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Food Processing Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

J&J Snack Foods

Senior Food Scientist

Rock Island, IL · On-site

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 ...

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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All JobsFood Processing JobsFood Processing Jobs in Illinois

Food Processing information

See Illinois salary details

$5

$15

$18

How much do food processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 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 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 jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

In food processing, high-paying roles such as plant managers or operations supervisors can earn around $4,000 weekly, especially with experience and industry knowledge. These positions often require strong leadership skills, technical understanding, and sometimes certifications, but they do not always require a college degree.

What are the 7 types of food processing?

Food processing involves various methods to transform raw ingredients into consumable products. The seven main types include cleaning and sorting, size reduction, thermal processing (such as pasteurization and canning), preservation (like freezing and drying), fermentation, packaging, and quality control. Food processing workers often operate specialized equipment and follow safety standards to ensure product quality and safety.

What food job makes the most money?

In food processing, high-paying roles include food scientists, quality assurance managers, and plant managers, with salaries often exceeding $80,000 annually. These positions typically require specialized skills, experience, and sometimes advanced degrees or certifications. Management roles overseeing large production facilities tend to earn the highest salaries in the industry.

What are food processing jobs?

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, and why are they important?

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 do food processing workers do?

Food processing workers operate machinery and equipment to prepare, package, and inspect food products in manufacturing facilities. They follow safety and quality standards, often working in shifts, and may need to handle repetitive tasks and maintain cleanliness in the work environment.

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,251 per year, or $15 per hour.
Senior Food Scientist

Senior Food Scientist

J&J Snack Foods

Rock Island, IL • On-site

Other

Posted 23 days ago

J&J Snack Foods rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

341st of 433 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Develops new products from initial benchtop concept to commercialization. Provides technical support to other departments, such as Sales, Production, and QA. Food products for Vernon, Daddy Ray's, and California Churros plants. May help out at other locations as needed. 

Key Responsibilities:  

  • Develop new food products and improve existing food products.
  • Create benchtop prototypes.
  • Plan and conduct Production test runs.
  • Collect and analyze data.
  • Develop initial product specifications.
  • Develop nutritional, ingredient, and allergen labeling information for products.
  • Provide technical information and assistance to other departments and customers.
  • Report any food safety or quality problems to personnel with authority to initiate action.
  • Follows J&J Snack Food's Food Safety Plan (FSP), the Safe Quality Food (SQF) Program, the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and the Good Documentation Practices (GDPs).
  • Follows all OSHA safety rules and all food safety laws and regulations.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Key Competencies:   

  • Job knowledge                                                                      
  • Results of orientation 
  • Customer orientation                                  
  • Leadership                                       
  • Development of subordinates                         
  • Problem solving   
  • Teamwork
  • Interpersonal skills / communication
  • Change Management
  • Ability to Prioritize
  • Business Knowledge
  • Creativity with Foods                         

Education, Skills, and Experience:

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science, Culinary Arts, or related field. 
  • Minimum 5 years' experience as a Food Technologist.
  • Requires a higher skill level and additional years of experience than a Food Technologist.
  • Must have knowledge and working experience in food ingredient functionality, food product development, food processing, nutrition and food labeling laws.
  • Ability to read and analyze formulas, specifications and processes, collect and analyze data, perform formula calculations and work with formula spreadsheets.
  • 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 processing equipment & lab analytical equipment.
  • Working knowledge of Genesis nutritional software is a plus.

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