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How much do production manager trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for production manager trainee in the United States is $26.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.52 and $30.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Production Manager Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Production Manager Trainee, you need a foundational understanding of manufacturing processes, a relevant degree (such as in engineering or business), and strong analytical abilities. Familiarity with production management software, lean manufacturing tools, and safety regulations is commonly required. Effective communication, leadership potential, and strong problem-solving skills help distinguish top candidates in this role. These skills ensure efficient production operations, support team leadership, and promote continuous improvement in a manufacturing environment.

What are some common challenges faced by a Production Manager Trainee, and how can they be addressed?

Production Manager Trainees often encounter challenges related to balancing production schedules, managing diverse teams, and adapting quickly to new processes or technologies. It's common to feel pressure when handling tight deadlines or unexpected supply chain issues. Proactively communicating with team members, seeking guidance from experienced managers, and staying organized with task management tools can help overcome these challenges. Building strong relationships across departments also fosters a supportive environment and smoother workflow.

What are Production Manager Trainees?

Production Manager Trainees are entry-level professionals who are being trained to oversee and coordinate the manufacturing process in a facility. They work under the supervision of experienced production managers to learn about production planning, workflow optimization, quality control, and staff management. Their goal is to gain the necessary skills and experience to eventually take on a full production manager role, ensuring that products are made efficiently, safely, and within quality standards. Typically, they participate in hands-on training, shadowing, and sometimes classroom instruction as part of their development.

What is the difference between Production Manager Trainee vs Production Supervisor?

AspectProduction Manager TraineeProduction Supervisor
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in manufacturing, engineering, or related fieldOften requires experience in production or manufacturing, sometimes with certifications
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, learning management skills in production settingsOversees daily production operations on the shop floor
Employer UsageEntry-level training role within manufacturing companiesMid-level role responsible for supervising production staff
Search/Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry points and training roles in production managementLooking for supervisory roles in manufacturing

The Production Manager Trainee is an entry-level position focused on learning management skills and gaining industry knowledge, often through training programs. In contrast, a Production Supervisor is responsible for overseeing daily operations and managing production staff. While both roles are integral to manufacturing, the trainee role is more about development, whereas the supervisor role involves direct supervision and operational decision-making.

More about Production Manager Trainee jobs
What cities are hiring for Production Manager Trainee jobs? Cities with the most Production Manager Trainee job openings:
What states have the most Production Manager Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for Production Manager Trainee jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Production Manager Trainee jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Production Manager Trainee jobs are:
Production Manager Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Production Manager Trainee job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,008 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Production Manager Trainee 1

Smithfield Foods, Inc.

Tarboro, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 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
The Production Manager Trainee is responsible for learning, demonstrating knowledge and skills, and becoming certified in all aspects of company systems and the pork industry standards. This position functions under the supervision of the appropriate department leader while performing all duties and responsibilities as a learning/development process.
Core Responsibilities
  • Learns, demonstrates capability/knowledge and becomes certified in all farm department areas including fulfilling all the requirements and responsibilities listed under the Breeding/Farrowing and Nursery/Finishing job description.
  • Gains a solid understanding of and ability to implement company systems such as pig production processes, animal flow, farm health, genetics, husbandry, etc.
  • Performs and masters all hourly jobs under supervision. Becomes certified in each job after showing competence and skill/understanding in each.
  • Develops and prepares required reports on experiences encountered and addresses/shares opportunities for improvement.
  • Responsible for complying with all environmental laws and procedures to which Smithfield LLC subscribes.
  • Responsible for completion of Leadership Certification
  • Incumbent will be responsible for understanding and complying with company IPS, biosecurity, animal welfare, and EMS policies and procedures in the performance of their job duties.
  • Reports all environmental, animal care, and biosecurity issues immediately to their supervisor.
  • Performs the responsibilities as the acting HOD as needed by management
  • Be on call to work in emergency situations such as alarm calls, inclement weather, power outages, personnel shortages, and environmental emergencies.
  • Responsible for progression in the Manager Training development program. Reports any issue that interferes with completion of development program to Human Resources.

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.
Qualifications
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.
  • Bachelor's degree from a four-year accredited college or university in Animal Science or related Agricultural field of study, or currently enrolled college student with an anticipated graduation by end of current semester.
  • Must be able to work an average 48-hour week, which can vary frequently.
  • Weekend, evening, and holiday work required as needed.
  • Must shower in and out of farm facilities daily
  • Ability to lead others
  • Ability and willingness to relocate to complete training and assume first managerial assignment
  • Must be computer literate and proficient in Microsoft software
  • Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.
  • Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.
  • Must be supportive of the mission of raising swine for human consumption of high-quality pork products.
  • Must be able to tolerate and willing to learn and perform the following tasks: euthanasia, castration, vaccinations, piglet processing, ear tagging for identification, taking blood samples and other procedures normal to animal husbandry.
  • Must be able to operate a high-pressure washing system.

Supervisory Responsibilities
When basic technical certification is complete, will provide leadership and guidance to personnel within a department with Manager oversight
Work Environment & Physical Demands
The work environment characteristics & physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Vision abilities include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus.
  • Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
  • Frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.
  • Must be able to tolerate blood, animal dander, manure, dust, odors, and frequently noisy conditions.

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.

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