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Production Associate Jobs in DeKalb, IL (NOW HIRING)

Meat Packer/Production Associate

Aurora, IL · On-site

$20 - $20.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prepare and pack meat products to achieve production demands. Must adhere to USDA Safety and Sanitation Regulations and customer specifications. Location is at Chicago Stock Yards in Aurora, IL 1st ...

Production / Shipping Associate

Elgin, IL · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Perpetually meet daily production goals and ensure production deadlines are met * Perform other duties as assigned Requirements * Prior experience in manufacturing and shipping or assembly work ...

Production / Shipping Associate

Elgin, IL · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Perpetually meet daily production goals and ensure production deadlines are met * Perform other duties as assigned Requirements: * Prior experience in manufacturing and shipping or assembly work ...

Perpetually meet daily production goals and ensure production deadlines are met * Perform other duties as assigned Requirements * Prior experience in manufacturing and shipping or assembly work ...

Production Worker

West Chicago, IL · On-site

$27.94/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Accurately complete all required documentation and data entry for the duties of the Production Associate * You will need to able to perform repetitive duties, including going up and down stairs and ...

Be Seen First

Flex Scheduling Job Responsibilities As a Food Production Associate, you may: * Package and label food products * Supply and support production lines * Measure, weigh, and mix ingredients * Inspect ...

Production Worker

West Chicago, IL · On-site

$27.94/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Accurately complete all required documentation and data entry for the duties of the Production Associate * You will need to able to perform repetitive duties, including going up and down stairs and ...

Showing results 41-60

Production Associate information

See DeKalb, IL salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do production associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for production associate in DeKalb, IL is $16.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.13 and $17.93 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 follow instructions, operate machinery or tools, and work under supervision, with opportunities to learn skills such as quality control, safety procedures, and equipment operation.

What are the most commonly searched types of Production jobs in DeKalb, IL?

The most popular types of Production jobs in DeKalb, IL are:

What cities near DeKalb, IL are hiring for Production Associate jobs?

Cities near DeKalb, IL with the most Production Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Production Associate job openings in DeKalb, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,348 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Meat Production Associate - Stock Yards

US Foods, Inc.

South Elgin, IL • On-site

$19 - $20.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


US Foods rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 243 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

91st of 364 rated logistics


Job description

ARE YOU A CURRENT US FOODS EMPLOYEE? PLEASE APPLY DIRECTLY THROUGH OUR INTERNAL WORKDAY CAREER SITE

Join Our Community of Food People!

THE STOCK YARDS STORY
We’ve been providing chefs with expertly cut and portioned beef and pork for over 120 years, based on rigid meat-selection criteria, precise beef aging and expert trimming. Whatever your need, from white-linen presentation to casual family dining, our procurement experts will find the best-quality options that work for your budget and pack-size needs, carefully selected from our extensive meat assortment.
Prepare and pack meat products to achieve production demands. Must adhere to USDA Safety and Sanitation Regulations and customer specifications.

Location is at Chicago Stock Yards in Aurora, IL

1st shift

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 6:00 am - 6:00 pm OT and Saturdays as needed.

Hablamos Español!

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Work in a fast-paced environment preparing meat products to feed lines and/or prepare for the next stage of processing
• Effectively utilize tools, processes, and materials to process and package meat products within planned schedules
• Follow all Food Safety requirements and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)
• Perform visual inspection of meat products to meet certain specifications
• Meet company standards and customer specifications
• Assist in cleanliness of general work area
QUALIFICATIONS
Must be able to work continually in a refrigerated environment 35°F- 45°F.   Must be able to work for periods of time in a freezer environment -10°F to +10°F with company provided apparel.   May require overtime with or without notice.  Finish time is when work is completed.
Education/Training:  High School graduate or GED preferred with basic reading, writing and math skills.
Related Experience/Requirements: Production, warehouse, food processing, manufacturing, food production or food service warehouse environments preferred.  Able to work overtime as needed. Complete miscellaneous and other duties as assigned. 
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:  Perform various roles including activities such as product receiving and selection, packaging, sorting, re-boxing, marination, further processing and facility sanitation while adhering to company manufacturing requirements and safety regulations.

Work Environment

Work continually in refrigerated environment 35F- 45Fdegrees
Must be able to work for periods of time in freezer 10F to - 10F degrees

Physical Requirements

Must be able to perform the following physical activities for described length of time:

OCCASIONALLY: 1% - 33% FREQUENTLY: 34% - 66% CONTINUOUSLY: 67% - 100% Never: 0%

JOB REQUIRES WORKER TO:          

SIT: Occasionally

STAND: Continuously

WALK: Occasionally

DRIVE: Continuously

JOB REQUIRES WORKER TO LIFT:  

1-10lbs: Occasionally

10-20lbs: Frequently

25-50lbs: Frequently

50-100lbs: Frequently

Over 100lbs: Never

JOB REQUIRES WORKER TO CARRY:        

1-10 lbs.: Occasionally

10-20 lbs.: Occasionally

25-50 lbs.: Occasionally

50-100 lbs.: Occasionally

Over 100 lbs.: Never

JOB REQUIRES WORKER TO:          

Push/pull: Frequently 

Step/Climb/balance: Frequently 

Stoop/squat: Frequently

Kneel: Frequently

Bend: Frequently

Reach above shoulder: Occasionally

Grasp objects: Continuously

Manipulate objects: Frequently

Reach/Turn: Frequently

Compensation depends on relevant experience and/or education, specific skills, function, geographic location, and other factors as applicable by law (for example: state minimum wage thresholds). The expected base rate for this role is between $19.00 and $20.75 hr.

As applicable, this role may also receive overtime compensation.​​

Benefits for this role may include health insurance, pre-tax spending accounts, retirement benefits, paid time off, short-term and long-term disability, employee stock purchase plan, and life insurance

***EOE – Race/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Age/Genetic Information/Protected Veteran/Disability Status*** 


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About US Foods

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

US Foods® is one of America's great food companies and a leading foodservice distributor, partnering with approximately 300,000 restaurants and foodservice operators to help their businesses succeed. With nearly 28,000 employees and more than 70 locations, we provide our customers with a broad and innovative food offering and a comprehensive suite of e-commerce, technology and business solutions.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Rosemont, IL, US

Year founded

1853