How much does a packer make?

A packer checks items for defects, counts or weighs them, then puts them in cartons and seals or labels each box. They record orders, move supplies, and keep the packing area clean.

Did you know? Some U.S. farm packers sort crops by color, feel, and smell—not just by sight—before deciding which products are good enough to pack.

In the U.S., packers usually need no formal school credential; new workers learn packing and safety on the job, often in a few days and up to a month. Apply for an entry-level opening and learn its products and tools from an experienced coworker.

School needed: High school plus some training

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

Why does pay differ?

In the U.S., experience, useful skills, more complex tasks, the employer or industry, and location can all change a packer’s pay. Night or weekend schedules and overtime may also affect total earnings.