The U.S. food manufacturing industry, valued at $900 billion, faces a shortage of over 100,000 skilled workers, driving companies to offer visa sponsorship for roles like food scientists and production supervisors. With salaries ranging from $50,000 to $120,000, these jobs attract international talent to meet demand in processing, packaging, and quality control. This guide details 15 leading companies hiring foreign workers in 2026, covering job roles, salaries, visa options, and application steps, using government-verified resources.
Why Food Manufacturing Jobs Are In-Demand
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7% growth in food manufacturing jobs by 2030, fueled by rising consumer demand for processed foods and sustainable practices. Companies like Tyson Foods and PepsiCo sponsor H-1B and EB-3 visas to fill roles in states like Illinois, Arkansas, and Texas, seeking professionals with expertise in food safety and production.
Key Job Roles and Salaries
The following roles, classified under SOC codes 19-1012 (Food Scientists) and 51-1011 (Production Supervisors), offer salaries between $50,000 and $120,000 with visa sponsorship:
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Food Scientist
Develops food products and ensures quality. Requires a degree in food science or chemistry.
Salary: $70,000–$100,000/year. -
Production Supervisor
Oversees manufacturing operations and staff. Needs 2–5 years of experience.
Salary: $60,000–$90,000/year. -
Quality Assurance Technician
Monitors compliance with safety standards. Requires a degree or certification in quality control.
Salary: $50,000–$75,000/year. -
Process Engineer
Designs and optimizes production processes. Needs a degree in engineering.
Salary: $80,000–$120,000/year. -
Maintenance Technician
Maintains and repairs production equipment. Requires technical training or experience.
Salary: $50,000–$80,000/year.
Top 15 Food Manufacturing Companies Hiring with Visa Sponsorship
The following companies, leaders in food production, are actively recruiting foreign workers with visa sponsorship in 2026, based on industry trends and job postings:
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Tyson Foods
Location: Springdale, AR; Nationwide
Roles: Food Scientist, Production Supervisor
Salary: $60,000–$100,000
Visa: H-1B, EB-3 -
PepsiCo
Location: Purchase, NY; Plano, TX
Roles: Process Engineer, Quality Assurance Technician
Salary: $70,000–$120,000
Visa: H-1B -
Nestlé USA
Location: Arlington, VA; Cleveland, OH
Roles: Food Scientist, Maintenance Technician
Salary: $60,000–$100,000
Visa: H-1B, EB-3 -
Cargill
Location: Minneapolis, MN; Wichita, KS
Roles: Process Engineer, Production Supervisor
Salary: $65,000–$110,000
Visa: H-1B, EB-3 -
Mondelez International
Location: Chicago, IL; East Hanover, NJ
Roles: Quality Assurance Technician, Food Scientist
Salary: $60,000–$100,000
Visa: H-1B -
General Mills
Location: Minneapolis, MN; Nationwide
Roles: Food Scientist, Process Engineer
Salary: $70,000–$120,000
Visa: H-1B -
Kraft Heinz
Location: Chicago, IL; Pittsburgh, PA
Roles: Production Supervisor, Quality Assurance Technician
Salary: $60,000–$90,000
Visa: H-1B, EB-3 -
Conagra Brands
Location: Chicago, IL; Omaha, NE
Roles: Maintenance Technician, Process Engineer
Salary: $60,000–$110,000
Visa: H-1B -
Archer Daniels Midland (ADM)
Location: Decatur, IL; Nationwide
Roles: Process Engineer, Food Scientist
Salary: $70,000–$120,000
Visa: H-1B, EB-3 -
Hormel Foods
Location: Austin, MN; Nationwide
Roles: Production Supervisor, Quality Assurance Technician
Salary: $60,000–$90,000
Visa: H-1B -
Campbell Soup Company
Location: Camden, NJ; Charlotte, NC
Roles: Food Scientist, Maintenance Technician
Salary: $60,000–$100,000
Visa: H-1B -
JBS USA
Location: Greeley, CO; Nationwide
Roles: Production Supervisor, Quality Assurance Technician
Salary: $55,000–$90,000
Visa: H-1B, EB-3 -
Mars, Incorporated
Location: McLean, VA; Chicago, IL
Roles: Food Scientist, Process Engineer
Salary: $70,000–$120,000
Visa: H-1B -
Smithfield Foods
Location: Smithfield, VA; Sioux Falls, SD
Roles: Production Supervisor, Maintenance Technician
Salary: $55,000–$90,000
Visa: H-1B, EB-3 -
Kellogg’s (Kellanova)
Location: Battle Creek, MI; Nationwide
Roles: Quality Assurance Technician, Food Scientist
Salary: $60,000–$100,000
Visa: H-1B
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for these jobs with visa sponsorship, candidates must meet:
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in food science, engineering, or related field for engineers and scientists; technical certification or high school diploma for technicians.
- Experience: 1–5 years in food manufacturing or related fields, with verifiable work history.
- Language Skills: English proficiency (IELTS 5.0–6.0 or equivalent) for safety and communication.
- Skills: Knowledge of HACCP, GMP, or equipment maintenance for relevant roles.
- Health and Character: Clean criminal record and medical clearance for visa applications.
Check requirements on the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
Visa Options for Food Manufacturing Jobs
Non-US citizens need a work visa. Key options include:
- H-1B Visa: For specialty occupations requiring a degree, valid for 3 years (extendable to 6). Requires a Labor Condition Application (LCA) from the US Department of Labor.
- EB-3 Visa: For skilled or unskilled workers, requiring employer sponsorship and PERM certification. Leads to a green card.
- TN Visa (NAFTA): For Canadian/Mexican citizens with relevant qualifications, valid for 3 years, renewable.
Explore visa details on the US Department of State website.
Application Process for Food Manufacturing Jobs
Securing a visa-sponsored job involves:
- Research Opportunities: Use job boards like Indeed or company career pages (e.g., Tyson, PepsiCo) to find roles offering sponsorship. Search “food manufacturing visa sponsorship.”
- Prepare Documents: Create a US-format resume (1–2 pages) and cover letter, highlighting relevant skills (e.g., HACCP, engineering) and visa needs.
- Apply: Submit applications via company websites or agencies like Kelly Services, specifying sponsorship requirements.
- Interview: Prepare for questions on food safety, production processes, or equipment maintenance.
- Secure a Job Offer: Obtain a contract and LCA or PERM documents from an approved employer.
- Apply for a Visa: Submit job offer, qualifications, health checks, and police clearances via USCIS or a US embassy. Processing takes 1–3 months for H-1B, 6–18 months for EB-3.
- Relocate: Apply for a Social Security Number and complete employer training on food safety protocols.
Key Responsibilities
- Food Scientist: Develops new products and ensures compliance with FDA standards.
- Production Supervisor: Manages production lines and ensures efficiency.
- Quality Assurance Technician: Tests products for safety and quality compliance.
- Process Engineer: Optimizes manufacturing processes and equipment.
- Maintenance Technician: Repairs and maintains production machinery.
Benefits of Food Manufacturing Jobs
- Competitive Salaries: $50,000–$120,000/year, with overtime opportunities.
- Visa Sponsorship: Employers may cover visa fees ($460–$2,805 for H-1B).
- Career Growth: Pathways to senior roles like plant manager or R&D director.
- Job Stability: High demand ensures consistent employment.
- Residency Pathways: EB-3 visa holders can apply for permanent residency.
Tips for Success
- Target Key States: Focus on Illinois, Arkansas, or Texas for the most opportunities.
- Certifications: Obtain HACCP or SQF certifications ($200–$500) for competitive advantage.
- Network: Connect with recruiters on LinkedIn or attend food industry events like IFT Annual Event.
- Verify Employers: Ensure companies are USCIS-registered to avoid scams.
- Learn Regulations: Familiarize yourself with FDA and USDA standards for employability.
Statistics on Food Manufacturing Jobs
Job Vacancies
In 2025, over 30,000 food manufacturing jobs offered visa sponsorship, with 50% in Illinois and Texas (BLS, 2025).
Salary Ranges
- Food Scientist: $70,000–$100,000/year
- Production Supervisor: $60,000–$90,000/year
- Process Engineer: $80,000–$120,000/year
Visa Processing Times
H-1B visa: 1–3 months; EB-3 visa: 6–18 months; TN visa: 1–3 months (USCIS, 2025).
Demand Growth
Food manufacturing jobs are projected to grow 7% by 2030, driven by processed food demand (BLS, 2025).
