Production Assembler
Put together products and components on factory lines, following precise instructions.
- $44,650
- 1 day to 1 month on the job
Mechanics, Maintenance & Manufacturing career
Packaging Machine Operator
Also called: Filling Machine Operator · Packaging Line Operator · Bottling Operator · Packer
What packaging machine operators do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a packaging machine operator do?
Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders operate or tend machines that prepare industrial or consumer products for storage or shipment. The median pay is $43,220 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about A few weeks to months on the job, and employment is projected to grow +4.1% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$43,220$20.78/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+4.1%2025–35, about as fast as average
- Openings per year41,400Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationHigh school diploma or equivalentBLS classification
- Time to trainA few weeks to months on the jobTypical program length
- U.S. jobs377,700Employment, 2025
What packaging machine operators do
Packaging machine operators get products ready to ship. They run fillers, cappers, labelers, sealers, cartoners and case packers, set up changeovers, check weights and seals and keep lines running in food, beverage, pharma and consumer goods plants.
A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical. BLS projects about average growth, and it is one of the largest production jobs.
Typical duties
- Run packaging lines
- Set up changeovers
- Load packaging materials
- Check weights and seals
- Clear jams
- Inspect labels
- Record production
Work environment and schedule
Operators work on packaging lines in plants and warehouses.
Schedule: Full time, often shifts and overtime.
A day in the life
- Line startup checks.
- Load film and labels.
- Run the filler.
- Check fill weights.
See a full day in the life of a packaging machine operator →
Packaging Machine Operator salary
Half of packaging machine operators earned more than $43,220 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $33,390 for the lowest 10% to $60,030 for the top 10%.
Full packaging machine operator pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a packaging machine operator
- Finish high school
- Get hired
- Learn the line
- Learn changeovers
- Advance
A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a packaging machine operator →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Line operation
- Changeovers
- Jam clearing
- Quality checks
- Basic troubleshooting
People skills
- Reliability
- Attention to detail
- Teamwork
- Speed
All packaging machine operator skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Many openings
- No degree needed
- Average growth
- Path to mechanic
Cons
- Repetitive
- Fast pace
- Standing
- Shift work
Certifications and licenses
- PMMI training: Packaging machinery.
- GMP training: Food or pharma.
- OSHA 10: Safety.
- Forklift certification: Helpful.
Career path
- Packer: Entry.
- Operator: Run line.
- Line Lead: Lead.
- Packaging Mechanic or Supervisor: Advance.
Learn the job before day one
Our Packaging Machine Operator training (8 hours, $74.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as do a fast packaging line changeover and check fill weights, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Food Batchmaker
Measure and mix ingredients into large batches for food production.
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Machine Feeder
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- $41,220
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Warehouse Associate
Receive, pick, pack and ship orders that keep stores and customers supplied.
- $40,240
- Days (on the job)
Compare: Packaging Machine Operator vs. Production Assembler · Packaging Machine Operator vs. Food Batchmaker · Packaging Machine Operator vs. Machine Feeder · Packaging Machine Operator vs. Warehouse Associate
Packaging Machine Operator FAQ
Do I need experience?
No.
Is the job in demand?
Yes, BLS projects about average growth with many openings.
Can I become a mechanic?
Many operators move into maintenance.
How much does a packaging machine operator make?
The median annual wage for packaging machine operators was $43,220 ($20.78 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $33,390 and the highest 10% earned more than $60,030.
How long does it take to become a packaging machine operator?
Most people need about A few weeks to months on the job of training. A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.
Do you need a degree to be a packaging machine operator?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
More packaging machine operator questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 51-9111 (Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.