CFChooseField
Production

Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders

Operate or tend machines to prepare industrial or consumer products for storage or shipment. Includes cannery workers who pack food products.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders
Download graphic

Median pay

$40,900
Median annual pay for Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
View source ↗

10-year growth

4.5%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗

Annual openings

45,300
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗

Employment

381,200
Estimated U.S. employment for Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
View source ↗

Jobs added or lost

+17,000
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗

Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
View source ↗
O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Monitoring
  2. 2Active Listening
  3. 3Critical Thinking
  4. 4Reading Comprehension
  5. 5Speaking
  6. 6Writing

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Production and Processing
  2. 2Mechanical
  3. 3Public Safety and Security
  4. 4Education and Training
  5. 5English Language
  6. 6Customer and Personal Service

Abilities

  1. 1Arm-Hand Steadiness
  2. 2Control Precision
  3. 3Manual Dexterity
  4. 4Near Vision
  5. 5Oral Comprehension
  6. 6Oral Expression

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Enterprising
  4. 4Investigative
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Stress Tolerance
  5. 5Integrity
  6. 6Perseverance

Work activities

  1. 1Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  2. 2Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  3. 3Handling and Moving Objects
  4. 4Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  5. 5Getting Information
  6. 6Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Work context

  1. 1Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  2. 2Spend Time Standing
  3. 3Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  4. 4Exposed to Contaminants
  5. 5Time Pressure
  6. 6Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

Representative tasks

  • Attach identification labels to finished packaged items, or cut stencils and stencil information on containers, such as lot numbers or shipping destinations.
  • Sort, grade, weigh, and inspect products, verifying and adjusting product weight or measurement to meet specifications.
  • Stop or reset machines when malfunctions occur, clear machine jams, and report malfunctions to a supervisor.
  • Observe machine operations to ensure quality and conformity of filled or packaged products to standards.
  • Remove finished packaged items from machine and separate rejected items.
  • Monitor the production line, watching for problems such as pile-ups, jams, or glue that isn't sticking properly.
  • Inspect and remove defective products and packaging material.
  • Start machine by engaging controls.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologySAP software · hot technologyEmail softwareLabel printing software

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

ChooseField compares fields using public labor-market and professional sources.