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Supply Chain & ProductionGrowingBright Outlook

Food Processing Worker

Operational-level

Also known as: Olive Pitter, Pasta Press Operator, Poultry Hanger, Yeast Maker

Supply Chain & ProductionBachelor's Degree

Job Description

As a Food Processing Worker, you help prepare, process, and package food products in manufacturing plants. Your daily tasks may include operating specialized machinery, monitoring production lines, or inspecting items for quality and safety. You'll work with various food products and use equipment like blenders, ovens, and automated packaging systems. This role often involves collaborative teamwork in a fast-paced environment. It suits individuals who are detail-oriented, enjoy hands-on tasks, and can maintain high standards of hygiene.
Food ProcessingFood ProductionFood SafetyQuality ControlSupply ChainManufacturingOperationsSkilled TradeProduction

A Day in the Life

You arrive at the busy food processing plant in Louisville, Kentucky, before the sun is fully up. The air already hums with machinery and carries a faint scent of fresh dough. First, you head to the changing room, pulling on your clean uniform, a crisp hairnet, sturdy gloves, and steel-toed boots. After clocking in, you scan the production schedule on a wall monitor, mentally preparing for the day’s run. It's Tuesday, and today's focus is on packaged muffins.

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Bright Outlook

O*NET flags this career as a Bright Outlook occupation: grows rapidly over the next decade.

Projected growth

+5.5%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

7,400

per year (US)

Jobs today

67,400

in 2025 → 71,100 (2035)

Typical entry education

No formal educational credential

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Future Perspective

Growing Job Market

The outlook for Food Processing Workers is growing, with around 7,400 job openings expected each year through 2035. Employment in this field is projected to increase by 5.5%, indicating rapid growth. The median annual wage is about $39,680. You can advance by gaining experience and pursuing further training, potentially moving into roles like quality control or production supervision.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Material Handler
  • Packaging Worker
  • Production Assistant

Where it can lead

  • Food Quality Control Technician
  • Production Machine Operator
  • Food Production Supervisor

Impact of AI on this Job

AI and automation will significantly impact food processing workers in the next 5-10 years by automating repetitive tasks like sorting, packaging, and basic quality control. This may reduce demand for purely manual roles, shifting the focus towards overseeing automated systems, maintenance, and tasks requiring human judgment or complex problem-solving. Workers will need to adapt to new technologies.

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Salary

$39,680

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position

Relevant Studies

Based on job level & field

Food Technology and Processing

Bachelor • Nature & Environment • 4 years

Agricultural and Food Products Processing

Bachelor • Nature & Environment • 4 years

Food Science

Bachelor • Nature & Environment • 4 years

Packaging Science

Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years

Manufacturing Engineering Technology/Technician

Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years

Manufacturing Engineering

Bachelor • Tech & Engineering • 4 years

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