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Milk Processing Operator Jobs in Hickory, NC (NOW HIRING)

... operating in 6 southeastern states, a 1.6-million-square foot distribution center, two truck fleets, and a milk processing plant. Find your path - growth opportunities abound, and Ingles loves to ...

... operating in 6 southeastern states, a 1.6-million-square foot distribution center, two truck fleets, and a milk processing plant. Find your path - growth opportunities abound, and Ingles loves to ...

... operating in 6 southeastern states, a 1.6-million-square foot distribution center, two truck fleets, and a milk processing plant. Find your path - growth opportunities abound, and Ingles loves to ...

... operating in 6 southeastern states, a 1.6-million-square foot distribution center, two truck fleets, and a milk processing plant. Find your path - growth opportunities abound, and Ingles loves to ...

... operating in 6 southeastern states, a 1.6-million-square foot distribution center, two truck fleets, and a milk processing plant. Find your path - growth opportunities abound, and Ingles loves to ...

... operating in 6 southeastern states, a 1.6-million-square foot distribution center, two truck fleets, and a milk processing plant. Find your path - growth opportunities abound, and Ingles loves to ...

46 Store Associate

Bessemer City, NC · On-site

$13.75 - $15.75/hr

... operating in 6 southeastern states, a 1.6-million-square foot distribution center, two truck fleets, and a milk processing plant. Find your path - growth opportunities abound, and Ingles loves to ...

147 Store Associate

Kings Mountain, NC · On-site

$14.75 - $17/hr

... operating in 6 southeastern states, a 1.6-million-square foot distribution center, two truck fleets, and a milk processing plant. Find your path - growth opportunities abound, and Ingles loves to ...

121 Store Associate

Granite Falls, NC · On-site

$13.75 - $15.75/hr

... operating in 6 southeastern states, a 1.6-million-square foot distribution center, two truck fleets, and a milk processing plant. Find your path - growth opportunities abound, and Ingles loves to ...

78 Store Associate

Statesville, NC · On-site

$13.50 - $15.50/hr

... operating in 6 southeastern states, a 1.6-million-square foot distribution center, two truck fleets, and a milk processing plant. Find your path - growth opportunities abound, and Ingles loves to ...

150 Store Associate

Statesville, NC · On-site

$14.50 - $16.50/hr

... operating in 6 southeastern states, a 1.6-million-square foot distribution center, two truck fleets, and a milk processing plant. Find your path - growth opportunities abound, and Ingles loves to ...

148 Store Associate

Lincolnton, NC · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

... operating in 6 southeastern states, a 1.6-million-square foot distribution center, two truck fleets, and a milk processing plant. Find your path - growth opportunities abound, and Ingles loves to ...

78 Store Associate

Statesville, NC

$13.50 - $15.50/hr

... operating in 6 southeastern states, a 1.6-million-square foot distribution center, two truck fleets, and a milk processing plant. Find your path - growth opportunities abound, and Ingles loves to ...

46 Store Associate

Bessemer City, NC · On-site

$13.75 - $15.75/hr

... operating in 6 southeastern states, a 1.6-million-square foot distribution center, two truck fleets, and a milk processing plant. Find your path - growth opportunities abound, and Ingles loves to ...

121 Store Associate

Granite Falls, NC · On-site

$13.75 - $15.75/hr

... operating in 6 southeastern states, a 1.6-million-square foot distribution center, two truck fleets, and a milk processing plant. Find your path - growth opportunities abound, and Ingles loves to ...

150 Store Associate

Statesville, NC

$14.50 - $16.50/hr

... operating in 6 southeastern states, a 1.6-million-square foot distribution center, two truck fleets, and a milk processing plant. Find your path - growth opportunities abound, and Ingles loves to ...

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Milk Processing Operator information

See Hickory, NC salary details

$12

$18

$27

How much do milk processing operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for milk processing operator in Hickory, NC is $18.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a milk processing operator?

Milk Processing Operators are skilled workers responsible for operating and monitoring equipment used in the processing of milk and dairy products. Their main duties include pasteurizing, homogenizing, separating, and packaging milk to ensure it meets safety and quality standards. They also perform routine maintenance on machinery, check product quality, and keep accurate records of production. Attention to hygiene and strict adherence to food safety regulations are essential parts of this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a milk processing operator?

To thrive as a Milk Processing Operator, you need a solid understanding of dairy processing, quality control, and food safety, often supported by a high school diploma or vocational training in food technology. Familiarity with pasteurization equipment, automated processing systems, and relevant safety certifications like HACCP is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant milk production operations.

What are some common challenges faced by milk processing operators, and how can they be addressed?

Milk Processing Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict hygiene standards, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and ensuring consistent product quality. Staying vigilant about cleanliness is essential to prevent contamination, while promptly addressing issues with machinery helps minimize downtime. Effective communication with team members and continuous training on safety and operational procedures can help operators overcome these challenges and maintain smooth production processes.

What is the difference between Milk Processing Operator vs Dairy Plant Technician?

AspectMilk Processing OperatorDairy Plant Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, technical training or certification
Work EnvironmentProcessing lines, dairy facilitiesMaintenance areas, processing equipment
Industry UsagePrimary role in milk processingSupports processing with maintenance and troubleshooting
Common Search IntentUnderstanding processing rolesTechnical support and maintenance roles

The main difference is that Milk Processing Operators focus on operating and monitoring milk processing equipment, while Dairy Plant Technicians handle maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of processing machinery. Both roles are essential in dairy production, but they emphasize different skill sets and responsibilities within the industry.

What job categories do people searching Milk Processing Operator jobs in Hickory, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Milk Processing Operator jobs in Hickory, NC are:

150 Overnight Associate

Statesville, NC • On-site


Ingles Markets
Retail • 10K+ employees

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 618 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

98th of 123 rated grocery stores

Recommended by students

Recommended by parents

Respectful managers


Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Ingles Markets has a place for everyone! Ingles began in 1963 as a single supermarket and has since grown into a regional grocery store chain with just under 200 retail locations operating in 6 southeastern states, a 1.6-million-square foot distribution center, two truck fleets, and a milk processing plant. Find your path - growth opportunities abound, and Ingles loves to promote from within!

Available 3rd Shift and Overnight Positions:

DELI & PRODUCE - Cleaning and food preparation for the day ahead.

STOCKING AND UNLOADING - Keeps shelves stocked for our customers.

FACILITY MAINTENANCE - Cleaning of floors and building to create a welcoming environment.

Do you need a nighttime schedule? Find your perfect fit with Ingles! We are looking for associates to work in any one of our store departments. If you've never worked in this environment before, on-the-job training is available, and our team members will be here every step of the way while you journey from beginner to expert.

An Ideal Candidate:

  • Is friendly and customer-service oriented.
  • Cares about their community.
  • Wants to be part of a team.
  • Is 18 years of age or older.
  • Other qualifications may be needed depending on the position.

Benefits:

  • Flexible schedule
  • Weekly pay with direct deposit
  • Opportunities for advancement
  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid holiday, vacation, and sick leave (FT only)
  • Paid bereavement and jury duty leave (FT only)
  • Company paid life insurance (FT only)
  • Scholarship program for High School Seniors

Ingles Markets logo

About Ingles Markets

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Since the day that our doors opened in 1963, our team has been driven by a philosophy centered on learning and growth. With a hometown culture, a focus on internal growth and promotion, and team-centered servant leadership, Ingles Markets is here to help you grow as a professional from day one until retirement. Our team of 27,000 associates works diligently to provide shoppers with the highest quality experience. Our goal for excellence continues as we work together to ensure a safe, clean, productive work environment with equal opportunities for every associate. We understand how important our role in the community is. When Ingles Markets was founded, we established a tradition of giving back to our communities.

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Black Mountain, NC, US

Year founded

1963


What Ingles Markets employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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