How the national numbers differ
1Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants has the edge on projected growth
Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants is at 3.8% projected growth, compared with -5% projected growth for Packers and Packagers, Hand.
Packers and Packagers, Hand has the edge on annual openings
Packers and Packagers, Hand is at 61,800 annual openings, compared with 12,900 annual openings for Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants.
National pay benchmarks are very similar.
Compare actual offers, expected paid hours, schedule, and benefits before treating either career as the higher-paying option.
49.4/ 100Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants
vs
44.1/ 100Packers and Packagers, Hand
Each available metric is ranked from 0 to 100 against the careers on ChooseField. The weighted average uses this profile: pay 30%, growth 25%, openings 30%, preparation level 15%. Missing values are not scored as zero; their weights are redistributed across available metrics. Occupation size has zero weight: employment is not accessible vacancies. Preparation categories do not measure admission difficulty or years without earnings. The score summarizes national measures; local opportunities and personal fit still need separate consideration.
Detailed evidence
Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants vs Packers and Packagers, Hand
| Dimension | Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants | Packers and Packagers, Hand |
|---|
| Median pay (2025) | $35,670 | $36,280 |
|---|
| Pay percentile | 3.9 percentile | 5.4 percentile |
|---|
| Projected growth (2025–2035) | 3.8% | -5% |
|---|
| Annual openings (2025–2035) | 12,900 | 61,800 |
|---|
| 2025 employment | 102,400 | 555,500 |
|---|
| How you qualify | No formal educational credential; One month or less of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing | No formal educational credential; One month or less of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing |
| O*NET preparation group | Job Zone 2 | Job Zone 2 |
| Related work experience | No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary. | No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary. |
| On-the-job training | One month or less of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing. | One month or less of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing. |
The table reports national benchmarks and reviewed work descriptions. It does not rate personal suitability, job security, or physical safety.
