1

Food Production Machine Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL

Machine Operator

Niles, IL · On-site

$21.55/hr

Machine Operator Location: Niles, IL Shift and Pay Rates: * Weekend: Fri/Saty/Sun: 5:00am - 6:30pm ... product quality, operational efficiency, and compliance with all food safety regulations. You'll ...

Production Supervisor Job Summary: The Production Machine Operator I will safely control various machines and equipment involved in production. The Machine Operator will supervise and lead an ...

Machine Operator

Bensenville, IL

$17 - $20.25/hr

Join our team as a Production Line Operator, where you'll operate advanced roll forming machinery to produce laser-welded air spacers and decorative muntin bars used in window and door systems. We're ...

Machine Operator

Bloomingdale, IL · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Machine Operator - 290 Madsen Drive, Bloomingdale, IL 60108 Reports to Production Supervisor ABOUT ... We run food-grade (SQF) production across two facilities and are investing heavily in people ...

Machine Operator

Bloomingdale, IL · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Machine Operator - 290 Madsen Drive, Bloomingdale, IL 60108 Reports to Production Supervisor ABOUT ... We run food-grade (SQF) production across two facilities and are investing heavily in people ...

Machine Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.68/hr

Position: Machine Operator Pay: $19.68/hr. Shift: 4:00 am to between 2:00 pm and 4:30 pm Mon-Sat ... Maintain accurate production, quality, waste, and downtime records * Follow all food safety ...

Machine operator

La Grange, IL · On-site

$19.25 - $19.75/hr

Machine Operator sets up, runs, and cleans food packaging and blending equipment. They ensure safe, high-quality production. Operators monitor lines, adjust settings, and perform quality checks. The ...

Showing results 41-60

Food Production Machine Operator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$14

$19

$26

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

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for food production machine operator in Chicago, IL is $19.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $22.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Food Production Machine Operator jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Food Production Machine Operator jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Production Machine Operator jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Production Machine Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Food Production Machine Operator job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,673 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

1st Shift Machine Operator

Hughes Recruiting & Consulting

Aurora, IL

$19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Machine Operator- 1st Shift: Aurora, Illinois
 
Our customer in Aurora, Illinois is seeking motivated individuals to join their team. We’re recruiting Machine Operators to work full-time on 1st shift. As a Machine Operator, you will be responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining production machines, ensuring quality control, troubleshooting mechanical issues, and maintaining accurate production logs to support smooth and efficient operations.
 
Responsibilities of the Machine Operator:
  • Set up production machines, including calibration, cleaning, and preparation for the production cycle.
  • Adjust and control machine settings to ensure optimal production output.
  • Inspect parts using precision measuring tools to ensure quality standards are met.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical issues that occur during the production shift.
  • Keep accurate records of approved and defective units or final products.
  • Maintain activity logs, tracking production progress and machine performance.
 
Machine Operator Requirements and Qualifications:
  • Proven experience in setting up and running production machines.
  • Ability to troubleshoot mechanical issues and perform basic repairs.
  • Experience working in a team-oriented production environment.
  • Knowledge of vibratory feed bowls and automatic presses is a plus.
  • Strong attention to detail, especially in inspecting parts for quality.
  • Ability to follow strict safety and operational procedures.
  • Good communication skills for reporting issues and collaborating with team members.
 
Pay for Machine Operator: Starting at $19/hour.
 
Machine Operator Benefits:
  • Health insurance.
  • Paid time off.
  • 401k with company match.
  • Paid weekly.
  • Direct deposit.
  • Paid training.
 
Type: 1st Shift, Full-time
 
Schedule: Monday - Friday from 6:30am – 3:00pm.
 
Apply now!
Are you ready to move from the worries of today to your dreams of tomorrow? If so, give Hughes a call. We are the top-rated staffing, recruiting, and HR experts in the region. We are headquartered in Aurora, IL and have 11 locations across Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Where we have offices, we have connections to the best local jobs! Walk in our doors and you’ll find friendly professional staff who dig deep, get results, and most importantly have fun! The reviews speak for themselves, at Hughes we quickly hook you up with companies that offer competitive pay rates, great culture & benefits, and a chance to elevate your life. We offer health insurance and 401(k) too to all our employees. To get the ball rolling, visit us online at www.hughesrecruiting.com and complete our application.  We’ll be in touch soon!