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Manufacturing Production Operative Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Production Operative

Durham, NC · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

The Production Operative will perform assigned functions relevant to the packaging area ensuring ... Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP's). Qualifications: Required Experience / Education: * High ...

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Manufacturing Production Operative information

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$10

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How much do manufacturing production operative jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for manufacturing production operative in the United States is $16.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a manufacturing production operator?

A manufacturing production operator is a worker responsible for operating machinery and equipment on a production line to assemble, process, or package products. They typically follow safety protocols, work in a factory environment, and may need basic technical skills or certifications depending on the industry. The role often involves manual labor and attention to detail to ensure quality and efficiency.

What are some common challenges faced by Manufacturing Production Operatives, and how can they be addressed?

Manufacturing Production Operatives often face challenges such as maintaining consistent quality during fast-paced production runs and adapting to new machinery or processes. Staying vigilant about safety protocols and communicating effectively with team members can help manage these challenges. Regular training sessions and a supportive team environment also play a key role in ensuring operatives can quickly adapt to changes and troubleshoot issues efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Manufacturing Production Operative, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Manufacturing Production Operative, you need attention to detail, manual dexterity, and basic math skills, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with manufacturing machinery, safety protocols, and quality control systems is typically required, and some positions may prefer candidates with forklift or OSHA certifications. Reliability, teamwork, and effective communication are important soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining efficient production processes, ensuring workplace safety, and delivering consistent product quality.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Manufacturing production operative roles typically do not pay $4,000 a week without specialized skills or overtime. High-paying roles in manufacturing may require experience, certifications, or working long hours, but such high weekly earnings are uncommon without a degree or advanced training. Most high-earning manufacturing jobs are skilled trades or supervisory positions that may require additional qualifications.

What is a Manufacturing Production Operative?

A Manufacturing Production Operative is a worker responsible for operating machinery, assembling products, and ensuring production processes run smoothly in a factory or manufacturing environment. Their duties often include monitoring equipment, following safety procedures, and maintaining quality standards. These operatives play a crucial role in keeping production lines efficient and meeting output targets. No formal qualifications are usually required, but attention to detail and the ability to work well in a team are important. Training is often provided on the job.

What jobs pay $700 a day?

Manufacturing production operatives typically do not earn $700 a day; such high daily wages are usually associated with specialized roles like project managers, senior engineers, or skilled trades in industries such as oil and gas, construction, or technology. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, or extensive experience and may involve overtime or shift work to reach higher daily earnings.

What is the difference between Manufacturing Production Operative vs Manufacturing Assembly Worker?

AspectManufacturing Production OperativeManufacturing Assembly Worker
CredentialsBasic training, health & safety certificationsBasic training, health & safety certifications
Work EnvironmentFactory floor, production linesFactory floor, assembly lines
Industry UsageCommonly used in manufacturing plantsCommonly used in manufacturing plants
Job FocusOperating machinery, quality checksAssembling components, following instructions

Both roles are essential in manufacturing, often overlapping in work environment and required skills. The Manufacturing Production Operative typically involves operating machinery and quality control, while the Manufacturing Assembly Worker focuses on assembling parts. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right role suited to their skills and career goals.

What is the job of a production operative?

A production operative is responsible for assembling, packaging, and inspecting products on a manufacturing line. They operate machinery, follow safety procedures, and ensure products meet quality standards, often working in a fast-paced environment. Basic skills in handling tools and understanding production processes are typically required.
More about Manufacturing Production Operative jobs
What cities are hiring for Manufacturing Production Operative jobs? Cities with the most Manufacturing Production Operative job openings:
What states have the most Manufacturing Production Operative jobs? States with the most job openings for Manufacturing Production Operative jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Manufacturing Production Operative jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Manufacturing Production Operative jobs are:
Infographic showing various Manufacturing Production Operative job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,996 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Manufacturing Production Operator

washingtonmills

North Grafton, MA • On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Manufacturing Production Operator 

Position type: Full-Time, Hourly

Pay Range: $20.00 - $23.00 per hour based on experience

Overtime: Occasionally required on Fridays 

Location: North Grafton, MA

Ask Yourself This…

Are you looking for a fast-paced environment where your daily work impacts products made around the world? Are you interested in learning manufacturing processes? Do you have a strong commitment to working safely? If you do, then join us in Click to select from dropdown list!

 

What You’ll Do


The Manufacturing Production Operator (MPO) will work with and directly report to the plant’s Production Foreman.  The MPO will be directly involved in the monitoring and operation of several pieces of crushing and grading equipment. 

This position will work with various sizes of abrasive grain and put those grains into containers for customer shipments or store in one of several warehouse locations throughout the plant.  The MPO will be responsible for working harmoniously and safely within a team environment. This position is 1st Shift: Monday – Thursday from 5 am – 3 pm with occasional hours required on Fridays.  

  • Perform basic housekeeping tasks autonomously
  • Fill, transport, palletize, stack, and organize drums, super sacks, and bags of abrasive grain
  • Monitor production line for evidence of mechanical failure, production contamination, and other hazards
  • Handle drums, super sacks, and bags of abrasive grain through various methods, including: manually, with powered lift devices, and with motorized pallet jacks
  • Use basic hand tools like wrenches, screw drivers, and mallets
  • Perform other necessary duties and projects as assigned

 

What You’ll Need


To be successful in this position, you must:

  • Possess a High School Diploma or equivalent, certifications or higher education a plus
  • Have the ability to perform basic computer skills and math calculations
  • Understand the process and perform simple troubleshooting when needed within job scope
  • Be able to speak, read, and write English (Spanish is a plus)
  • Have the ability to work in a team environment and adapt to changing production demands
  • Be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds and stand/walk up to 10 hours
  • Be knowledgeable about fork truck operations or willingness to learn

Who We Are


Washington Mills is built on values that matter. Founded more than 150 years ago, we have earned our reputation as one of the world’s most trusted and reliable producers of abrasive, ceramic and refractory grains and powders. Serving thousands of customers and offering the broadest selection of abrasive grain and specialty electro-fused minerals in the market today, we constantly pursue growth in our products, our approach, and our people.  Our founding principles of honesty, integrity and reliability still guide our business today, and we are a proud community of hands-on problem solvers, committed to shaping the materials applications of the future.  With global distribution and sites located throughout North American and Europe, Washington Mills opens the door to a world of opportunity, creativity, and challenge.

Compensation


We proudly offer robust compensation and benefits packages, including:

  • Competitive pay, with opportunities to advance
  • World-class medical and dental plans
  • Employer-sponsored retirement plan
  • Company-paid life insurance
  • Paid vacation and generous holiday time
  • Family-friendly personal leave policies

Interested? We want to hear from you! Visit washingtonmills.com/careers and tell us why you’re the candidate we’re looking for.

The job responsibilities described above indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to include a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities for this job. Job duties and responsibilities are subject to change based on evolving business needs and conditions.

 

Washington Mills is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to workforce diversity. M/F/D/V. Qualified minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.