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Food Production Machine Operator Jobs in Wisconsin

We exist to make food the world loves. But we do more than that. Our company is a place that ... Production Machine Operator - Milwaukee, WI: As a part of our manufacturing group, you will be ...

Production Machine Operators

Thorp, WI · On-site

$17.75 - $22.75/hr

Our client in Thorp, WI is seeking a Production Machine Operator to join their team on 2nd shift. Job Title: Production Machine Operators Location: Thorp, WI Pay Range: $ 22.50/hr Schedule: M-TH 3 ...

Machine Operator The Machine Operator will run and monitor a variety of packaging and production ... Operate various food production and packaging machines such as packaging machines, baggers, and ...

Production Machine Operator / Production Machine Technician This role involves operating and supporting production machinery in a metal manufacturing environment. You will load and unload sheet metal ...

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Food Production Machine Operator information

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$14

$19

$26

How much do food production machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for food production machine operator in Wisconsin is $19.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.53 and $21.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Food Production Machine Operators and how can they be addressed?

Food Production Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent product quality, troubleshooting machine malfunctions, and adhering to strict safety and sanitation standards. Addressing these challenges requires strong attention to detail, proactive communication with maintenance and quality control teams, and a thorough understanding of operating procedures. Continuous training and staying updated on equipment upgrades can also help operators work efficiently and minimize downtime.

What does a production machine operator do?

A production machine operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and monitoring manufacturing machines to produce goods efficiently and safely. They perform routine inspections, troubleshoot equipment issues, and ensure products meet quality standards, often working in a factory or production environment. Basic technical skills and adherence to safety protocols are essential for this role.

What does a food production operator do?

A food production machine operator is responsible for operating and monitoring machinery used in processing and packaging food products. They ensure equipment runs efficiently, follow safety and quality standards, and perform routine maintenance. The role often requires attention to detail, physical stamina, and adherence to hygiene regulations.

What does a Food Production Machine Operator do?

A Food Production Machine Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining machinery used in the processing and packaging of food products. They monitor equipment to ensure it runs efficiently and safely, make adjustments as needed, and perform quality checks on products. Operators are also tasked with cleaning machines, troubleshooting issues, and following food safety standards to ensure products meet regulatory requirements.

What is the highest paying machine operator job?

The highest paying machine operator jobs are often found in specialized industries such as aerospace, oil and gas, or chemical manufacturing, where operators may earn higher wages due to the complexity and safety requirements. Roles like CNC machine operators with advanced certifications or those operating complex, high-precision equipment tend to have higher salaries. Experience, technical skills, and certifications can significantly impact earning potential in this field.

What is the difference between Food Production Machine Operator vs Food Packaging Technician?

AspectFood Production Machine OperatorFood Packaging Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications varyHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications may be required
Work EnvironmentFactories, production lines, manufacturing plantsPackaging lines, manufacturing facilities, food processing plants
Industry UsageFood manufacturing, processing plantsFood packaging, processing facilities
Common Search IntentJob duties, certifications, work environmentPackaging processes, certifications, work environment

The Food Production Machine Operator and Food Packaging Technician roles both operate within food manufacturing environments, often requiring similar certifications and working in factory settings. While the Machine Operator focuses on running and maintaining production machinery, the Packaging Technician specializes in packaging food products. Both roles are essential in the food industry and often overlap in skills and work environment, but they differ in specific job duties and focus areas.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Production Machine Operator, and why are they important?

A Food Production Machine Operator should have a basic understanding of food safety regulations, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with automated production equipment, HACCP standards, and sometimes forklift certification is often required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help operators excel in monitoring processes and responding to issues. These competencies are vital to ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality food production in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

What is the highest paying job in the food industry?

In the food industry, executive roles such as Food Production Managers or Directors typically have the highest salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and knowledge of food safety regulations and production processes.
What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Food Production Machine Operator jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most Food Production Machine Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Food Production Machine Operator jobs in WI? For Food Production Machine Operator jobs in WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Food Production Machine Operator job openings in Wisconsin as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,852 per year, or $19.2 per hour.
Production Machine Operator

Production Machine Operator

General Mills

Milwaukee, WI

$29.40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


General Mills rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 107 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 382 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

General Mills, Inc. manufactures some of the most beloved foods in the world, including Cheerios and Lucky Charms, Nature Valley granola bars, and Totino's pizza rolls. Blue Buffalo became part of General Mills in 2018, so even your pets love us too. We exist to make food the world loves. But we do more than that. Our company is a place that prioritizes being a force for good, a place to expand learning, explore new perspectives and reimagine new possibilities, every day. We look for people who want to bring their best — bold thinkers with big hearts who challenge one another and grow together. 

Check out why General Mills Manufacturing is the place to grow a career: 

Production Machine Operator – Milwaukee, WI: 

As a part of our manufacturing group, you will be responsible for supporting production packaging and processing operations, sanitation, and participation in startup, changeover, and shutdown of operating equipment. 

Current Shift Openings:

2ndShift: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM

  • 2–2–3 Schedule: Work 2 days, off 2 days, work 3 days, and repeat.

  • Days off alternate every other weekend.

3rd Shift: 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM

  • 2–2–3 Schedule: Work 2 days, off 2 days, work 3 days, and repeat.

  • Days off alternate every other weekend.

12-Hour Night Crew: 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM

  • 12–2 Schedule: Work for 12 days in a row, followed by 2 days off.
  • Days off occur every other weekend.

Overtime: Every other weekend, with potential for up to 4 additional hours before or after your scheduled shift.

Plant Operations: Our facility runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Flexibility: Must be willing and able to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Pay:

  • $27.39 per hour starting.
  • Pay for skill program for higher pay rates up to $29.40 per hour

 

Benefits:  

  • 15 days (120 hours) of vacation annually and 11 paid holidays
  • Great paid time off benefits
  • 401(k) match
  • Health Insurance- Including medical, dental and life
  • And much more!

 

About our Location:

Our Milwaukee manufacturing cite is located in a big city, with big city amenities, but with a lower cost than most. Our site was originally owned by the Gardetto family, who created Gardetto’s by using any broken breadsticks leftover in their plant combined with seasonings! If you ask what some of the things that employees value most at Milwaukee, you will hear about our employee appreciation events, family events, and all employee sporting events and watch events. We have the Chex Club that puts on events once a month for employees. At General Mills, we encourage growth for our employees. At our site, you will find that we have a lot of opportunities for job growth.

Our Products:

Gardettos, Bugels, Chex Mix, Muddy Buddys 

 

What your day will look like: 

  • Creating high quality foods that are eaten EVERYDAY, NATIONWIDE
  • Using TECHNOLOGY in an industry-leading facility
  • Working with HIGH-LEVEL operators on EXPERIENCED teams that are looking to pass down their knowledge to workers WILLING TO LEARN and get paid doing it
  • CHALLENGING yourself to get the JOB DONE RIGHT and gain skills to take with you to your next opportunity
  • Diagnosing and troubleshooting mechanical or other issues with equipment and partner with maintenance staff and/or additional resources when necessary to resolve issues effectively
  • Addressing operational issues in a timely manner and communicating results to team leader
  • Coordinating and performing basic preventative maintenance on equipment with a focus on defect identification and breakdown elimination
  • Removing and replacing motors, starters, belts, bearings, chains, and other manufacturing parts
  • Entering Work Orders for any defects you identify
  • Performing centerline checks each shift to ensure equipment is running per recommendations
  • Calibrating processing and packaging systems daily to meet required specifications
  • Participating in startup, changeover, and shutdown of operating equipment
  • Assisting other packaging machine operators to set up packaging machine, change film, and generate problem solving

What you have to offer: 

  • Minimum of a high school diploma or GED
  • 2 years of experience in a manufacturing/production environment is required

Physical requirements: 

  • Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs
  • Must be able to perform physical tasks for extended periods of time including standing, walking, climbing, bending, pushing, pulling and twisting over surfaces
  • Ability to climb and/or work at heights while utilizing stairs, ladders, personnel lifts, or platforms
  • Ability to wear protective clothing and equipment such as safety shoes, face masks, safety glasses, hearing protection, a hard hat, a hair/beard net and gloves when required
  • Willing and able to adhere to all grooming requirements necessary for a food manufacturing environment
  • Ability to work in hot, cold, noisy, dusty, wet environmental working conditions
  • Willing to work around industrial high-speed moving machinery
  • Ability to work with allergens that might be present in a food environment
Qualifications:UNAVAILABLEEducation:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

What General Mills employees say

Pay

Benefits

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About General Mills

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Mills, Inc. manufactures some of the most beloved foods in the world, including Cheerios and Lucky Charms, Nature Valley granola bars, Totino's pizza rolls, and Yoplait yogurt. Blue Buffalo became part of General Mills in 2018, so even your pets love us too.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

Year founded

1928