Careers · Production

Food Processing Workers, All Other

Food processing workers in this category perform specialized tasks in meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, grain, or other food production that don't fit standard job titles. They work in food manufacturing plants, processing facilities, and production environments where they handle raw ingredients, operate equipment, or prepare products for packaging and distribution.

$39,680median pay, U.S., per year

$36,410–$44,130middle half earn

65Kemployed in the U.S.

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A day in the work

A typical week involves repetitive, hands-on work at a production line or processing station. Workers may trim, cut, sort, or package food products, monitor equipment settings, clean work areas and machinery, and follow strict food safety procedures. Tasks vary by facility and product type. Work often occurs in temperature-controlled environments, with schedules that may include early morning, evening, or rotating shifts to match production demands.

Who this work suits

You do well in this work if you're detail-oriented, can follow procedures exactly, and don't mind repetitive physical tasks. You're reliable about showing up on time and working consistently, and you're comfortable in fast-paced production settings where food safety rules are strict and non-negotiable.

What it takes

Pay by state

State	25th pct	Median	75th pct	Employed
Colorado	$41,950	$46,930	$49,020	610
Idaho	$40,200	$46,820	$55,650	130
Kansas	$40,800	$46,060	$46,390	560
New Hampshire	$40,590	$45,410	$48,440	80
Illinois	$40,450	$45,340	$48,200	2,760
Arizona	$40,840	$45,330	$45,330	600
North Dakota	$43,020	$45,120	$55,160	50
Missouri	$39,430	$44,050	$45,140	1,630
Washington	$43,980	$43,980	$44,990	920
Vermont	$39,890	$43,300	$48,520	120
Massachusetts	$40,750	$43,200	$48,470	210
New York	$39,820	$42,920	$46,800	400

All 46 states

Colorado · $46,930 Idaho · $46,820 Kansas · $46,060 New Hampshire · $45,410 Illinois · $45,340 Arizona · $45,330 North Dakota · $45,120 Missouri · $44,050 Washington · $43,980 Vermont · $43,300 Massachusetts · $43,200 New York · $42,920 Wyoming · $42,740 Tennessee · $42,690 Minnesota · $41,800 Iowa · $41,740 Pennsylvania · $41,620 Utah · $41,400 Florida · $41,390 Indiana · $41,250 Wisconsin · $40,590 Texas · $40,150 Delaware · $39,470 Ohio · $39,470 Michigan · $38,750 Oklahoma · $38,530 Maine · $38,270 California · $38,230 Oregon · $38,170 Mississippi · $38,150 Arkansas · $37,840 Georgia · $37,810 Virginia · $37,810 West Virginia · $37,750 Montana · $37,740 Alabama · $37,510 Connecticut · $37,450 Kentucky · $37,450 North Carolina · $37,360 South Carolina · $37,060 Maryland · $35,870 Rhode Island · $34,770 New Jersey · $34,670 New Mexico · $34,560 Louisiana · $31,230 Nevada · $30,120

Training

Local training programs Certifications Licenses in your state Apprenticeships

Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.

Related occupations

Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders Food Batchmakers Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders Bakers Butchers and Meat Cutters Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers Slaughterers and Meat Packers First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers

Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against food processing workers, all other and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.

Find out in 15 minutes See openings

O*NET-SOC 51-3099.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.