1

Retort Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Crematory Operator

Aurora, CO · On-site

$18 - $24.25/hr

Operates cremation equipment and chamber/retort and ensures that cremation procedures are followed ... Valid Crematory Operators license. * Valid state issued driver's license in good standing and ...

Break Relief Operator-2nd Shift

High Point, NC · On-site

$16.50 - $22.25/hr

... CIP/Retort/ Evaporator/Pasteurizer operators). This may include troubleshooting and performing minor maintenance repairs Review process data and equipment performance data to improve quality ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Retort Operator information

See salary details

$5

$12

$13

How much do retort operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for retort operator in the United States is $12.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $12.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Retort Operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Retort Operator, you need strong attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and experience in industrial or food processing environments, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with retort machinery, temperature and pressure gauges, safety protocols, and, in some cases, certifications in food safety or hazardous materials handling are important. Strong teamwork, communication skills, and the ability to troubleshoot under pressure help an operator excel in this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality sterilization processes crucial in food production and other industrial applications.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Retort Operator?

A Retort Operator’s daily responsibilities include preparing and loading products into retort machines, monitoring cycle parameters such as temperature and pressure, and ensuring all sterilization processes comply with safety and quality standards. Operators also perform routine equipment checks, record operational data, and troubleshoot minor mechanical issues as they arise. In many facilities, Retort Operators work closely with production and quality assurance teams to maintain consistency in output and address any product deviations. This role often requires adherence to strict sanitation protocols and safety procedures to guarantee product integrity and workplace safety.

What is a Retort Operator job?

A Retort Operator is responsible for operating and monitoring retort machines used in food or beverage processing to sterilize products through high-pressure steam or water. They ensure proper temperature, pressure, and timing settings to maintain food safety and quality. The role involves inspecting equipment, recording process data, and troubleshooting any issues that arise during sterilization. Retort Operators must follow strict safety and regulatory guidelines to prevent contamination.

More about Retort Operator jobs
What states have the most Retort Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Retort Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Retort Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, 45% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 10% Physical, and 90% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $27,000 per year, or $13 per hour.
Crematory Operator

$18 - $24.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago


Park Lawn Corporation rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 8 rated funeral services


Job description

Why Work for Horan & McConaty?
Service
  • At every level, our dedicated team members display a strong work ethic and commitment to our core values, respect for the family, the profession, and the individual.
  • Work with leading experts in the funeral and cemetery profession.

Benefits
  • Financial assistant programs encouraging employees through education and development in industry related subjects.
  • Robust Health and Welfare Plans, and savings account options, designed to support your personal needs, enhance well-being and help navigate life's challenges.
  • Rich 401k and Roth Retirement Plan options available for both Full Time and Part Time employees along with a Company Match.
  • Variety of Vacation, Personal Days and Sick Days based on your role emphasizing the importance of physical and emotional replenishment for our team.
  • Employee Discounts on services, merchandise, and property to help our team members in their time of need.

Culture
  • We value honesty, courage, integrity, ethical behavior and the development of personal growth.
  • We are rooted in the communities to provide a personal touch to every family we serve.
  • We believe in the value of funeral and cemetery service, drawing on decades of experience to create the best experience for our families.

Essential Functions
  • Operates cremation equipment and chamber/retort and ensures that cremation procedures are followed.
  • Receives decedent(s) and ensures proper paperwork and protocol is followed.
  • Performs verification of the deceased and reviews required documentation prior to performing cremation.
  • Fully cleans crematory equipment (e.g., retort) after each cremation to prevent commingling of cremated remains.
  • Maintains log of all cremations in accordance with state and/or local requirements.
  • Provides cremated remains to the Funeral Director for interment or delivery to the client family.
  • Performs general maintenance and care of crematory equipment.
  • Facilitates annual retort inspection, general repairs and maintains service records.
  • Maintains inventory supplies and orders items needed to run crematory.
  • Attends all required safety training meetings as scheduled.
  • Ensures that all required safety equipment requirements and procedures are followed when performing all tasks.
  • Operates crematory in compliance with local laws and guidelines concerning retort operation and storage/use of chemical substances.
  • Assists in loading and unloading of supplies, equipment, and/or merchandise.
  • Maintains crematory building and adjacent areas by cleaning, sweeping, etc.
  • Identifies and remedies all hazards in crematory area and on surrounding grounds.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies
  • Self-Management.
  • Communication Proficiency.
  • Detail Orientation.
  • Thoroughness.
  • Customer Service Orientation.
  • Quality Orientation.

Required Education, Experience, Certifications and Licensure
Four-year degree or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
  • At least 1 year of experience as a Crematory Operator preferred.
  • Valid Crematory Operators license.
  • Valid state issued driver's license in good standing and acceptable driving record.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications
  • Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently. Bilingual is a plus.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external customers.
  • Ability to show respect and sensitivity toward client families while working in a physically demanding environment.
  • Attention to detail and follow-through.

Supervisory Responsibility
This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
  • The duties associated with this position are generally performed in an outdoor setting with extreme temperatures.
  • Outdoor duties may subject the employee to natural elements, such as inclement weather, extreme temperatures, uneven ground, dust, gas, and/or fumes.
  • Duties require work around heavy equipment and excessive noise frequently.
  • Equipment used to perform the essential function of this position includes, but is not limited to; computer, body lift, casket handling/transport devices, crematory retort, personal or company owned vehicle.
  • Employees in this role must have sufficient strength and manual dexterity to operate power equipment and must be willing to work safely and comply with the Company's safety procedures, including wearing any personal protective equipment that may be required.
  • Employees in this role are regularly required to climb, sit, stand, bend, kneel, and frequently lift up to 75 pounds, and may be required to lift up to 100 pounds.
  • Performance of this position's duties also requires power reaching, pushing, and pulling.
  • This position may also require reaching, pushing, and pulling.
  • This position may also be exposed to chemicals and/ or blood borne pathogens. Exposure risk is considered: High
  • Overtime is sometimes necessary or required.

Travel
  • This position may require up to 10 percent out of area and overnight travel.
  • Travel is primarily local occurring during the business day only.

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
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.