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Production Associate Jobs in Manhattan, KS (NOW HIRING)

Warehouse Associate - Entry Level

Manhattan, KS

$14.25 - $16.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Ferguson, a Fortune 500 company, is proud to provide best-in-class products, service and ... Ferguson is a community of proud associates who operate with the shared purpose of building ...

Be Seen First

As a Production Line Team member, you will help pack and ship products safely and efficiently, ensuring our customers receive the quality they expect. This is a hands-on role that is essential to our ...

Sales Associate - PT

Fort Riley, KS · On-site

$13 - $17.75/hr

When you are not servicing customers, you are actively restocking products, maintaining visual ... Sales Associates are expected to model reliability a flexibility by being able to work varied hours ...

The Sales Associate is knowledgeable in each product area or department in our store. Upholds policies, procedures and standards listed in the visual manual. They must fully promote each sale and/or ...

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Showing results 1-20

Production Associate information

See Manhattan, KS salary details

$8

$14

$19

How much do production associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for production associate in Manhattan, KS is $14.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.79 and $16.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Production jobs in Manhattan, KS?

The most popular types of Production jobs in Manhattan, KS are:

What job categories do people searching Production Associate jobs in Manhattan, KS look for?

The top searched job categories for Production Associate jobs in Manhattan, KS are:

What cities near Manhattan, KS are hiring for Production Associate jobs?

Cities near Manhattan, KS with the most Production Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Production Associate job openings in Manhattan, KS 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 $30,986 per year, or $14.9 per hour.

Production Associate - Stuff

Smithfield Foods, Inc.

Junction City, KS • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.
Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special - a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. Apply Now!
Your Opportunity
Our team members receive industry-leading wages and are eligible for great benefits packages:
  • Hourly Competitive Starting Pay - $20.00/hour
  • $1.00/hour shift differential for 2nd Shift
  • Comprehensive Health Insurance, Retirement Benefits and More.
  • Education benefits available to full- and part time Smithfield team members upon meeting eligibility requirements
  • 3:00pm to 3:00am (Stuff) - Mon-Friday & Sats

In addition, we offer opportunities for career growth and professional development.
The Value You'll Bring
As a General Production team member at Smithfield Foods, you'll play a key role in delivering safe, high-quality food by performing essential production tasks and supporting your coworkers. Your reliability, attention to detail, and strong work ethic will help us meet our standards for safety, quality, and teamwork every day.
You'll contribute to a positive work environment, help maintain a safe and efficient production line, and ensure our products reach families across America. Your dedication and willingness to learn will make a real difference-both to your team and to our mission of delivering good food, responsibly.
What You'll Do
General Production employees will work with hand tools, knives, machinery and other equipment to process meat products for the consumer. These positions can be physically demanding and require good hand-eye coordination, and attention to detail. Production team members must be able to work their scheduled shift and may be required to work overtime depending on production demands.
Physical Demands & Work Environment
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.
All applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
Applicants must be willing and able to:
  • Understand and follow oral and written instructions

  • Perform a task requiring continuous/repetitive movement, including grasping, pinching hands, flexing, and extending arms

  • Stand on concrete and/or platforms for up to a 12-hour shift

  • Work around animal blood and/or carcass parts

  • Work with a knife (if trained)

  • Work in cold areas (approximately 20-40 degrees) and/or warm areas (over 100 degrees)

  • Work in an environment that is wet and humid

  • Work while wearing a hard hat, hearing/eye protection, and steel-toed safety shoes

  • Work in a noisy environment using personal protective equipment (PPE)

  • Work with sanitation/cleaning chemicals

  • Work around strong smells/odors

  • Climb/move on ladders, steps, stairways, walkways and platforms

  • Bend, stoop, and twist repetitively over the course of an entire shift

  • Walk long distances

  • May require certification in order to operate various pieces of equipment required for the position

  • This work is physically demanding and can require the use of some or all body parts and muscle groups. Some positions may require repetitive overhead lifting up to 30 lbs, single lifting of heavy objects which can weigh up to 60 lbs, or lifting of objects using mechanical assistance.

  • Additional essential functions may be applicable to specific jobs.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.
IndSPR-Ops
EEO Information
Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.