Packers and Packagers

At a Glance

Some tend packing machines
Most work by hand
May work full time or part time
May work days, nights, or weekends
Train on the job

Career summary

Packers and packagers prepare materials for shipping.

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Packers and packagers fill boxes, crates, and other containers with products to be shipped. They prepare containers for shipping. They gather the items to be packed and the materials to wrap them in.

Packers and packagers wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or plastic to protect them. Other items require less care. Packers and packagers may stack sturdy items on top of each other to fill containers.

Packers and packagers keep track of how many items they pack in each container. They record this information on forms. Some items are packed by weight rather than number. Packers and packagers weigh containers to determine if they are full.

Once containers are full, packers and packagers seal them. They apply labels to containers so others know what they contain. Packers and packagers inspect their work to make sure it meets standards.

Some packers and packagers tend packing machines. They fill these machines with the items to be packed and the packing materials. They watch these machines to make sure they process items correctly.

Packers and packagers clean their work areas.

Related careers

This career is part of the Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

Military careers

Cargo Specialists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to packers and packagers.

Inspect containers and goods to make sure the packaging process meets standards.
Mark and label containers or products.
Record goods and packaging information on the proper forms.
Measure, weigh, and count goods and materials, using equipment.
Remove completed or flawed packages and take them to the proper areas.
Seal containers or materials.
Load goods into package processing equipment.
Assemble and line cartons, crates, and containers.
Clean work areas, using cleaners and hand tools.
Carry packages to customers' vehicles.
Put goods into containers.
Receive and sort products, materials, and orders, using equipment.
Monitor machines that prepare and package goods.

Common work activities

Packers and packagers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Get information needed to do the job
Perform activities that use the whole body
Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
Handle and move objects
Establish and maintain relationships
Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
Identify objects, actions, and events
Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
Teach others
Control machines and processes
Assist and care for others
Organize, plan, and prioritize work
Process information
Coordinate the work and activities of others
Make decisions and solve problems
Judge the value of objects, services, or people
Evaluate information against standards
Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
Update and use job-related knowledge

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, packers and packagers:

Interpersonal relationships

Have a medium level of social contact. They usually work with others.
Communicate with coworkers in person on a daily basis.
Work in a group or as part of a team.
Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of others.
Have limited responsibility for the work done by other workers.

Physical work conditions

Almost always work indoors. They work outdoors on rare occasions.
Work near coworkers, but usually have a few feet of space separating them from others.
Are often exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting and uncomfortable.
Sometimes wear gloves, hard hats, or other protective attire.
Are occasionally exposed to contaminants.

Work performance

Must be exact in their work so that products arrive in good condition.
Repeat the same physical activities.
Are able to set some tasks and make some decisions without talking to a supervisor.
Often have to meet strict deadlines so that products arrive on schedule.

Hours/travel

Generally have a set schedule each week.
May work full time or part time, but most work less than 40 hours a week.
May work days, nights, or weekends.

Physical demands

Packers and packagers frequently:

Stand for long periods of time.
Walk or run for long periods of time.
Repeat the same movements.
Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
Bend or twist their body.

It is important for packers and packagers to be able to:

Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
Understand the speech of another person.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for packers and packagers to be able to:

Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
Determine the distance between objects.
Move arms and legs quickly.
Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.

Skills and abilities

Packers and packagers need to:

Communicate

Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Understand spoken information.

Reason and problem solve

Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Education and training

Educational programs

Currently, there are no accredited training programs available for this occupation.

Training

To work as a packer or packager, you typically need to:

complete short-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

No formal education is required for this job. However, many employers prefer that you have a high school diploma or its equivalent.

On-the-job training

Packers and packagers learn their skills on the job. Training lasts a few hours to one month depending on the items you pack. You receive special training if you pack dangerous equipment or chemicals.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be cargo specialists. Training lasts from two to six weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

Physical Education

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers usually require workers to be at least 18 years old. Most employers prefer to hire applicants who have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Applicants must be able to physically do the job. Employers may require applicants to pass a physical exam or prove they can lift heavy boxes. Some employers also require applicants to pass a drug-screening test.

Employers look for people who are reliable and hard working.

Many jobs in the food canning industry are filled from within the firm on a seniority basis. Some employers prefer workers who have worked in manufacturing. Some employers require applicants to be able to speak, read, and write English.

Tips

Employers look for a good attendance record and worker initiative when considering someone for advancement.

Costs to workers

Workers also may be required to join a union and pay an initiation fee and monthly dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

Packers and Packagers, Hand

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website (external link) .

Wages

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Packers and packagers, hand (SOC 53-7064)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$11.65	$11.99	$13.23	$15.53	$20.39
	Monthly	$2,019	$2,078	$2,293	$2,691	$3,534
	Yearly	$24,240	$24,930	$27,510	$32,300	$42,410
Bellingham	Hourly	$12.18	$12.60	$13.88	$15.84	$19.63
	Monthly	$2,111	$2,184	$2,405	$2,745	$3,402
	Yearly	$25,345	$26,204	$28,883	$32,964	$40,835
Bremerton-Silverdale	Hourly	$12.24	$12.72	$14.86	$19.11	$25.01
	Monthly	$2,121	$2,204	$2,575	$3,312	$4,334
	Yearly	$25,446	$26,473	$30,898	$39,756	$52,013
Kennewick-Richland	Hourly	$12.10	$12.35	$12.79	$14.59	$16.49
	Monthly	$2,097	$2,140	$2,217	$2,528	$2,858
	Yearly	$25,167	$25,697	$26,592	$30,357	$34,302
Longview	Hourly	$12.17	$13.18	$14.65	$16.44	$23.04
	Monthly	$2,109	$2,284	$2,539	$2,849	$3,993
	Yearly	$25,313	$27,416	$30,480	$34,180	$47,923
Mount Vernon-Anacortes	Hourly	$12.20	$12.66	$13.91	$16.04	$20.04
	Monthly	$2,114	$2,194	$2,411	$2,780	$3,473
	Yearly	$25,393	$26,326	$28,922	$33,363	$41,702
Olympia-Tumwater	Hourly	$12.20	$12.80	$14.33	$16.81	$21.54
	Monthly	$2,114	$2,218	$2,483	$2,913	$3,733
	Yearly	$25,384	$26,618	$29,811	$34,958	$44,797
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	$12.19	$13.01	$14.68	$17.78	$22.73
	Monthly	$2,113	$2,255	$2,544	$3,081	$3,939
	Yearly	$25,368	$27,074	$30,536	$36,980	$47,273
Spokane-Spokane Valley	Hourly	$12.19	$12.59	$13.93	$20.01	$25.51
	Monthly	$2,113	$2,182	$2,414	$3,468	$4,421
	Yearly	$25,359	$26,174	$28,967	$41,631	$53,058
Vancouver	Hourly	$11.37	$12.32	$13.81	$16.34	$20.76
	Monthly	$1,970	$2,135	$2,393	$2,832	$3,598
	Yearly	$23,642	$25,628	$28,734	$33,987	$43,185
Walla Walla	Hourly	$12.30	$12.78	$13.73	$15.54	$18.37
	Monthly	$2,132	$2,215	$2,379	$2,693	$3,184
	Yearly	$25,570	$26,579	$28,548	$32,337	$38,217
Wenatchee	Hourly	$12.14	$12.46	$13.09	$15.32	$18.59
	Monthly	$2,104	$2,159	$2,268	$2,655	$3,222
	Yearly	$25,261	$25,922	$27,211	$31,859	$38,674
Yakima	Hourly	$12.00	$12.09	$12.30	$13.20	$17.52
	Monthly	$2,080	$2,095	$2,132	$2,288	$3,036
	Yearly	$24,951	$25,141	$25,581	$27,460	$36,449
United States	Hourly	$9.07	$10.28	$11.82	$14.31	$18.06
	Monthly	$1,572	$1,782	$2,048	$2,480	$3,130
	Yearly	$18,870	$21,380	$24,580	$29,760	$37,560

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The worker's duties, experience, and level of responsibility also affect wages.

Packers and packagers who work full time usually earn benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Packers and Packagers, Hand (SOC 53-7064)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	18,047	14.3%	16.1%	3,436
Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties	3,867	23.9%	13.4%	844
Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties	311	8.7%	8.6%	54
Benton and Franklin Counties	911	14.7%	15.0%	174
Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties	446	3.4%	11.9%	71
Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties	1,115	9.0%	15.2%	196
Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties	772	3.0%	14.1%	121
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties	1,167	1.9%	14.6%	179
King County	4,266	4.0%	19.6%	682
Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties	2,721	27.8%	13.8%	626
Pierce County	1,057	25.5%	15.2%	240
Snohomish County	716	6.8%	12.4%	121
Spokane County	764	3.1%	13.9%	121
United States	673,400	-3.5%	5.2%	93,000

National employment

Packers and packagers work in almost every industry. About one in four work as baggers in grocery stores.

Major employers:

Grocery stores
Temporary worker agencies
Food Manufacturers

National outlook

The demand for this occupation is declining. More cashiers bag groceries reducing the need for baggers. Also, automation in warehouses is increasing, further reducing the need for baggers.

Job opportunities should be plentiful since this is a large occupation that has a high turnover rate. Many workers will leave this occupation to find other work or retire.

Other resources

References

Career cluster

Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics

Career path

Realistic (Technical)

O*Net occupation

Packers and Packagers, Hand (53-7064.00)

O*Net job zone

Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.