Machine Feeders and Offbearers
SOC code 53-7063 · O*NET-SOC 53-7063.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Transportation
Machine Feeders and Offbearers pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$41,220
a year
Hourly
$19.82
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$43,660
$20.99 per hour
Middle 50%
$36,420 – $48,480
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$32,220 – $58,160
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
42,330
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $32,220
- $15.49/hr
- 25th percentile
- $36,420
- $17.51/hr
- Median percentile
- $41,220
- $19.82/hr
- 75th percentile
- $48,480
- $23.31/hr
- 90th percentile
- $58,160
- $27.96/hr
What do machine feeders and offbearers do?
Feed materials into or remove materials from machines or equipment that is automatic or tended by other workers.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Inspect materials and products for defects, and to ensure conformance to specifications.
- Record production and operational data, such as amount of materials processed.
- Push dual control buttons and move controls to start, stop, or adjust machinery and equipment.
- Weigh or measure materials or products to ensure conformance to specifications.
- Identify and mark materials, products, and samples, following instructions.
- Clean and maintain machinery, equipment, and work areas to ensure proper functioning and safe working conditions.
- Load materials and products into machines and equipment, or onto conveyors, using hand tools and moving devices.
- Remove materials and products from machines and equipment, and place them in boxes, trucks or conveyors, using hand tools and moving devices.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 73% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)73%
- Less than a High School Diploma21%
- Post-Secondary Certificate4%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree2%
Common questions
How much does a machine feeders and offbearers earn?
The national median is $41,220 a year. The full range runs from $32,220 at the 10th percentile to $58,160 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a machine feeders and offbearers without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Monitoring3.0/5
- Reading Comprehension2.8/5
- Active Listening2.8/5
- Speaking2.8/5
- Critical Thinking2.5/5
Knowledge areas
- Production and Processing3.4/5
- Mechanical3.1/5
- Mathematics3.0/5
- English Language2.9/5
- Public Safety and Security2.7/5
- Education and Training2.7/5
- Administrative2.6/5
- Administration and Management2.5/5
Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Troubleshooting, Quality Control Analysis, Operation and Control, Social Perceptiveness.