How much does a food processing worker make?

At a U.S. food plant, a worker may load ingredients, watch machine gauges, adjust a mix, and record each batch. They check the finished food and clean equipment and work areas; shifts may begin early, in the evening, or overnight.

Did you know? In the wider U.S. food-processing field, some workers run machines that dry grapes into raisins or shape lollipops.

In the United States, some jobs need no formal education, while others require or prefer a high-school diploma or equivalent. New workers learn on the job over a few weeks to months, practicing food-safety rules and equipment use.

Why does pay differ?

In the United States, pay can differ by state and by employer or food industry; BLS data for this occupation show differences across both. Experience, useful skills, duties, and whether a plant uses early, evening, or night shifts can matter too.