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Kentucky Cooperage Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kentucky Cooperage LP

Mechanic

Lebanon, KY

$26 - $31/hr

Heavy Equipment Mechanic At Kentucky Cooperage, the Mechanic position is responsible for inspecting, maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing forklifts, semi-trucks, trailers, and other automotive and ...

Independent Stave Company

Mechanic

Lebanon, KY · On-site

$26 - $31/hr

Heavy Equipment Mechanic At Kentucky Cooperage, the Mechanic position is responsible for inspecting, maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing forklifts, semi-trucks, trailers, and other automotive and ...

Sazerac Company

Maintenance Team Lead

East Bernstadt, KY · On-site

Our Louisville office has been named one of the "Best Places to Work in Kentucky" four times, and ... Experience in a cooperage, sawmill, stave mill, lumber, wood products, or other heavy manufacturing ...

Sazerac Company

Maintenance Team Lead

East Bernstadt, KY · On-site

Our Louisville office has been named one of the "Best Places to Work in Kentucky" four times, and ... Experience in a cooperage, sawmill, stave mill, lumber, wood products, or other heavy manufacturing ...

All JobsKentucky Cooperage Jobs

Kentucky Cooperage information

See salary details

$11K

$115.3K

$250K

How much do kentucky cooperage jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for kentucky cooperage in the United States is $115,291.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $250,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Kentucky Cooperage vs Barrel Maker?

AspectKentucky CooperageBarrel Maker
CredentialsTypically requires woodworking skills, apprenticeship, or related certificationsSimilar skills; often the same certifications or experience needed
Work EnvironmentManufacturing facility focused on barrel production for spirits and wineWorkshop or factory setting, often in cooperage or woodworking industries
Industry UsageSpecialized in barrel construction for beverage agingBroader term, may include various types of barrels and containers

Both Kentucky Cooperage and Barrel Maker roles involve woodworking skills and work in manufacturing environments. Kentucky Cooperage typically refers to a company specializing in barrel production for spirits, while Barrel Maker is a more general term that can apply to various types of barrels. The roles often overlap in skills and industry, but Kentucky Cooperage emphasizes the specific craft of barrel making for the beverage industry.

What is a Kentucky Cooperage?

A Kentucky Cooperage is a facility where skilled craftsmen, known as coopers, create and repair wooden barrels, primarily for the aging of bourbon and other spirits. The process involves selecting quality oak, shaping the staves, assembling the barrel, and charring the interior to enhance the flavor of the spirits. Kentucky is renowned for its cooperages due to its prominent bourbon industry, and these barrels are essential for giving bourbon its distinctive taste and character. The craft requires traditional techniques, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of how wood interacts with spirits.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cooper at Kentucky Cooperage, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cooper at Kentucky Cooperage, you need strong manual dexterity, woodworking abilities, and a good understanding of barrel construction, often learned through apprenticeships or on-the-job training. Familiarity with specialized cooperage tools and machinery such as hoop drivers, planers, and stave jointers is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help set individuals apart in this craft. These skills ensure the production of high-quality barrels crucial for aging spirits, directly impacting product quality and company reputation.

What are some typical daily responsibilities for someone working at Kentucky Cooperage?

Employees at Kentucky Cooperage are typically involved in the hands-on manufacturing of barrels, which includes tasks like selecting and preparing staves, assembling barrels, toasting and charring the wood, and performing quality checks. Team members often work in a collaborative, production-line environment where attention to detail and safety are paramount. The role can be physically demanding, requiring the ability to handle tools and machinery and to work efficiently to meet production goals. Regular communication with supervisors and coworkers is essential to ensure each barrel meets the company's high standards for quality.
More about Kentucky Cooperage jobs
What cities are hiring for Kentucky Cooperage jobs? Cities with the most Kentucky Cooperage job openings:
What states have the most Kentucky Cooperage jobs? States with the most job openings for Kentucky Cooperage jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Kentucky Cooperage jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Kentucky Cooperage jobs are:
Kentucky Cooperage jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kentucky Cooperage job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,291 per year, or $55.4 per hour.

Production Associate Day Shift

Kentucky Cooperage LP

Lebanon, KY • On-site

$16/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Manufacturing Associates-All Shifts Kentucky Cooperage
Kentucky Cooperage - Voted 2018 Manufacturer of the Year, Marion County,
Kentucky Cooperage is currently hiring for full-time Production/General Laborer positions on our day shift. At Kentucky Cooperage, we seek highly motivated, self-driven individuals to help us craft world-class barrels for customers in more than 40 countries. We provide employees with an opportunity to cross-train and grow into various roles. Our teams work with a competitive spirit, and we offer employees performance-based incentives in many of our departments or job roles. Every day, you will safely perform and assist your team members, helping to meet our quality and production goals.
Starting Wage: $16.00
  • In addition, we offer incentive-based pay systems in most departments based on an individual's output & quality.
A Growing Heritage
It's been over 100 years since our founding, and Independent Stave Company continues to evolve thanks to a commitment to quality and innovation, our dedicated associates, and a continual interest in collaborating with distillers and winemakers around the world.
Experience or Job Qualifications for Manufacturing Associates
  • A high school diploma or GED is preferred.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with deadlines
  • Serious about safety and quality
  • Ability to understand instructions, written and oral.
  • A team player - the ability to work cooperatively with other people to achieve a common goal
Employee Benefits
Independent Stave Company offers competitive compensation and benefits to employees at each of our facilities. Domestic benefits include:
Competitive Pay & Bonuses
  • Weekly Pay
  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Short-Term Disability
  • Long-Term Disability
  • Paid Vacation
  • Continuing Education
  • 401(k) (Employer match equal to 50% of your "eligible contributions.")
Apply online or in person at:
712 E Main St
Lebanon, KY 40033
Our Culture
Our people are passionate about their craft and take pride in their contribution to the wine and spirits industry, supporting our mission to craft world-class oak barrels and other cooperage products so that our employees, customers and communities flourish.
We are always looking for hard-working people to join our team. A great work-ethic, dedication, and reliability are a few of the characteristics that we look for.
Independent Stave Company is a drug-free workplace with a focus on communication to ensure the health and safety of our employees.
Independent Stave Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
#KYCIND-IM#