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Food Processing Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Trenton Processing

General Labor

Trenton, IL

$15 - $18/hr

About Us: Trenton Processing has been a trusted leader in the food processing industry for over 60 years. Our commitment to quality and innovation has earned us a loyal customer base, while our ...

QSI LLC

Food Safety Area Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Food Safety Area Manager is responsible for implementing and enforcing QSI?s Food Safety ... Must possess basic knowledge in basic work requirements in a processing industry. Must be familiar ...

Biro of Chicago, Inc

Field Service Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Why This Role Matters You'll work directly with retail scales, packaging systems, and food processing equipment--keeping grocery stores, processors, and retailers up and running. Every day brings ...

Fresh Express

Production Supervisor

Streamwood, IL

Understanding of food processing, food sanitation, food safety, worker safety and cost savings development. * Ensure continual process improvement. * Ensure the overall completion of the daily ...

Fresh Express

Production Supervisor

Streamwood, IL · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Understanding of food processing, food sanitation, food safety, worker safety and cost savings development. * Ensure continual process improvement. * Ensure the overall completion of the daily ...

Fresh Express

Production Supervisor

Streamwood, IL · On-site

Understanding of food processing, food sanitation, food safety, worker safety and cost savings development. * Ensure continual process improvement. * Ensure the overall completion of the daily ...

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Food Processing information

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How much do food processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 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 $2000 a day?

In the food processing industry, high-paying roles such as plant managers, operations directors, or specialized consultants can earn around $2,000 per day, especially with extensive experience and certifications. These positions often require strong leadership skills, industry knowledge, and sometimes advanced degrees or technical expertise. Such high daily earnings are typically associated with senior management or highly specialized roles rather than entry-level positions.

What are the 7 types of food processing?

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

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 job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

In food processing, high-level supervisory or management roles such as plant managers or operations directors can earn $10,000 or more monthly, especially in large facilities. These positions typically require extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and knowledge of industry regulations, but may not always require a formal degree.

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

Technical Sales Manager - U.S. Meat Processing (Maurer-Atmos)

MWW Food Processing USA LLC

Elk Grove Village, IL • On-site, Remote

$95K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Founded i
The Legacy Founded in 1928 and headquartered in Reichenau, Germany, Maurer-Atmos is the global gold standard for smoking, cooking, and maturing technologies. We don't just build machines; we engineer the taste, texture, and safety of the world's finest meat products.
The Mission We are seeking a Sales Champion to spearhead our expansion within the U.S. meat processing sector. This is a high-impact, autonomous role designed for a seasoned professional who is equally comfortable in a corporate boardroom and on a production floor. Your focus: delivering world-class smokehouses and batch ovens to the medium-sized processors and regional artisans who define the American meat industry.
Your Impact:
  • Drive High-Value Capital Sales: Own the full lifecycle for custom-configured thermal systems (smokehouses, batch ovens, and dry-cure systems).
  • Consultative Strategy: Perform on-site process analyses to help clients maximize yield, capacity, and energy efficiency.
  • Industry Influence: Leverage your "rolodex" of plant managers and owners to identify new installations and plant expansions.
  • Technical Translation: Partner with our German engineering teams to turn complex client needs into high-performance equipment solutions.
  • Market Intelligence: Position Maurer-Atmos as the premier choice for specialty and craft producers by staying ahead of regional trends.

MWW is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EOE/M/F/Vets/Disabled) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants.
Benefits:
  • Health insurance
  • Health Savings Account w/ ER contribution
  • Flexible Spending Account w/ ER contribution
  • Dental Insurance
  • Company Paid Disability Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Company Paid Life insurance
  • Paid holidays
  • Paid time off
  • 401k
  • Vision insurance

Requirements
What You Bring:
  • 5-10 Years of Experience: Proven success selling thermal processing systems (smoking, roasting, drying).
  • An Established Network: A deep, personal connection to the U.S. regional meat processing and butchery community.
  • Technical Fluency: You know the science behind a perfect salami, pepperoni, or smoked sausage.
  • Regulatory Mastery: Solid understanding of USDA/FDA requirements and HACCP principles.
  • The Road Warrior Spirit: Readiness for 50-70% travel across North America, with annual trips to our headquarters in Germany.

Salary Description
95 - 120k plus commission

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