Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Machine Feeder
What machine feeders actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a machine feeder?
Start the line. From there, the day usually includes feed machines, remove finished products, and stack and pack. Full time, often shifts.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a machine feeder working full time.
- Start the line.
- Feed blanks.
- Stack finished parts.
- Report a jam.
- Lunch.
- Offbear and pack.
- Clean.
Where machine feeders work
Feeders work on factory floors.
Hours and schedule
Full time, often shifts.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Feed machines
- Remove finished products
- Stack and pack
- Watch for jams
- Spot defects
- Clean areas
- Report problems
Tools you’ll use every day
- Conveyors
- Carts
- Pallet jacks
- Gloves
- Tape guns
- Scanners
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Easy entry
- Short training
- Steady tasks
- Path to operator
What’s hard
- Steep decline
- Repetitive
- Physical
- Low pay
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I want to start fast
- I like physical work
- I’m reliable
- I can do repetitive tasks
- I want to learn machines
- I can work shifts
Not sure? Take the free Machine Feeder fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Know E-stops
- Never reach into machines
- Lift safely
- Wear PPE