Machine Feeders and Offbearers
Feed materials into or remove materials from machines or equipment that is automatic or tended by other workers.
Common Job Titles
- Dryer Feeder
- Feeder
- Machine Feeder
- Offbearer
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- Hands-onHandle materials into and from automated manufacturing equipment following production schedules and safety protocols in manufacturing environments.Developing
- Hands-onOperate conveyor belt systems and material handling equipment maintaining continuous production flow under routine supervision.Developing
- KnowledgeExplain machine operating procedures and safety requirements when communicating with team members and supervisors on the production floor.Developing
- KnowledgeCompare product output against quality standards and specifications performing quality control inspections during production runs.Developing
- KnowledgeIdentify production discrepancies and equipment performance issues using visual inspection and digital floor scales in real-time production settings.Developing
- KnowledgeApply production and processing knowledge to material preparation tasks ensuring proper loading sequence and material orientation for machine operations.Developing
- Hands-onManipulate manual pallet jacks, hoists, and lifting equipment following established protocols for safe material handling and weight distribution.Developing
- MindsetParticipate in workplace safety practices and team coordination activities maintaining safe working conditions in fast-paced production environments.Developing
- Hands-onDetect equipment malfunctions and material flow irregularities through continuous monitoring of automated machinery and processes.Emerging
- MindsetAttend to supervisor instructions and safety alerts when working in high-noise industrial environments with multiple concurrent operations.Emerging
- KnowledgeExplain basic troubleshooting steps for machine stoppages when reporting equipment issues to maintenance personnel or machine operators.Emerging
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Machine Feeders and Offbearers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
46,690
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $31,480. 25th percentile: U.S. $36,020. 50th percentile: U.S. $39,700. 75th percentile: U.S. $48,220. 90th percentile: U.S. $57,010. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $31,480 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $57,010 |
| Workers on average earn | $42,840 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Production and Processing3.4/5
- Mechanical3.1/5
- Mathematics3.0/5
- English Language2.9/5
- Public Safety and Security2.7/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
Technology Skills
- Machine operation software
- Work time tracking software
Tools & Equipment
- Conveyor belt systems
- Digital floor scales
- Electric hoists
- Electric winches
- Feeder consoles
- Folder gluers
- Grinder machines
- Hoppers