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Production Operative Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Managed Staffing

Production Operator

West Chicago, IL · On-site

$21 - $22/hr

Production Operator - 3rd Shift (Contract to Hire) Location: West Chicago, IL 60185 Shift: 3rd Shift | Sunday-Thursday | 11:30 PM - 8:00 AM Pay: $21.00 per hour Job Type: Contract (3 months) → ...

Manpower

Production Operators

Quincy, IL

$17.50 - $27/hr

Production Operators * Stacker Operators * Utility Operators * Heavy Equipment Operators * Forklift and Shipping What You'll Do: * Load raw materials or parts into production machines * Remove ...

Plastic Parts International, Inc.

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Production Operator

Loves Park, IL · On-site

$17/hr

Production Operator Location: Loves Park, IL Job Overview Seeking dependable Production Operators to join our manufacturing team in Loves Park, Illinois. This full-time position offers paid training ...

TreeHouse Foods

Production Operator

Pecatonica, IL

$25.22/hr

Production Operator About Us: TreeHouse Foods is a leading manufacturer of private label packaged foods and beverages, operating a network of over 20 production facilities and several corporate ...

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 foods and beverages, operating a network of over 20 production facilities and several corporate ...

Toyal America, Inc.

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Production Operator

Joliet, IL · On-site

$37.25/hr

Toyal America, Inc. is seeking a Production Operator to join our team in Lockport, IL! This position is responsible for operating process equipment, per established procedures, which will insure a ...

Veteran-friendly

Urgent

3M

Production Operator*

Cordova, IL · On-site

$30.52/hr

JOB TITLE: Production Operator LOCATION: Cordova, IL Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and ...

3M

Production Operator*

Cordova, IL · On-site

$30.52/hr

JOB TITLE: Production Operator LOCATION: Cordova, IL Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and ...

Premium Waters

Production Operator

Quincy, IL · On-site

$20.50 - $21.50/hr

Production Operator: Full-Time 2-2-3 schedule/ 6p-6a We are looking to add a team member to our production team to carry out our company mission of maintaining an inclusive culture of trust, honesty ...

Premium Waters

Production Operator

Quincy, IL · On-site

$16.75 - $20.25/hr

Production Operator: Full-Time 2-2-3 schedule/ 6p-6a We are looking to add a team member to our production team to carry out our company mission of maintaining an inclusive culture of trust, honesty ...

Vantedge Medical

Production Operator

Wheeling, IL · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Production Operator Full-Time | Non-Exempt Onsite | Permanent **WEEKNIGHT SHIFT: 4:30pm to 3:00am (10-hour shift) flexible to select a start time between 4:30pm and 6:00pm M-F and occasional weekends ...

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All JobsProduction Operative JobsProduction Operative Jobs in Illinois

Production Operative information

See Illinois salary details

$10

$18

$29

How much do production operative jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for production operative in Illinois is $18.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $19.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a production operative?

Production Operatives are workers responsible for operating machinery, assembling products, and performing various tasks to support the manufacturing process in factories or production facilities. Their duties often include monitoring equipment, checking product quality, packaging goods, and maintaining a clean working environment. Production Operatives play a vital role in ensuring that products are made efficiently, safely, and to the required standards. They may work on production lines and typically follow strict health and safety guidelines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a production operative?

To thrive as a Production Operative, you need basic manufacturing knowledge, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with machinery, assembly line equipment, and safety protocols is commonly required, and some roles may value forklift or other equipment certification. Strong teamwork, reliability, and effective communication are soft skills that help individuals excel in this position. These skills and qualities are important to ensure efficient production processes, maintain safety standards, and support quality outcomes in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

What are some common challenges faced by production operatives and how can they be managed?

Production Operatives often encounter challenges such as meeting tight production deadlines, adapting to repetitive tasks, and maintaining focus in a fast-paced environment. To manage these challenges, it's helpful to develop strong organizational skills, embrace teamwork, and communicate openly with supervisors about any obstacles. Many companies also provide training on equipment use and safety protocols, which can make daily tasks more manageable and efficient.

What is the difference between Production Operative vs Factory Worker?

AspectProduction OperativeFactory Worker
ResponsibilitiesOperating machinery, assembling products, quality checksGeneral manufacturing tasks, packaging, basic machine operation
Required SkillsBasic technical skills, attention to detailManual dexterity, teamwork
Work EnvironmentManufacturing lines, production floorsFactories, assembly lines
CertificationsNone typically required, some roles may need health & safety trainingNone typically required

Both roles are essential in manufacturing, with Production Operatives often handling more technical tasks and machinery operation, while Factory Workers perform general manufacturing and assembly duties. The roles overlap in work environment and basic skills, but Production Operatives usually require more specific technical knowledge.

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Production Operative jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Production Operative job openings:

Production Operative jobs near you
Infographic showing various Production Operative job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,018 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Production Operator

Co-Staff Job Board

South Beloit, IL

$17/hr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Production Operator
Location: South Beloit, IL
Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 6:00 AM–4:30 PM
Pay: $17.00/hour

We are seeking dependable and motivated Production Operators to join a manufacturing team in South Beloit, IL. This is a 1st shift opportunity offering a four-day workweek and the chance to work in a fast-paced production environment.

The Production Operator will be responsible for supporting daily manufacturing operations, operating production equipment, assembling products, inspecting parts for quality, and maintaining a clean and safe work area. Candidates should be comfortable working on their feet, following work instructions, and meeting production goals while maintaining quality standards.

Responsibilities:
  • Operate production and manufacturing equipment
  • Assemble and inspect products according to specifications
  • Monitor quality and identify any defects or production issues
  • Follow safety procedures and company policies
  • Maintain a clean and organized work area
  • Meet daily production and attendance expectations
  • Work collaboratively with team members and supervisors
Qualifications:
  • Previous manufacturing or production experience preferred
  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift throughout the shift
  • Strong attention to detail and quality
  • Reliable attendance and strong work ethic
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
If you are looking for a stable 1st shift opportunity with a three-day weekend every week, we'd love to hear from you.