How much does a packaging operator make?

In the U.S., pay can differ with experience, in-demand skills or credentials, the industry and employer, location, and how complex or responsible the work is. Working different hours can also change a person’s total earnings.

Operate or tend machines to prepare industrial or consumer products for storage or shipment. Includes cannery workers who pack food products.

What's a typical day like?

Operators load products and packaging supplies, start the line, and watch items travel through filling or labeling machines. They check quality, clear jams, remove rejects, then stack finished goods or record the count.

In the U.S., a high school diploma or GED is usually expected, though some jobs may not require one. New operators learn on the job, with training lasting from a few days to a year.

High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)

Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.

Some operators fill flour bags straight from a machine chute—and label packages with lot numbers or shipping destinations.

The US figure is the median and the Japan figure is the average, so it's not a perfect comparison. Prices differ too.