC

Media Machine Operator II

Aurora, IL · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

By investing in innovation and the people who drive it, we manufacture, market, and distribute best ... What You Will Do The Media Machine Operator II is an experienced machine operator responsible for ...

Doumak, Inc.

Machine Operator 3rd shift

Bensenville, IL · On-site

$17/hr

Machine Operators LOCATION: 1006 Fairway, Bensenville, IL 60106 SHIFT: 3rd SHIFT (10:00 pm to 6:00 ... Work experience in food manufacturing environment, confectionary preferred. We will train the right ...

Industrial Trade Services

Machine Operator

Galesburg, IL · On-site

$20.17/hr

We are seeking a reliable and detail-oriented Machine Operator to join our production team. This ... Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and food safety guidelines (e.g., HACCP, SQF). * Assist ...

Urban Farmer LLC

Paste Operator

Manteno, IL · On-site

Proven experience as a machine operator in a food manufacturing or similar setting is preferred. Experience operating paste machines is a definite asset. * Knowledge of Food Safety: Familiarity with ...

Industrial Trade Services

Machine Operator

Galesburg, IL · On-site

$20.17/hr

We are seeking a reliable and detail-oriented Machine Operator to join our production team. This ... Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and food safety guidelines (e.g., HACCP, SQF). * Assist ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsFood Manufacturing Machine Operator JobsFood Manufacturing Machine Operator Jobs in Illinois

Food Manufacturing Machine Operator information

See Illinois salary details

$11

$17

$22

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

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for food manufacturing machine operator in Illinois is $17.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $18.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Food Manufacturing Machine Operator jobs in Illinois?

For Food Manufacturing Machine Operator jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Manufacturing Machine Operator jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Manufacturing Machine Operator jobs in Illinois are:

Food Manufacturing Machine Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Manufacturing Machine Operator job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,655 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Machine Operator I (2nd Shift)

Ajinomoto Foods North America

Toluca, IL • On-site

$20.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Position Summary
About Ajinomoto:
Welcome to Ajinomoto Foods North America in Toluca, Illinois-a place where we're not just leading the way in food manufacturing but also proudly embracing our role within this close-knit community. As our team rapidly expands, we're dedicated to offering quality jobs that reflect our passion for community, collaboration, and a positive workplace culture. We're looking for individuals who share our commitment to making a meaningful impact both within our plant and in the surrounding areas.
Ajinomoto Foods North America is a global leader in frozen foods, renowned for delivering nutritious and delicious meals to households everywhere. With a rich history of diverse ethnic brands, we're on a mission to contribute to healthier lifestyles through our innovative and balanced Umami foods. Our commitment to excellence is evident not just in the quality of our products but in our dedication to our employees and our community.
Here in Toluca, our investment in expanding our facility and adding a new production line reflects our belief in growth and innovation. If you're passionate about building a fulfilling career, being part of a great team, and helping to transform the way the world eats, we invite you to join us. Together, we can make a real difference-one meal at a time.
Job Description:
The Machine Operator - Level 1 is responsible for operating different types of equipment, preparing vegetables and proteins for the production line, completing required paperwork, and assisting the Machine Operator - Level 3 with required tasks on the production line. This position will be trained to perform various production line functions to include: vegetable and protein preparation, operator assisting, weight checks, paperwork completion, and other various tasks.
Position Essential Duties and Responsibilities
    • Operate equipment to include mixers, dicers, grinders, and choppers used to support dough, vegetable and protein prep in production.
    • Assure all preparations, machine set ups and adjustments are completed prior to scheduled start up for scheduled machinery.
    • Assist Level 3 Machine Operators by providing material, completing paperwork, or assisting with required tasks. Accurately prepare and review required paperwork to include batch sheets, material returns, equipment inspection, downtime, weights, temperatures, any other product requirements.
    • Monitor equipment to ensure everything is working correctly and report any equipment issues to leadership and Maintenance.
    • Responsible for all ingredients to be labeled/tagged in accordance with Company standards.
    • Work with team leaders, Machine Operator - Level 3, and shipping to ensure correct ingredients and amounts are used in production.
    • Communicate with co-workers concerning situations that have or may impact operations
    • Maintain equipment and collaborate with leadership and maintenance to report and troubleshoot equipment repairs
    • Perform work within Company quality standards and governmental regulatory standards.
    • Understand Company quality standards for product defects and immediately report excessive defect levels to the Team Leader.
    • Demonstrate good working knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
    • Follow all safety rules and regulations. Report unsafe work conditions/acts to Leadership
    • Practice 5s and clean as you go.
    • Perform all other duties as assigned.

Position Qualifications
  • High school diploma or GED preferred.
  • Experience in a food manufacturing production environment is preferred.
  • Good communication skills (reading, writing and verbal) are essential to follow work instructions and interface with co-workers, Team Leaders and Managers.
  • Must be willing to work together with co-workers as part of a team; also, must be self-motivated and able to work with little or no supervision.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to focus on details required.
  • #INDTOL

Pay rate: $20.25/hr base pay + $1.00/hr shift differential.
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