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Food Manufacturing Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Kroger Manufacturing

MFG MACHINE OPERATOR

Greensburg, IN · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

A ny previous food manufacturing experience * F ollow all safety procedures including wearing all required personal protective equipment * E ffectively and safely operate and maintain the assigned ...

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All JobsFood Manufacturing JobsFood Manufacturing Jobs in Indiana

Food Manufacturing information

See Indiana salary details

$41.9K

$95.3K

$129.9K

How much do food manufacturing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for food manufacturing in Indiana is $95,307.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,600.00 and $116,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is food manufacturing?

Food manufacturing is the process of transforming raw ingredients into finished food products through various methods such as processing, packaging, and distribution. This industry includes everything from large-scale production of packaged goods to specialized food items. Food manufacturing ensures that products meet quality, safety, and regulatory standards before reaching consumers. It involves numerous roles, including machine operators, quality assurance specialists, and food scientists, all working together to produce safe and consistent food products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in food manufacturing, and why are they important?

To excel in Food Manufacturing, strong knowledge of food safety standards, quality control, and production processes is essential, often supported by relevant certifications such as HACCP or SQF. Familiarity with manufacturing equipment, automated production systems, and inventory management software is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective problem-solving are crucial soft skills for maintaining efficiency and product quality. These competencies ensure safe, consistent, and high-standard food production in a regulated, fast-paced environment.

What is the difference between food manufacturing and food processing?

There is one significant difference between food processing and food manufacturing, and that is what each industry does with a given food product. Food processing is taking a raw product and turning it into an ingredient, like turning vanilla beans into vanilla extract, whereas food manufacturers purchase ingredients and use them within a product, like taking the vanilla extract and using it to make cookies. Both industries work primarily in plant or factory settings, and sometimes food processing and manufacturing is done on the same site, but the duties of manufacturers versus processors differ in their day-to-day operations.

What are common challenges faced by professionals in food manufacturing, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in food manufacturing often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict quality control, adhering to food safety regulations, and meeting high production demands. These challenges can be addressed by staying current with industry standards, participating in ongoing training, and working closely with quality assurance and maintenance teams. Effective communication and collaboration across departments are essential for quickly resolving issues and ensuring smooth production processes.

What is the difference between Food Manufacturing vs Food Processing Worker?

AspectFood ManufacturingFood Processing Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications varyHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certifications may be required
Work EnvironmentFactories, production lines, industrial settingsFactories, production lines, industrial settings
Industry UsageUsed broadly across food production companiesSpecific to processing tasks within food manufacturing
Job FocusOverseeing entire production processes or specific stagesPerforming specific processing tasks like cutting, packaging

Food Manufacturing and Food Processing Worker roles are closely related, often working in the same environments. Food Manufacturing covers a broader scope, including overseeing entire production lines, while Food Processing Workers focus on specific tasks like packaging or preparing food products. Both roles require similar credentials and are essential in the food industry.

Is food manufacturing a good career?

Food manufacturing is a stable career that offers opportunities in production, quality control, and management. It often requires attention to safety standards, technical skills, and sometimes certifications, with work environments that can be fast-paced and physically demanding.
More about Food Manufacturing jobs

What are popular job titles related to Food Manufacturing jobs in Indiana?

For Food Manufacturing jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Manufacturing jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Manufacturing jobs in Indiana are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Food Manufacturing jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Food Manufacturing job openings:

Food Manufacturing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Manufacturing job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,307 per year, or $45.8 per hour.

Processor Food Manufacturing Operator

Shearer's Foods

Bluffton, IN

$19.60 - $20.20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Shearer's Foods rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

273rd of 443 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Overview

Shearer’s Foods, founded in 1974 and headquartered in Massillon, OH, is a leading manufacturer of salty snacks, cookies, and crackers. Specializing in private label and co-manufacturing, Shearer’s is the largest supplier of private brand salty snacks and second-largest supplier of private brand cookies and crackers. 

With a strong focus on innovation, service, quality, and sustainability, Shearer’s has been awarded the food industry’s highest award for environmental sustainability, as well as multiple Supplier of the Year awards. 

Operating 16 locations across North America and employing more than 5000 team members, Shearer’s is driven by its core values of People, Grow, Impact and Win. The company mission is to deliver exceptional products and services that make snacking a time to celebrate for our customers, colleagues, and community. 


Responsibilities

Food Processing Operator

  • Set up and operation of industrial food processing equipment,
  • Follow precise recipes and work procedures, monitoring and adjusting processing variables
  • Performing product quality tests and data collection
  • Monitor fryer temperatures and oil temperatures to ensure proper oil temperatures are met in order to maintain consistency in product.
  • Clean and sanitize processing equipment.
  • Changes slicing heads every hour to guarantee standard slicing consistency.

Qualifications

  •  Previous machine operator experience or jobs where you worked on machinery preferred
  •  Previous food or beverage manufacturing a plus
  •  Language Skills – Must be able to read, understand and effectively communicate to team members   in immediate area
  •  Mathematical Skills – Must be able to do simple math, conversions and use formulas to compute   run rates
  •  Reasoning Ability – Ability to apply common sense understanding and carry out written or oral   instructions.
  • Troubleshooting Skills – Must have ability to work through problems backwards to find root causes  and address issues.
  • Computer Skills - Must have basic computer knowledge (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and skills required to run production.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

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