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Production Associate Jobs in Rice, MN (NOW HIRING)

Quanex

Production Associate I - Day Shift

Saint Cloud, MN · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Quanex is looking for a Production Associate - Day Shift to join our team located in St. Cloud, Minnesota. In this role, you will work with machinery and materials used in a manufacturing environment ...

Quanex

Production Associate I- Night Shift

Foreston, MN · On-site

$20.16/hr

Quanex is looking for a Production Associate to join our team located in Foreston, Minnesota . In this role, you will assemble components, feed sanders, work with machines, working with glue. Any ...

Quanex

Production Associate I- 1st Shift

Foreston, MN · On-site

$18/hr

Quanex is looking for a Production Associate to join our team located in Foreston, Minnesota . In this role, you will assemble components, feed sanders, work with machines, working with glue. You ...

Essilor

Production Associate (3rd Shift)

Saint Cloud, MN · On-site

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS To be a good fit for the Production Associate opportunity, you will have: * A high school diploma or equivalent. * High mechanical aptitude. * 1+ years of related work experience ...

Essilor

Production Associate (3rd Shift)

Saint Cloud, MN · On-site

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS To be a good fit for the Production Associate opportunity, you will have: * A high school diploma or equivalent. * High mechanical aptitude. * 1+ years of related work experience ...

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How much do production associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for production associate in Rice, MN is $16.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $18.08 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 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 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.

More about Production Associate jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Production jobs in Rice, MN? The most popular types of Production jobs in Rice, MN are:
What cities near Rice, MN are hiring for Production Associate jobs? Cities near Rice, MN with the most Production Associate job openings:
Production Associate jobs near you

Production Associate I - Day Shift

Quanex

Saint Cloud, MN • On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Quanex is looking for a Production Associate - Day Shift to join our team located in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
In this role, you will work with machinery and materials used in a manufacturing environment, including adhesives, dust, and hazardous materials. This position requires regular physical activity, including balancing, stooping, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and performing repetitive motions.
The level for each Production Associate is determined by management based on the ability to train others and number of machines the operator can run while meeting production standards and quality requirements.
Salary: $18.00-$21.00 per hour, pay based on experience
New Hire Bonus: $1,000, payout increments at 30-days, 60-days and 6-months of employment!
Schedule: Monday - Friday, 6:00am-2:30pm
We Offer You!
  • Medical, dental & vision start the 1st of the month after hire
  • Medical insurance with opportunities to earn premium discounts through healthy living programs
  • PTO, paid holidays & paid training - starts right away
  • 401(k) with company match & vesting
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Life insurance provided
  • Tuition assistance
  • Wellness resources & onsite physical therapist
  • Safety-toe shoes at no cost
  • Free fountain drinks and coffee during shifts
  • Referral bonuses
  • 90-day performance review for pay adjustment
  • Supportive, people-first culture

What's attractive about the Production Associate role?
  • Collaborative and Team-Oriented environment
  • Growth opportunity
  • Community engagement

What Success Looks Like:
  • Follow all safety procedures, rules, and guidelines.
  • Monitors product to ensure that quality standards are being met.
  • Accurately, thoroughly, and legibly completes all documentation related to the position.
  • Promotes teamwork by cooperating and supporting co-workers.

What You Bring:
  • High School or equivalent education, required.
  • 6 months+ of manufacturing experience, preferred.
  • Ability to perform detailed work that requires high levels of concentration.
  • Bringing a positive attitude and team-oriented mentality.

Quanex is a Second Chance employer committed to providing individuals with opportunities to grow, recognizing full-time employment as a meaningful path to success after hardship.
About Quanex, A Part of Something Bigger
Quanex (NYSE: NX) is a global, publicly traded manufacturing company primarily serving OEMs in the fenestration, cabinetry, solar, refrigeration and outdoor products markets. We are A Part of Something Bigger by improving the performance and aesthetics of end products through continuous innovation, helping customers achieve greater production efficiencies, dedication to giving back to communities where we operate, producing shareholder value and helping our employees learn, grow, and thrive. Learn more at Quanex.com.
NOTE: For individuals with nut allergies, please be advised that there is the potential to be exposed to nut products when working in our facilities.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

About Quanex

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Construction materials wholesalers

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1927

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