Set up, run and monitor production machines that make food, beverages, plastics, packaging and building materials. Machine operators keep lines running safely and to quality standards in Jamaica's factories.
Salary Breakdown
Production worker or line operator on packaging and filling lines. Floored at the statutory minimum: The national minimum wage is $17,000 per 40-hour week ($425 per hour) from 1 July 2026, so a full-time employee cannot legally be paid less than $884,000 a year. Pay above the floor is an indicative market estimate.
Estimated Take-Home Pay
Based on the midpoint of the Entry salary range ($1,067,000 JMD), after NIS, NHT, Education Tax, and PAYE.
Show deduction breakdown
- Gross (annual)
- $1,067,000 JMD
- NIS (3%)
- −$32,010 JMD
- NHT (2%)
- −$21,340 JMD
- Education Tax
- −$23,287 JMD
- PAYE Income Tax
- −$0 JMD
- Net (annual)
- $990,362 JMD
Estimate only — illustrative rates and thresholds, not tax advice. Confirm current figures with Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).
Career Path Roadmap
- 1
Complete CSEC Subjects
Mathematics and English A are useful; Mechanical Engineering Technology is a plus.
Secondary school - 2
Get Manufacturing Training
Complete HEART/NSTA Trust training in manufacturing or industrial maintenance.
6 months - 1 year - 3
Start on the Line
Join a manufacturer and learn safety, hygiene and quality procedures.
1 - 2 years - 4
Learn Machine Set-Up
Master changeovers, adjustments and troubleshooting on your machines.
1 - 3 years - 5
Lead a Line or Shift
Move into line leadership, supervision or maintenance.
3+ years
Required Education
- CSEC Mathematics and English A (advantage)
- Manufacturing / industrial maintenance certificate
- Food safety training (food plants)
Common Local Certifications
- HEART/NSTA - NVQ-J Level 2 and Level 3 in Industrial Automation (Qualifications Registry of Jamaica)
- Forklift certification (advantage)
- Food safety / GMP training
Where to Train
Local Institutions Offering Programs
- HEART/NSTA Trust
- Employer route: manufacturer in-house training programmes
- University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech)