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Production Associate Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Panelboard Production Associate

Sumter, SC · On-site

$16.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Eaton's ES AMER ARS division is currently seeking a Panelboard Production Associate. Schedule for the role will be 3pm-1:00am, Mon-Thurs The hourly rate for this position is $16.75/hr. per hour. This ...

Production Associate - Now Hiring

Columbia, SC · On-site

$18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

We are hiring fast-paced production associates for short-term mandates that focus on high-volume assembly and efficiency. If you thrive in a quick-moving environment and need reliable weekly pay ...

New

SWBD - Production Associate (Chassis)

Sumter, SC · On-site

$16.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Eaton's ES AMER ARS division is currently seeking a SWBD - Production Associate (Chassis). The hours for this position are 5:00 am - 1:30 pm The hourly rate for this position is $16.75 per hour. This ...

Panelboard Shipping Associate

Sumter, SC · On-site

$17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

In the Senior Production Associate, Shipping role, you will be responsible for packing and shipping customer orders and completing transactions in Eaton systems to maintain accurate inventory and you ...

Trim Pack Associate

Sumter, SC · On-site

$12 - $15.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

In the Production Associate, Trim Line role you will serve as an essential element of the Fabrication team by providing functional expertise and support in all areas of the Trim including but not ...

Production Operations I

Columbia, SC · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

The company offers products and services ranging from aircraft engines, power generation, and oil and gas production equipment to medical imaging, financing, and industrial products. Position:

SWBD - Wiring Associate (B-Shift)

Sumter, SC · On-site

$19.24 - $24.05/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

In the Wiring Associate role, you will wire switchboard products and provide wiring expertise. You will effectively communicate and work with members of a team to complete work assignment and meet ...

SWBD Shipping Associate - CDL

Sumter, SC · On-site

$13 - $15.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

In the Senior Production Associate, Switchboard Assembly, Shipping role, you will provide shipping expertise and support in all areas of the Switchboard Team including, but not limited to, assembly ...

US Tech-Product Associate

Columbia, SC · On-site

$50K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... production, release, and end of life. This role also involves commercialization, go-to-market planning, and other key business support activities. As an Associate, you will focus on learning and ...

Showing results 21-40

Production Associate information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$9

$15

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How much do production associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for production associate in Columbia, SC is $15.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.37 and $16.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a production associate?

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 does a production associate do?

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.

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 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 is an entry-level production associate?

An entry-level production associate is a worker who performs basic tasks on a manufacturing or production line, often requiring minimal prior experience. They typically handle tasks such as assembling products, operating machinery, and maintaining a clean work environment, with opportunities to learn skills and advance within the company.

What are the most commonly searched types of Production jobs in Columbia, SC?

The most popular types of Production jobs in Columbia, SC are:

What job categories do people searching Production Associate jobs in Columbia, SC look for?

The top searched job categories for Production Associate jobs in Columbia, SC are:

What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Production Associate jobs?

Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Production Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Production Associate job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,376 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Panelboard Production Associate

Eaton

Sumter, SC • On-site

$16.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted yesterday


Eaton rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 224 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

199th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

Eaton's ES AMER ARS division is currently seeking a Panelboard Production Associate. Schedule for the role will be 3pm-1:00am, Mon-Thurs
The hourly rate for this position is $16.75/hr. per hour. This position is eligible for the employee variable incentive program.
Please note the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
What you'll do:
Eaton is currently seeking a Panelboard Assembler on 1st/B Shift to join our team. This position is based out of our Sumter, SC facility.
B Shift is Monday-Thursday 3p-1a; 4 10hr shifts with a $1.00/hour shift differential.
The Assembler in panelboard assembly will be responsible for selecting and installing various components/devices utilizing hand and power tools. You will utilize drawings/diagrams/blueprints to manufacture custom ordered switchboard and panelboards. You will effectively communicate and work with members of a team to complete your job function and meet safety, quality and productivity goals.
Making what matters work at Eaton takes the passion of every employee around the world. We create an environment where creativity, invention and discovery become reality, each and every day. It's where bold, bright professionals like you can reach your full potential-and where you can help us reach ours.
In this function you will:
  • You will contribute to a safe, engaged and inclusive work culture by complying with all policies, including proper use of personal protective equipment and operation of equipment, and performing 5S duties.
  • You will work from manufacturing information such as front views, bill of materials, drawings, blueprints, order entry systems, and oral or written instructions in order to assemble switchboards/panelboards and proactively identify missing components.
  • You will utilize various hand tools to accurately install material by closely following established procedures for completing assigned function.
  • You will maintain expected progress of jobs in area of assignment and communicate problem areas or part shortages.
  • You will proactively identify opportunities for process improvement as well as complete root cause analysis in response to issues with quality or production.
  • You will be responsible for quality, including visual inspections of material before and after assembly, identifying nonconforming parts, and troubleshooting errors.
  • You will cross train and stand in for other employees/job functions when necessary.

When we embrace the different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds that make each of us unique, we - as individuals and as a company - are stronger.
Qualifications:
Required (Basic) Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or GED equivalent from an accredited institution.
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship.
  • No relocation benefit is offered for this position. Only candidates residing within the immediate area of the Sumter facility (50 mile radius) will be considered for this position.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Computer literate.
  • Working knowledge of Lean concepts.
  • Some experience in assembly operation, or assembly requiring drawings or diagrams.
  • Ability to read and comprehend front views, one line diagrams, bills of material and pick sheets.

Skills:
POSITION CRITERIA:
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, persuasive skills, and analytical problem solving skills. Work with individuals and groups to effectively participate within team environment.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Expected to work with some degree of independence and make decisions that affect the workgroup. Focus efforts on attaining assigned goals and objectives, which include meeting needs and expectations of internal and external customers.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; reach at or above shoulder level; grip; and use hands to handle and feel. The employee is frequently required to walk; stoop; lift; carry; push; pull; and grip. The employee is frequently required to lift/carry up to 35 pounds. The employee is frequently required to push/pull up to or greater than 35 pounds. The vision requirements include far and close vision with depth perception and color discrimination. While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to listen and to talk.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly exposed to noise and frequently exposed to dust.
We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.
Eaton believes in second chance employment. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction history will be considered regardless of their arrest or conviction history, consistent with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the California Fair Chance Act and other local laws.
You do not need to disclose your conviction history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Eaton is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.
To request a disability-related reasonable accommodation to assist you in your job search, application, or interview process, please call us at 1-800-836-6345 to discuss your specific need. Only accommodation requests will be accepted by this phone number.
We know that good benefit programs are important to employees and their families. Eaton provides various Health and Welfare benefits as well as Retirement benefits, and several programs that provide for paid and unpaid time away from work. Click here for more detail: Eaton Benefits Overview. Please note that specific programs and options available to an employee may depend on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

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About Eaton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cleveland, OH, US