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Manufacturing Jobs in Rochester, MN (NOW HIRING)

Manufacturing Engineer

Lake City, MN · On-site

$75K - $97K/yr

BASIC FUNCTION: Contribute to a high level of equipment uptime through implementation of TPM with predictive and preventive and planned maintenance programs. Foster continual improvement in equipment ...

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Manufacturing information

See Rochester, MN salary details

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How much do manufacturing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for manufacturing in Rochester, MN is $25.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.53 and $29.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in manufacturing, and how can these be addressed?

One common challenge in manufacturing roles is maintaining production efficiency while ensuring high quality and safety standards. Employees may face issues such as equipment malfunctions, supply chain delays, or adapting to new technologies. These challenges can be addressed by fostering strong teamwork, participating in continuous improvement programs, and staying up-to-date with training in safety procedures and equipment operation. Open communication with supervisors and colleagues also helps resolve issues quickly and maintain a smooth workflow.

What is manufacturing?

Manufacturing is the process of converting raw materials, components, or parts into finished goods through the use of machinery, tools, and labor. It is a critical sector in the economy, producing products for consumers and businesses alike. Manufacturing can include everything from small-scale craft production to large-scale industrial operations, covering industries such as automotive, electronics, food processing, and more. The process often involves design, engineering, assembly, quality control, and distribution steps.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a manufacturing role, and why are they important?

To thrive in a manufacturing role, you need a strong understanding of production processes, quality control, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with industrial machinery, lean manufacturing principles, and systems such as ERP or CAD software is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills in this environment. These skills and qualifications are important to ensure efficient production, minimize errors, and maintain a safe and collaborative workplace.

What is the difference between Manufacturing vs Assembly Line Worker?

AspectManufacturingAssembly Line Worker
CredentialsOften requires technical skills or certifications in machinery or processesTypically requires basic skills and on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentFactories, production plants, involving various manufacturing processesAssembly lines within factories, focusing on assembling products
Industry UsageUsed across manufacturing sectors like automotive, electronics, and consumer goodsPrimarily found in automotive, electronics, and appliance manufacturing
Job ScopeEncompasses entire production processes, including planning and quality controlFocuses on assembling specific parts or products

Manufacturing involves comprehensive production processes, often requiring technical skills, while Assembly Line Workers focus on assembling products on specific lines with less technical training. Both roles are essential in the manufacturing industry but differ in scope and skill requirements.

What is a manufacturing job?

A manufacturing job involves working in the production of goods, often on factory floors or assembly lines. These roles typically require operating machinery, following safety protocols, and may involve shifts or physical labor. Skills in technical tasks and attention to detail are important in this field.

What Are Manufacturing Jobs?

Manufacturing jobs involve creating new products and goods. Manufacturers use raw materials or separate components to build something entirely new. Whether it’s chemical, physical, or mechanical, as long as you are creating a product, you are working in manufacturing. The only exception is construction, which is considered separate from manufacturing. Manufacturing jobs include making prepackaged food or beverages, creating computers and electronics, and producing clothing. Bakers, printers, tailors, furniture builders, and woodworkers are all considered manufacturers. Most manufacturers work in a factory, mill, or plant, but you can also find work in labs.

What are the most commonly searched types of Manufacturing jobs in Rochester, MN? The most popular types of Manufacturing jobs in Rochester, MN are:
What job categories do people searching Manufacturing jobs in Rochester, MN look for? The top searched job categories for Manufacturing jobs in Rochester, MN are:
What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Manufacturing jobs? Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Manufacturing job openings:
Infographic showing various Manufacturing job openings in Rochester, MN as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,746 per year, or $25.4 per hour.
Sr Operator, Manufacturing - 1st Shift

Sr Operator, Manufacturing - 1st Shift

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Rochester, MN

$22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Thermo Fisher Scientific rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 396 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

186th of 516 rated manufacturers


Job description

Work Schedule

First Shift (Days)

Environmental Conditions

Adherence to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Safety Standards, Cleanroom: no hair products, jewelry, makeup, nail polish, perfume, exposed piercings, facial hair etc... allowed, Loud Noises (Equipment/Machinery), Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.)

Job Description

Compensation: $22.00/HR

Shift: First Shift
Shift Schedule: 7:00am - 3:30pm, Mon - Fri


At Thermo Fisher Scientific, we're driven by our Mission – to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Are you ready to make a difference in the world of science and medicine? Join us in Rochester, NY, where science meets everyday impact!
You'll be based at our Rochester site, where we make the essential lab plastics that help drive breakthroughs in vaccines, biologic therapies, and diagnostic kits. This campus is also the manufacturing site for Thermo Fisher Scientific's Nalgene® labware and the Nalgene® reusable water bottles produced for global distribution.
As part of our Laboratory Products Division, you'll be joining a team that provides virtually everything needed for laboratories across healthcare, pharmaceuticals, academia, biotechnology, and industrial research sectors. Our extensive product portfolio includes advanced analytical instruments, essential lab equipment, cold storage, and a wide range of consumables like reagents, chemicals, and labware.

A Day in the Life:

Under the direction of the Manufacturing Supervisor, is responsible for inspection, assembly, and packing of products. Responsibilities include:

  • Become familiar with product lines and all related visual defects in order to identify rejected parts.

  • Visually inspects bottles retrieved from machines, conveyor lines or taken from bulk containers and makes quality decision on each part.

  • Recognizes out-of-spec production and advises supervisor or set-up personnel.

  • Perform 15-minute inspections of high-volume production.

  • Set up work area where applicable as a controlled environment where attire consists of hats, gloves, beard masks and coats.

  • Perform housekeeping responsibilities necessary to maintain a clean environment necessary for the production of media bottles throughout the shift.

  • Maintain necessary paperwork levels throughout the shift (i.e. 15-minute inspection form, MQC sheet) pertaining to the production of bottles.

  • Work to established QC samples.

  • Alert Supervisor/Team Lead or Set-up personnel when problems first begin.

  • Adhere to all company and departmental work and safety rules.

  • Able to operate any machine or operation in department assigned


Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent required.


Experience:

  • Required: Minimum of 2 years of work experience in a manufacturing, operations, production, lab setting or related field

  • Preferred: Experience in a cGMP environment

  • Preferred: Experience working in a clean room environment


Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Must be able to read, write, and understand the English language.

  • Must be able to perform simple math such as add, subtract whole numbers.

  • Must have excellent hand/eye coordination skills, and the ability to lift and load pallets with weights up to 35 pounds.


Professional Characteristics:

  • Ability to work in a high speed, repetitive production environment.

  • Must be able to work well with others in a team environment.

What We Offer:
Compensation:

  • Competitive Hourly Pay Rate

  • Additional shift differential for 2nd shift and 3rd shift positions

  • Annual performance-based bonus

  • Annual merit performance-based increase


Excellent Benefits:

  • Benefits & Total Rewards | Thermo Fisher Scientific

  • Medical, Dental, & Vision benefits-effective Day 1

  • Paid Time Off & Designated Paid Holidays

  • Retirement Savings Plan

  • Tuition Reimbursement

  • Employee Referral Bonus

  • Career Advancement Opportunities

Compensation and Benefits

The hourly pay range estimated for this position based in New York is $17.85–$23.80.

This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:

  • A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs

  • Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement

  • At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy

  • Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan

  • Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount

For more information on our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.thermofisher.com/global/en/total-rewards


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