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Production Helper Jobs in Freeport, IL (NOW HIRING)

Pratt Industries

Machine Helper 2nd Shift

Beloit, WI · On-site

$18.50/hr

They assist operators in our Corrugating Department, which may include setting up, operating, and maintaining equipment; inspecting finished products; and general cleanup. They help turn recycled ...

Pratt Industries

Machine Helper 3rd Shift

Beloit, WI · On-site

$18.50/hr

They assist operators in our Corrugating Department, which may include setting up, operating, and maintaining equipment; inspecting finished products; and general cleanup. They help turn recycled ...

Pratt Industries

Machine Helper 3rd Shift

Beloit, WI · On-site

$18.50/hr

They assist operators in our Corrugating Department, which may include setting up, operating, and maintaining equipment; inspecting finished products; and general cleanup. They help turn recycled ...

Pratt Industries

Machine Helper 2nd Shift

Beloit, WI · On-site

$18.50/hr

They assist operators in our Corrugating Department, which may include setting up, operating, and maintaining equipment; inspecting finished products; and general cleanup. They help turn recycled ...

TreeHouse Foods, Inc.

Production Operator

Pecatonica, IL · On-site

$25.22/hr

Production Operator About Us: TreeHouse Foods is a leading manufacturer of private label packaged ... work to help us "Engage and Delight - One Customer at a Time". TreeHouse Foods is an Equal ...

Owens Corning

Production Associate

Rockford, IL · On-site

$21/hr

Tend production lines and interact with equipment using HMI/PLC interfaces * Safely operate a ... Owens Corning is committed to helping build better and achieve more through winning partnerships ...

Owens Corning

Production Associate

Rockford, IL · On-site

$21/hr

Tend production lines and interact with equipment using HMI/PLC interfaces * Safely operate a ... Owens Corning is committed to helping build better and achieve more through winning partnerships ...

TreeHouse Foods

Production Operator

Pecatonica, IL · On-site

$25.22/hr

Production Operator About Us: TreeHouse Foods is a leading manufacturer of private label packaged ... work to help us "Engage and Delight - One Customer at a Time".TreeHouse Foods is an Equal ...

Aerotek

Production Associate

Lena, IL

$19/hr

Job Title: Production Associate Looking for a stable job with consistent hours, overtime ... year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals ...

Prattwhitney

Production Planner Manager

Rockford, IL · On-site

$86.80 - $165.20/hr

Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense. What You Will Do * Development and ... Ensure on-time delivery (OTD) of materials to production lines (on time starts) and customers by ...

Vestis

Production Washroom Operator

Rockford, IL · On-site

$18.60/hr

... help businesses simplify their workday and keep their teams safe, confident, and focused on what ... More than a provider, we are a partner in productivity, trusted to keep you running. Join us and ...

Vestis

Production Soil Operator

Rockford, IL · On-site

$18.60/hr

... help businesses simplify their workday and keep their teams safe, confident, and focused on what ... More than a provider, we are a partner in productivity, trusted to keep you running. Join us and ...

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All JobsProduction Helper JobsProduction Helper Jobs in Freeport, IL

Production Helper information

See Freeport, IL salary details

$10

$16

$21

How much do production helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for production helper in Freeport, IL is $16.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $18.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a production helper?

Production Helpers are entry-level workers in manufacturing or industrial settings who assist machine operators and production teams with various tasks. Their duties often include preparing materials, cleaning work areas, moving products, and supporting the assembly or packaging process. Production Helpers play a crucial role in keeping operations running smoothly by ensuring that equipment is supplied and workspaces are organized. The position usually requires physical stamina and the ability to follow safety guidelines. Training is typically provided on the job, making it a common starting point for careers in manufacturing.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a production helper?

To thrive as a Production Helper, you need basic mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, attention to detail, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with safety protocols, hand tools, and sometimes basic computer systems or inventory software is often required. Strong teamwork, reliability, and the ability to follow instructions set standout candidates apart in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining efficient production workflows, ensuring workplace safety, and supporting overall manufacturing goals.

What challenges do production helpers face in a fast-paced manufacturing environment?

Production Helpers often work in environments where meeting tight deadlines and maintaining high-quality standards are essential. One common challenge is quickly adapting to changes in production schedules or unexpected equipment issues. Additionally, the physical demands of the job, such as standing for long periods and handling materials, require stamina and attention to safety protocols. Effective communication with machine operators and other team members is also crucial to ensure smooth workflow and address any issues promptly.

What is the difference between Production Helper vs Production Worker?

AspectProduction HelperProduction Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; may require specific certifications for specialized roles
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, assembly linesFactories, manufacturing plants, assembly lines
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in manufacturing and assembly industriesUsed across various manufacturing sectors, often with more specialized tasks
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with basic tasks, support production line, prepare materialsPerform specific production tasks, operate machinery, ensure quality

In summary, a Production Helper typically assists with basic tasks and supports the production process, while a Production Worker performs more specialized tasks and operates machinery. Both roles are essential in manufacturing environments but differ in responsibilities and skill requirements.

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

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

What cities near Freeport, IL are hiring for Production Helper jobs?

Cities near Freeport, IL with the most Production Helper job openings:

Production Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Production Helper job openings in Freeport, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,894 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Machine Helper 2nd Shift

Pratt Industries

Beloit, WI • On-site

$18.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Assist operators in setting up, operating, and maintaining equipment in the Corrugating Department.

  • Inspect finished products and perform general cleanup tasks.

  • Handle materials and equipment, including lifting up to 50 pounds regularly and up to 100 pounds with assistance.

Pratt Industries rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 111 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 122 rated packaging manufacturers

Job description

Jump on the path of a lifelong career with a GREAT company in Beloit that is growing!
Position Title: Machine Helper 3rd shift
Location: Pratt (Beloit Corrugating), LLC - 1405 Gateway Blvd, Beloit, WI
Starting Pay: $18.50/hour. Eligible for pay increases after 90 days and 6 months based on performance and attendance. At Pratt, the potential for growth is limitless-this is not just a job, it's a career!
Why Join Pratt?
At Pratt, we invest in our employees. When you join us, you're joining a team that values career growth and development. Here's what you can expect when you come on board:
  • Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Vision plans, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability - eligible 1st of the month following start date
  • Financial Security: 401(k) with company match - eligible after 90 days
  • Life Assistance: Company paid basic life insurance, Supplemental life insurance, Legal and Travel Assistance, Employee Assistance Program
  • Work-Life Balance: Paid Holidays (eligible day 1), Paid Vacation (after 6 months), and Childbearing/Parental Leave.
  • Wellness Programs: Healthy Lifestyles Program, Gym Membership Reimbursement ($500/year)
  • Educational Support: 100% Tuition Reimbursement & Assistance.

WHAT OUR MACHINE HELPERS DO...
They assist operators in our Corrugating Department, which may include setting up, operating, and maintaining equipment; inspecting finished products; and general cleanup. They help turn recycled paper into corrugated boxes for shipment to our customers! Think boxes for Domino's pizzas, moving with Home Depot, Amazon deliveries, Hello Fresh meals, and more!
PHYSICAL DEMANDS -
  • Regularly required to stand, walk, talk, and hear.
  • Frequently required to use hands to handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms.
  • Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
  • The employee is occasionally required to sit.
  • The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds with the assistance of another worker.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus

LANGUAGE SKILLS - Able to read and follow instructions, and able to communicate effectively.
MATHMATICAL SKILLS - Able to read a tape measure with speed and accuracy. Able to apply concepts of high school math.
REASONING ABILITY - Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or graphic form.
WORK ENVIRONMENT -
  • Frequently exposed to wet, hot, and/or humid conditions.
  • Regular exposure to moving mechanical parts.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Pratt is America's 5th largest corrugated packaging company and the world's largest, privately-held producer of 100% recycled containerboard, with more than 9000 highly-skilled, green-collar employees dedicated to the environment and sustainability. Pratt was founded in the USA more than 30 years ago and, since then, has shown dramatic growth with sophisticated manufacturing facilities in more than 27 states.

What Pratt Industries employees say

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