1

Production Associate Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Production Associate - Apply today, start tomorrow! Location: Pulaski, TN Pay: $16.74/hour + $1.00/hour shift premium Shifts Available: • 1st Shift: 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM • 2nd Shift : 3:00 PM - 11 ...

Production Associate The Production Associate works in a glass manufacturing plant, supporting various stages of the production process. In this role, you visually inspect glass parts, perform ...

Now hiring Production Associate Location: Knoxville, TN Pay Rate: $18.00 per hour Schedule: Monday - Friday | 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Work Hard. Win Big. Feel Proud. As a Production Associate in Knoxville ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Production Associate information

See Tennessee salary details

$9

$15

$20

How much do production associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for production associate in Tennessee is $15.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.08 and $16.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Production Associate, you need a solid understanding of manufacturing processes, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with assembly line machinery, inventory management systems, and safety protocols such as OSHA standards is typically required. Strong teamwork, reliability, and effective communication are valuable soft skills that set candidates apart. These skills ensure efficient production workflows, product quality, and a safe work environment.

What is the difference between Production Associate vs Manufacturing Technician?

AspectProduction AssociateManufacturing Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; technical certifications or vocational training often preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, assembly lines, production floorsManufacturing plants, quality control labs, equipment maintenance areas
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, assembly, packaging industriesManufacturing, industrial production, equipment maintenance sectors
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level manufacturing rolesTechnical skills and equipment operation in manufacturing

The main difference between a Production Associate and a Manufacturing Technician lies in their responsibilities and skill requirements. Production Associates typically perform basic assembly and packaging tasks with minimal technical training, while Manufacturing Technicians handle equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and more technical duties. Both roles are essential in manufacturing environments, but Manufacturing Technicians usually require additional technical certifications or vocational training.

What are some typical challenges Production Associates face when adjusting to fast-paced manufacturing environments?

Production Associates often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing production schedules, maintaining high attention to detail while working efficiently, and learning to operate various machinery safely. Additionally, they must quickly become familiar with strict quality standards and safety protocols. Collaborating effectively with team members and supervisors is essential to ensure smooth workflow and meet production targets.

What is the role of a Production Associate?

A Production Associate is responsible for assisting in the manufacturing process by operating machinery, assembling products, and ensuring quality standards are met. They often work in a team environment, follow safety protocols, and may use tools or equipment specific to the production line.

What jobs pay 70k a year with an associate's degree?

Production associates can earn around $70,000 annually in roles that involve skilled manufacturing, quality control, or supervisory responsibilities, especially in industries like aerospace, automotive, or electronics. Advancing to supervisory or specialized technical positions, often requiring certifications or experience, can also lead to higher pay with an associate's degree.

What are Production Associates?

Production Associates are entry-level workers who assist in the manufacturing process within factories or production facilities. Their responsibilities typically include assembling products, operating machinery, monitoring production lines, and ensuring quality standards are met. They may also be responsible for packaging, labeling, and basic maintenance of equipment. Production Associates play a crucial role in maintaining efficient workflow and supporting higher-level technicians or supervisors. The role often requires attention to detail, manual dexterity, and the ability to follow safety protocols.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Production associates typically do not earn $4,000 a week without advanced skills or supervisory roles. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree often include specialized trades like commercial pilots, certain sales positions, or skilled trades such as electricians or plumbers with experience, but these usually require certifications or apprenticeships. Most roles paying this much without a degree are rare and often involve high risk or significant experience.

What Are the Duties of a Production Associate?

A production associate’s job duties depend on the industry in which they work. If you’re a manufacturing production associate, then your responsibilities include maintaining production equipment and assemblies, ensuring quality control, overseeing manufacturing personnel, ordering materials, monitoring packaging and shipping of the product, and handling clerical tasks like work orders and documentation. As a production associate in the film and TV industry, your duties include hiring and scheduling actors and technical staff, resolving technical challenges such as equipment failure, and maintaining relationships with suppliers and vendors.

Is a Production Associate a good job?

A Production Associate role involves assisting in manufacturing or assembly processes, often requiring physical activity and attention to safety protocols. It can offer steady employment, opportunities for skill development, and entry into manufacturing industries, but may involve shift work and repetitive tasks. Overall, it can be a good job for those seeking hands-on work and career growth in production environments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Production jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Production jobs in Tennessee are:
What job categories do people searching Production Associate jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Production Associate jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Production Associate jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Production Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Production Associate job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,763 per year, or $15.3 per hour.
Production Associate

$16/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Production Associate

Automation Personnel Services is looking for a Production Associate for a company based in Columbia, Tennessee.  A production associate plays an important role in maintaining the efficiency and productivity of a manufacturing department. As a production associate, you will assemble various parts of a product, following precise instructions to ensure correct assembly. 

Pay Rate 
$16.00 per hour

Schedule and Hours 
Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, Overtime is required (Work weekends as needed.)

Production Associate Duties and Responsibilities
  • Follow work instructions and operate the equipment safely
  • Work with both foam and fiberglass products
  • Inspect finished products
  • Use and maintain equipment
 
Production Associate Qualifications and Requirements 
  • Complete a tape measure test
  • Have attention to detail
  • Background and drug screening
  • Good communication skills
Job Type  
Full-time, temporary to hire

Benefits  
 
Weekly Pay 
Medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, and life insurance 
40 Hours Service Bonus after 1 year of continuous service and 1500 hours 
6 paid Holidays after 1 year of continuous service and 1500 hours 

401(k) Retirement Plan 
Automation Personnel Services is the only staffing agency specializing in manufacturing and industrial roles that offers 401(k) matching to all eligible contingent and temporary associates. 
Click Apply Now to submit your application or call us at 931.901.0625 to learn more. You can also apply in person at our office located at:  

Automation Personnel Services South Nashville Branch 
1412 Trotwood Avenue 
Suite 81 
Columbia, Tennessee 38401 

Bonus Opportunity! 
We are also offering a $50.00 referral bonus. Both employee and referral must stay on assignment for 30 days to receive the pay out. 

About Automation Personnel Services 
Automation Personnel Services is a highly recognized staffing agency with over 30 years of experience in manufacturing and light-industrial staffing. Our accolades include: 
  • 11-time consecutive winner of the ClearlyRated® Best of Staffing Client Award (2016-2026). 
  • Winner of the ClearlyRated® Best of Staffing Talent Award (2019-2026). 
  • Recipient of the Safety Standard of Excellence Award by the American Staffing Association. 
  • Named one of the Best Staffing Companies to Work For by CIO Views Magazine. 
  • Named one of America’s Best Temp Staffing Firms by Forbes (2025). 
  • Consistently ranked among the top U.S. staffing agencies by Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA). 
Get that New Job Feeling! Apply Today! 
Equal Opportunity Employer 
APSSouthNashville 

Automation Personnel Services logo

About Automation Personnel Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Automation Personnel Services is an award-winning staffing agency with more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing and light-industrial staffing. Automation Personnel Services is the winner of the ClearlyRated® Best of Staffing Talent Award in 2019-2022, and the ClearlyRated® Best of Staffing Client Award for seven straight years, 2016-2022. Automation Personnel Services is also the recipient of the Safety Standard of Excellence Award by the American Staffing Association.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Birmingham, AL, US

Year founded

1990

Social media