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Tray Loader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Loads trays onto tray cart for delivery throughout the facility. * Delivers tray carts to dining areas and resident units. Carries individual trays to units, when necessary. * Reports refusal of food ...

Dietary Aide

Monroe, MI

$12.50 - $15.75/hr

Loads trays onto tray cart for delivery throughout the facility. * Delivers tray carts to dining areas and resident units. Carries individual trays to units, when necessary. * Reports refusal of food ...

Dietary Aide

Escanaba, MI

$12.25 - $15.25/hr

Loads trays onto tray cart for delivery throughout the facility. * Delivers tray carts to dining areas and resident units. Carries individual trays to units, when necessary. * Reports refusal of food ...

Dietary Aide

Alba, MI

$16 - $16.85/hr

Loads trays onto tray cart for delivery throughout the facility. * Delivers tray carts to dining areas and resident units. Carries individual trays to units, when necessary. * Reports refusal of food ...

Dietary Aide

Escanaba, MI

$12.25 - $15.25/hr

Loads trays onto tray cart for delivery throughout the facility. * Delivers tray carts to dining areas and resident units. Carries individual trays to units, when necessary. * Reports refusal of food ...

Dietary Aide

Escanaba, MI · On-site

$12.25 - $15.25/hr

Loads trays onto tray cart for delivery throughout the facility. * Delivers tray carts to dining areas and resident units. Carries individual trays to units, when necessary. * Reports refusal of food ...

Dietary Aide

Alba, MI

$12.25 - $15.50/hr

Loads trays onto tray cart for delivery throughout the facility. * Delivers tray carts to dining areas and resident units. Carries individual trays to units, when necessary. * Reports refusal of food ...

Loads trays onto tray cart for delivery throughout the facility. * Delivers tray carts to dining areas and resident units. Carries individual trays to units, when necessary. * Reports refusal of food ...

Showing results 41-60

Tray Loader information

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$11

$19

$28

How much do tray loader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for tray loader in the United States is $19.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a tray loader?

To thrive as a Tray Loader, you need strong attention to detail, manual dexterity, and the ability to follow safety and quality standards, often with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with conveyor systems, basic packaging machinery, and sometimes barcode scanners is typical in this role. Good communication, reliability, and the ability to work efficiently in a team are valued soft skills. These abilities ensure accurate, safe, and efficient handling of products, which is crucial for maintaining productivity and quality in manufacturing or distribution environments.

What are common challenges faced by tray loaders, and how can they be managed?

Tray Loaders often work in fast-paced production or food processing environments where maintaining accuracy and speed is essential. A common challenge is managing repetitive tasks while ensuring that trays are loaded correctly and meet quality standards. To effectively manage these challenges, it is important to stay organized, follow safety protocols, and communicate any issues promptly with team members or supervisors. Regular breaks and proper ergonomic practices can also help reduce fatigue and maintain productivity throughout the shift.

What is the difference between Tray Loader vs Forklift Operator?

AspectTray LoaderForklift Operator
CredentialsTypically requires on-the-job training or basic certificationRequires forklift certification/license
Work EnvironmentAssembly lines, packaging areasWarehouses, manufacturing plants
Industry UsageManufacturing, packaging, food processingLogistics, warehousing, manufacturing
Job TasksLoading trays onto machines or conveyorsMoving pallets and materials with a forklift

While both Tray Loaders and Forklift Operators work in industrial settings, Tray Loaders focus on loading trays onto equipment or conveyors, often requiring minimal certification. Forklift Operators handle the movement of heavy materials using forklifts, requiring specific licensing. Both roles are essential in manufacturing and warehousing industries but differ in equipment and certification requirements.

What is a tray loader?

Tray loaders are workers or automated machines responsible for placing products onto trays for packaging, transport, or further processing in manufacturing or food production environments. Their job typically involves organizing items efficiently on trays, ensuring quality standards are met, and sometimes operating or maintaining tray loading equipment. Tray loaders play a crucial role in maintaining workflow efficiency and upholding hygiene and safety standards where applicable.
More about Tray Loader jobs
Infographic showing various Tray Loader job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,188 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

$17.50 - $18.35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

The Dietary Aide supports the daily food service operations of the skilled nursing facility by assisting with meal preparation, delivery, and sanitation. This role ensures residents receive nutritious meals in a clean, safe, and respectful environment.

Join us with an attractive benefits offering:

  • Competitive pay
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401K with matching funds
  • Life Insurance
  • Employee discounts
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Student Loan Reimbursement

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The essential functions of this position include the following. This list is not intended to be exclusive or exhaustive. There may be additional essential functions based on the unique nature of the position or environment.

  • Handles and stores all food according to facility procedures, safe food handling guidelines, state and federal requirements.
  • Assists with food preparation as assigned by supervisor.
  • Prepares food items according to standardized recipes, insuring safe food handling practices.
  • Operates institutional food preparation equipment according to manufacturer and supervisory direction.
  • Assists with the set-up of the food tray line.
  • Assembles diet trays for residents according to facility procedures, matching foods drinks and condiments to the diet cards of individual residents.
  • Verifies that each resident is receiving the correct diet and tray.
  • Loads trays onto tray cart for delivery throughout the facility.
  • Delivers tray carts to dining areas and resident units. Carries individual trays to units, when necessary.
  • Reports refusal of food served to supervisor and to the Charge Nurse so alternate meal can be provided. Prepares and serves alternates as directed.
  • Cleans dishes, utensils and equipment according to facility procedures.
  • Runs and maintains dish machine according to manufacturer directions.
  • Reports all equipment problems to supervisor promptly.
  • Prepares and delivers nourishment, food supplements and snacks to units as scheduled.
  • Maintains food service equipment in clean and safe operating condition according to facility procedures. Reports all equipment problems to supervisor promptly.
  • Maintains food service workspaces in clean and safe condition according to facility procedures. Cleans workspaces, cooking and serving equipment, trays and dishes according to department procedures.
  • Reports any signs of rodent or pests to supervisor immediately.
  • Reports injury to self or others to supervisor immediately.
  • Communicates with supervisor throughout shift.
  • Assists the Certified Dietary Manager with state inspection preparation. Attends survey training and interacts with surveyors as instructed.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and/or Experience:  

  • Minimum high school diploma or general education degree (GED),  
  • Prefer one year experience as a food service aide in an institutional food service setting.  

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:  

  • None 

Minimum Qualifications: 

  • Ability to read and follow diet cards, portion guidelines, and sanitation procedures. 
  • Computer skills are required. 
  • Meets all state and federal criminal background check requirements. 

Ciena Healthcare 

We are a national organization of skilled nursing, subacute, rehabilitative, and assisted living providers dedicated to achieving the highest standards of care in Michigan and Ohio. We serve our residents with compassion, concern, and excellence, believing that every one of them is a unique person who deserves our best each day that we care for them. Join us, if you have a passion for improving the lives of those around you and working with others who feel the same way.

 IND123