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.
Common Job Titles
- Bundler
- Filler Operator
- Machine Operator
- Packaging Operator
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeExplain production processes and quality standards in industrial or food packaging settings, communicating with team members and supervisors.Developing
- Hands-onOperate packaging and filling machines following established procedures to prepare products for storage or shipment.Developing
- Hands-onPerform routine inspections of equipment, materials, and finished products to ensure compliance with quality and safety standards.Developing
- KnowledgeApply operations monitoring procedures while overseeing machine performance and identifying process irregularities.Developing
- Hands-onHandle materials and packaged products using forklifts, pallet jacks, and hand tools in production environments.Developing
- KnowledgeDemonstrate troubleshooting techniques for machinery malfunctions to minimize production downtime and maintain workflow efficiency.Developing
- Hands-onCalibrate measuring and weighing equipment using dial calipers and industrial scales to ensure accurate product specifications.Developing
- KnowledgeAssess product quality and compliance with specifications by evaluating visual, dimensional, and weight characteristics during production runs.Developing
- Hands-onExecute basic maintenance and cleaning tasks on packaging equipment using hand tools and following safety protocols.Developing
- MindsetParticipate in team coordination and workflow management to maintain production schedules and meet shipment deadlines.Developing
- KnowledgeInterpret work orders, safety instructions, and equipment manuals to execute packaging operations according to specifications.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
383,860
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $31,890. 25th percentile: U.S. $36,250. 50th percentile: U.S. $40,900. 75th percentile: U.S. $48,440. 90th percentile: U.S. $58,910. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $31,890 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $58,910 |
| Workers on average earn | $43,630 |
+ 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 Processing3.8/5
- Mechanical3.5/5
- Public Safety and Security3.2/5
- Education and Training3.2/5
- English Language3.2/5
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
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- SAP software
Technology Skills
- Email software
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Label printing software
- Spreadsheet software
- Word processing software
Tools & Equipment
- Adjustable wrenches
- Box cutters
- Claw hammers
- Desktop computers
- Dial calipers
- Forklifts
- Glue guns
- Handtrucks