Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders

SOC code 51-9111 · O*NET-SOC 51-9111.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Manufacturing and production

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$43,220

a year

Hourly

$20.78

per hour

10th$33,390Median$43,22090th$60,030

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$44,590

$21.44 per hour

Middle 50%

$36,850 – $49,070

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$33,390 – $60,030

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

379,060

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $33,390; $16.06/hr
25th percentile: $36,850; $17.72/hr
Median percentile: $43,220; $20.78/hr
75th percentile: $49,070; $23.59/hr
90th percentile: $60,030; $28.86/hr

What do packaging and filling machine operators and tenders do?

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

The tasks that matter most day to day

Attach identification labels to finished packaged items, or cut stencils and stencil information on containers, such as lot numbers or shipping destinations.
Sort, grade, weigh, and inspect products, verifying and adjusting product weight or measurement to meet specifications.
Stop or reset machines when malfunctions occur, clear machine jams, and report malfunctions to a supervisor.
Observe machine operations to ensure quality and conformity of filled or packaged products to standards.
Remove finished packaged items from machine and separate rejected items.
Monitor the production line, watching for problems such as pile-ups, jams, or glue that isn't sticking properly.
Inspect and remove defective products and packaging material.
Start machine by engaging controls.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 80% 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.

See all zone 2 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)80%
Less than a High School Diploma17%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree2%
Post-Secondary Certificate1%

Common questions

How much does a packaging and filling machine operators and tenders earn?

The national median is $43,220 a year. The full range runs from $33,390 at the 10th percentile to $60,030 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 packaging and filling machine operators and tenders 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

Monitoring3.1/5
Active Listening3.0/5
Reading Comprehension2.9/5
Critical Thinking2.9/5

Knowledge areas

Production and Processing3.8/5
Mechanical3.5/5
Public Safety and Security3.2/5
Education and Training3.2/5
English Language3.2/5
Customer and Personal Service3.1/5
Mathematics3.1/5
Administration and Management2.7/5

Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Coordination, Operation and Control, Social Perceptiveness, Equipment Maintenance, Quality Control Analysis.