Machine Feeders and Offbearers

Feed materials into or remove materials from machines or equipment that is automatic or tended by other workers.

SOC: 53-7063.00

Common Job Titles

Dryer FeederFeederMachine FeederOffbearer

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key 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.
  • Hands-onOperate conveyor belt systems and material handling equipment maintaining continuous production flow under routine supervision.
  • KnowledgeExplain machine operating procedures and safety requirements when communicating with team members and supervisors on the production floor.
  • KnowledgeCompare product output against quality standards and specifications performing quality control inspections during production runs.
  • KnowledgeIdentify production discrepancies and equipment performance issues using visual inspection and digital floor scales in real-time production settings.
  • KnowledgeApply production and processing knowledge to material preparation tasks ensuring proper loading sequence and material orientation for machine operations.
  • Hands-onManipulate manual pallet jacks, hoists, and lifting equipment following established protocols for safe material handling and weight distribution.
  • MindsetParticipate in workplace safety practices and team coordination activities maintaining safe working conditions in fast-paced production environments.
  • Hands-onDetect equipment malfunctions and material flow irregularities through continuous monitoring of automated machinery and processes.
  • MindsetAttend to supervisor instructions and safety alerts when working in high-noise industrial environments with multiple concurrent operations.
  • KnowledgeExplain basic troubleshooting steps for machine stoppages when reporting equipment issues to maintenance personnel or machine operators.
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

MetricU.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 ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Outlook

Technology Skills

Machine operation softwareWork time tracking software

Tools & Equipment

Conveyor belt systemsDigital floor scalesElectric hoistsElectric winchesFeeder consolesFolder gluersGrinder machinesHoppers