Food manufacturing plants are seeing a rise in weekly overtime, with production workers averaging 4.0 hours of extra work per week in 2025. This figure sits above the general manufacturing average and continues to climb.
According to Food Industry Executive, this trend adds approximately $2,570 in annual costs per worker. High rates of absence are cited as one of the primary drivers behind the need for additional hours.
Data from the BLS suggests that illness and injury account for three-quarters of all manufacturing absences, further straining the workforce in the food sector.
