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Milk Processing Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Production Worker - Milk

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$26.78 - $35.70/hr

... milk processing and packaging operations. Your responsibilities will include operating machinery, monitoring production lines, performing quality checks, and ensuring that all products meet our ...

Leprino Foods is a 24/7 operating facility, and the employee must be willing and able to work days ... Prepare start up and shut down process. * Review wash tag and verify within past 72 hours. * Hand ...

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Milk Processing Operator information

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$14

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$31

How much do milk processing operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for milk processing operator in the United States is $21.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Milk Processing Operator, and why are they important?

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 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 are Milk Processing Operators?

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.
More about Milk Processing Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Milk Processing Operator jobs? Cities with the most Milk Processing Operator job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Milk Processing Operator jobs? The top employers for Milk Processing Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Milk Processing Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Milk Processing Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Milk Processing Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Milk Processing Operator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Milk Processing Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,984 per year, or $21.1 per hour.
Dairy Processing Operator

$30.96/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Schreiber Foods rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 75 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

62nd of 396 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Job Category:Manufacturing & Operations, QualityJob Family:Machine Operations, Plant Production, Plant Quality Assurance, SanitationWork Shift:Job Description:

Earn up to $30.96/hour within 24 months!

Looking for a steady, hands-on role in dairy production? This is your opportunity to build a long-term career with strong pay, outstanding benefits, and NO mandatory overtime.

What We Offer:

  • Competitive Pay: Earn up to $30.96/hour within 24 months
  • Performance bonuses twice per year based on plant/company goals
  • Two retirement plans + up to 15% company contribution in stock shares - a job you can truly retire from
  • 401(k) with up to 8% company match (higher than 90% of U.S. companies)
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - ownership in the company
  • Day 1 Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance
  • Paid vacation & holidays
  • $6,000+ in Lifestyle Benefits - childcare, gym memberships & HSA support
  • Work-Life Balance: No mandatory overtime

What You'll Do:

As a Processing Operator, you'll help turn raw materials into high-quality cream cheese and yogurt products that meet customer demand. Responsibilities include:

  • Supporting the daily production of cream cheese and yogurt
  • Receiving milk, operating HTST and other processing equipment, and batching flavored product as needed
  • Helping ensure finished products are ready for packaging on the packaging floor
  • Following good manufacturing practices, housekeeping standards, and food safety procedures
  • Wearing required personal protective equipment and meeting OSHA safety requirements
  • Supporting a clean, safe, and team-focused work environment

What You Bring:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Ability to read, understand, and follow written procedures
  • At least two years of manufacturing experience preferred
  • Ability to lift 30-50 pounds at waist level and work in hot or cold conditions
  • Ability to operate an electronic pallet jack and stand-up forklift
  • Commitment to safety, food quality, attendance, and teamwork

Additional Requirements:

  • Pass the Wonderlic cognitive exam before the interview
  • Pass a basic mechanical assessment at the time of the interview
  • Pass a post-offer background check and drug screen
  • Proficiency in reading and comprehension of the English language is required

Why This Role?

This is more than a job-it's a career path with growth, stability, and strong pay, all in a clean, team-focused environment where safety and food quality come first.

Eligible partners will receive:

Eligible partners will receive:

  • Get not one, but TWO retirement benefits. When you join our employee-owned company, you'll be part of our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) from day one. That means in addition to an 8% 401(k) match into the ESOP, Schreiber will contribute an extra amount toward your retirement every year.
  • Earn bonus pay. You'll have an opportunity to earn incentive pay twice a year when we meet our company goals.
  • Personal Time Off (PTO)starting on day one.
  • Childcare costs. Get up to $5,000 annually to help you with the cost of childcare. Monthly contributions toward childcare expenses, including independent babysitters.
  • Earn extra money for taking care of yourself.Eligible partners can earn a Wellness Incentive and receive an employerfunded Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA) to use on fitness, mental health, and other lifestyle expenses.
  • Pursue development that's relevant to your role, career goals and the company. Plus, we offer tuition reimbursement if you want to further your education to grow in your role at Schreiber.
  • Get access to medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, pet and mental health benefits starting day one.
  • Experience caring like you've never experienced it before. We have a program that's completely organized by and for other partners who need extra help. It's called Partners Helping Partners. We have hundreds of examples of partners organizing fundraisers to help out others going through a hard time.
  • Benefits that support your whole life. Visit Schreiber - Care for you to see everything Schreiber offers to support your health, wellbeing, and financial future.

Schreiber requires that an employee have authorization to work in the country in which the role is based. In the event, an applicant does not have current work authorization, Schreiber will determine, in its sole discretion, whether to sponsor an individual for work authorization. However, based on immigration requirements, not all roles are suitable for sponsorship.


Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.


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