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Food Manufacturing Jobs in Rochester, MN (NOW HIRING)

Land O'Lakes

Plant Manager

Pine Island, MN

$142K - $213K/yr

Food manufacturing experience, ideally Dairy and/or spray drying knowledge * Demonstrated success in LEAN/Six Sigma/TPM that results in cost savings, people engagement, and a stronger plant culture

Land O'Lakes

Plant Manager

Pine Island, MN

$142K - $213K/yr

Food manufacturing experience, ideally Dairy and/or spray drying knowledge * Demonstrated success in LEAN/Six Sigma/TPM that results in cost savings, people engagement, and a stronger plant culture

DAIRY FARMERS OF AMERICA

Paste Operator

Zumbrota, MN · On-site

$18.75 - $25/hr

DFA Zumbrota is part of the Ingredient Solutions Division manufacturing dairy-based ingredients and innovative flavor solutions for customers in the food manufacturing and food service channels.

Guida's Dairy

Paste Operator

Zumbrota, MN · On-site

$18.75 - $25/hr

DFA Zumbrota is part of the Ingredient Solutions Division manufacturing dairy-based ingredients and innovative flavor solutions for customers in the food manufacturing and food service channels.

Aerotek

Packager

Rochester, MN

$22.25 - $24.25/hr

Prior experience in food manufacturing or manufacturing/production environments * Ability to stand for extended (12-hour) shifts * Ability to lift up to 35 lbs consistently * Experience operating or ...

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All JobsFood Manufacturing JobsFood Manufacturing Jobs in Rochester, MN

Food Manufacturing information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$44.7K

$101.8K

$138.8K

How much do food manufacturing jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for food manufacturing in Rochester, MN is $101,811.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,800.00 and $124,500.00 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 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.

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.

What jobs pay $2000 a day?

In food manufacturing, high-paying roles such as plant managers, operations directors, or specialized consultants can earn around $2,000 per day, especially with extensive experience and industry expertise. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, and leadership responsibilities within large production facilities.

What does food manufacturing do?

Food manufacturing involves processing raw ingredients into finished food products for distribution and sale. Workers in this field operate machinery, ensure quality control, and follow safety standards to produce packaged foods in a regulated environment.

What are some jobs in the food industry?

Jobs in the food manufacturing industry include roles such as food production workers, quality control inspectors, machine operators, food scientists, and packaging technicians. These positions often require knowledge of safety standards, attention to detail, and the ability to operate specialized equipment in a factory setting.

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.

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.

More about Food Manufacturing jobs
What job categories do people searching Food Manufacturing jobs in Rochester, MN look for? The top searched job categories for Food Manufacturing jobs in Rochester, MN are:
What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Food Manufacturing jobs? Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Food Manufacturing job openings:
Food Manufacturing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Manufacturing job openings in Rochester, MN as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $101,811 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

3rd Shift Production and Sanitation Worker

Pace Dairy Foods- The Kroger Co.

Rochester, MN

$22.93/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Description for Candidates
Responsible for all aspects of machine operation and changeover activities 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:
  • Follow all safety procedures including wearing all required personal protective equipment.
  • Effectively and safely operate and maintain the assigned machine and all related equipment to ensure all daily orders are met.
  • Complete safety observations when assigned.
  • Read and follow standard work for assigned machine.
  • Follow all standard work processes.
  • Verify proper components at the work station before beginning a job.
  • Monitor product to ensure quality standards are met or exceeded.
  • Complete If down, do list for this position when conditions dictate.
  • Complete all required paperwork and documentation accurately and legibly.
  • Maintain reliable attendance, including overtime as needed.
  • Maintain work area in a clean and orderly fashion.
  • Actively participate in Total Process Control activities.
  • Must be able to work around ingredients and/or finished products known to contain food allergens.
  • 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 perform the essential job functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Must be able to work around ingredients and/or finished products known to contain food allergens.

Qualifications for Candidates:

Minimum:
  • Basic math skills.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Effective written communication skills, including legibility.

Desired:
High School Diploma or GED.
Any previous food manufacturing experience.
Please Apply Here: https://www.krogerfamilycareers.com/en/sites/CX_2001/job/43738/?location=Rochester%252C+MN%252C+United+States&locationId=300000190335005&locationLevel=city&mode=location&radius=25&radiusUnit=MI
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Opportunities for advancement
  • Paid time off
  • Parental leave
  • Referral program
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Vision insurance

Ability to Relocate:
  • Rochester, MN 55901: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person