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Food Production Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Part Time Food Production

Lansing, IL · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Our 170+ stores are the primary supplier for many small food service operators, families ... As a Part Time Food Production Associate you bring fun into our store! No 2 days are ever the same ...

Food Production

Hammond, IN · On-site

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

Preparation of products. * Maintaining quality of product. * Monitoring all service equipment ... Operating of cash register as needed and making change for other cashiers. * Basic Math skills

Food Production

Schererville, IN · On-site

$12 - $16.50/hr

Preparation of products. * Maintaining quality of product. * Monitoring all service equipment ... Operating of cash register as needed and making change for other cashiers. * Basic Math skills

Food Production

Hammond, IN · On-site

$12.50 - $17.25/hr

Preparation of products. * Maintaining quality of product. * Monitoring all service equipment ... Operating of cash register as needed and making change for other cashiers. * Basic Math skills

Food Production

Hobart, IN

$13 - $17.75/hr

Preparation of products. * Maintaining quality of product. * Monitoring all service equipment ... Operating of cash register as needed and making change for other cashiers. * Basic Math skills

Part Time Food Production

Lansing, IL · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Our 170+ stores are the primary supplier for many small food service operators, families ... As a Part Time Food Production Associate you bring fun into our store! No 2 days are ever the same ...

Food Production

Munster, IN

$13 - $17.50/hr

Preparation of products. * Maintaining quality of product. * Monitoring all service equipment ... Operating of cash register as needed and making change for other cashiers. * Basic Math skills

Food Production

Griffith, IN · On-site

$12 - $16.25/hr

Preparation of products. * Maintaining quality of product. * Monitoring all service equipment ... Operating of cash register as needed and making change for other cashiers. * Basic Math skills

Food Production

Crown Point, IN · On-site

$12.50 - $17/hr

Preparation of products. * Maintaining quality of product. * Monitoring all service equipment ... Operating of cash register as needed and making change for other cashiers. * Basic Math skills

Food Production

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$13 - $17.75/hr

Preparation of products. * Maintaining quality of product. * Monitoring all service equipment ... Operating of cash register as needed and making change for other cashiers. * Basic Math skills

Culinary Production Operator

Palatine, IL · On-site

$45K - $65K/yr

The Culinary Production Operator is responsible for supporting the daily preparation, cooking, packaging, and quality control of food products in a commercial production environment. This role ...

Production Operator - West Chicago, IL Are you passionate about cutting-edge technology and making ... food contact, automotive, decorative, tooling and fuel cells industries. We offer a broad range of ...

Production Operator

West Chicago, IL · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Production Operator - West Chicago, IL Are you passionate about cutting-edge technology and making ... food contact, automotive, decorative, tooling and fuel cells industries. We offer a broad range of ...

Production Operator Location: Buffalo Grove, IL Employment Type: Contract (11 months) Potential to ... They can work with their hands (Previous manufacturing, food service, working on cars). * Ability ...

Production Operator

Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site

$18.38 - $20.21/hr

Production Operator Job Location: 1000 Deerfield Parkway, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 Pay Rate : $18.38 ... Can work with their hands (Previous manufacturing, Food Service, working on cars, ect...) * Worked ...

Production Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.25 - $20.75/hr

The Production Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently handling liquid and dry chemical ... food grade and USP items. o Operate electronic scale and process devices o Carefully store ...

Production Operator Location: Buffalo Grove, IL Employment Type: Temp (12 months) Industry ... They can work with their hands (Previous manufacturing, food service, working on cars). * Ability ...

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Food Production Operator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$18

$24

How much do food production operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for food production operator in Chicago, IL is $18.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $20.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food production operator?

Food Production Operators are professionals responsible for operating machinery and overseeing the production process in food manufacturing plants. They ensure that equipment runs efficiently, monitor product quality, and follow safety and hygiene regulations. Their duties often include setting up machines, checking ingredients, packaging finished products, and performing routine maintenance. Food Production Operators play a key role in maintaining the consistency and safety of food products. They may also be involved in troubleshooting and making adjustments to production lines as needed.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food production operator?

To thrive as a Food Production Operator, you need a strong understanding of food safety standards, attention to detail, and experience with manufacturing processes, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with automated production machinery, quality control systems, and possibly certifications like HACCP is typical in this role. Reliability, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for maintaining productivity and safety. These skills and qualities ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality food production in a fast-paced environment.

What are some common challenges faced by food production operators and how can they be addressed?

Food Production Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict hygiene standards, managing fast-paced production lines, and minimizing equipment downtime. Adhering to safety and cleanliness protocols is essential to avoid contamination, and operators must be vigilant about identifying potential issues. Regular training, good communication with team members, and proactive maintenance of machinery can help address these challenges and ensure smooth, efficient production processes.

What is the difference between Food Production Operator vs Food Processing Technician?

AspectFood Production OperatorFood Processing Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; technical training or certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, production lines, manufacturing plantsProcessing plants, quality control labs, manufacturing facilities
Employer & Industry UsageFood manufacturing companies, processing plantsFood processing companies, quality assurance departments
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, job requirements, and career pathsTechnical skills, certifications, and specific job duties

While both Food Production Operators and Food Processing Technicians work in food manufacturing environments, Food Production Operators typically focus on operating machinery and assembling products on the production line. Food Processing Technicians often handle more technical tasks such as quality checks, equipment maintenance, and process optimization. Both roles are essential in the food industry and may require similar certifications, but their responsibilities differ in technical complexity and focus.

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

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

Infographic showing various Food Production 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 $38,997 per year, or $18.7 per hour.