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Food Processing Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Rose Acre Farms

GT Maintenance Processing

Germantown, IL · On-site

$19/hr

The Processing Maintenance Technician is responsible for performing a wide range of maintenance and ... Adhere strictly to all company safety policies, OSHA regulations, and food safety protocols (e.g ...

J&J Snack Foods

Senior Food Scientist

Rock Island, IL · On-site

$75K/yr

Must be able to mix and process formulas as prescribed. * Must be able to plan, coordinate, and conduct plant test runs. * Must be able to use equipment such as weighing scales, mixing/food ...

Trenton Processing

Sanitation Technician

Trenton, IL · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Prior experience in sanitation, janitorial, or food processing environments preferred * Knowledge of or willingness to learn GMP, HACCP, and food safety regulations * Ability to safely handle and ...

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Food Processing information

See Illinois salary details

$5

$15

$18

How much do food processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for food processing in Illinois is $15.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $15.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is food processing?

Food processing jobs involve the preparation, packaging, and preservation of food products for consumer use. Workers in this field may operate machinery, inspect ingredients, maintain hygiene standards, and ensure that food products meet safety and quality regulations. Positions can range from machine operators and quality control technicians to supervisors and production managers. Food processing is a crucial part of the food supply chain, making sure that products are safe, consistent, and ready for distribution.

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

To thrive in Food Processing, you typically need strong attention to detail, knowledge of food safety standards, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with processing machinery, HACCP certification, and basic computer systems for inventory and quality tracking are often required. Reliability, teamwork, and effective communication help individuals excel in fast-paced production environments. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and consistent production of quality food products while maintaining regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges faced by food processing workers, and how can they be managed on the job?

Food processing workers often face challenges such as maintaining strict hygiene standards, working in environments with temperature controls, and managing repetitive tasks. Adhering to safety protocols and wearing appropriate protective equipment can help minimize risks. Employers typically provide comprehensive training to ensure workers are comfortable with sanitation procedures and machinery operation. Team collaboration and clear communication are also crucial for managing workloads and ensuring efficiency.

What is the difference between Food Processing vs Food Packaging?

AspectFood ProcessingFood Packaging
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications in food safety (e.g., HACCP)High school diploma or equivalent; certifications in food safety and packaging standards
Work EnvironmentFactories, production lines, processing plantsPackaging lines, manufacturing facilities, warehouses
Employer & Industry UsageFood manufacturing companies, processing plantsFood companies, packaging firms, distribution centers
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Food Processing involves transforming raw ingredients into finished food products through various techniques, while Food Packaging focuses on enclosing and protecting food items for distribution and sale. Both roles are essential in the food industry, often working closely but with distinct responsibilities.

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Food Processing jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Food Processing job openings:

Food Processing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Processing 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 $31,251 per year, or $15 per hour.

Project Engineer - Food Processing

Cozzini LLC

Elk Grove Village, IL • On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Description

Are you an engineer who loves seeing the big picture? Do you excel at taking a custom manufacturing project from an initial sales quote all the way through fabrication and final installation?Cozzini, LLC is looking for a Project Engineer to be the driving force behind our custom equipment projects. This is a high-visibility role where you aren't just crunching numbers-you are the vital connection point between our customers, our sales team, and our shop floor. If you are highly organized, technically sharp, and a master of cross-functional collaboration, we want you on our team.


Responsibilities

  • Define the project scope, map out layouts, set production timelines, and establish manufacturing locations for complex food processing systems.
  • Act as the central hub of communication between Sales, Design, Electrical Engineering, and Manufacturing to keep everyone aligned and moving forward.
  •  Keep a close eye on project budgets, source critical components from external vendors, and ensure all drawings win customer approval before production sparks up.
  • Oversee quality assurance and equipment testing, partner with our Field Service teams to ensure smooth on-site installation and manage the final project wrap-up.
  • Actively troubleshoot issues as they arise, keeping projects on track and keeping customer satisfaction high.
  • Other duties as assigned.

What We're Looking For:

  • Solid experience managing engineering projects in a fast-paced manufacturing or capital equipment environment.
  • Outstanding communication skills-you can talk strategy with sales, tolerances with design, and timelines with customers.
  • Strong organizational skills with a proven track record of managing budgets, timelines, and technical documentation without breaking a sweat.

Benefits:

  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA) with employer contribution
  • Company-Paid Life Insurance
  • Company-Paid Disability Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • 401(k) Plan

Cozzini, LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EOE/M/F/Vets/Disabled) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. 

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering
  • 3-5 years of experience in sales engineering, application engineering, or project engineering
  • Proficiency with AutoCAD
  • Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
  • Willingness to travel as required

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with Autodesk Inventor
  • Background in food processing equipment or manufacturing environments

Apply