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.
SOC: 51-9111.00
Common Job Titles
Bundler
Filler Operator
Machine Operator
Packaging Operator
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key 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
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
