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Packaging and Filling Machine Operators
At a Glance
- Run a wide variety of machines
- Usually have cleaning and maintenance duties
- May work eight- or ten-hour shifts
- Have a medium level of social contact
- Train on the job
Career summary
Packaging and filling machine operators run machines to produce or wrap products.#No alternate titles
Packaging and filling machine operators create a variety of products. They use different machines for diverse products. All machine operators have several tasks in common.
Machine operators make sure they have packaging materials and a supply of items to be packaged. They oversee the packaging machines and adjust controls as needed, such as:
- The speed of machines
- The amount of product added to packages
- When packaging material is cut
Packaging and filling machine operators observe machines to make sure they are operating properly. They remove jammed items from machines.
Operators remove packaged items from machines and stack them in cartons or containers. They inspect the output. Operators may add identification labels to items and secure finished packages by hand.
Packaging and filling machine operators may keep records of the number of items they package and reject each day. They may code items by date if they are perishable.
Operators maintain their machines. They clean and oil them and make minor repairs. They follow strict sanitation procedures, especially when handling food items.
Related careers
This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster of careers.
Related careers include:
- Bookbinders and Bindery Workers
- Food Processing Workers
- Forklift Operators
- Metal and Plastic Processing Workers
- Packers and Packagers
- Painting and Coating Machine Operators
- Production Helpers
- Quality Control Inspectors
- Sawing Machine Operators
- Textile Machine Operators
- Woodworking Machine Operators
Job duties
Task list
The following list of tasks is specific to packaging and filling machine operators.
- Operate mechanisms to cut filler products or packaging materials.
- Remove packaged items from machine and separate rejected items.
- Adjust machine controls to change speed or amount of product released.
- Check stock of materials to be packaged or filled.
- Check stock of packaging materials.
- Start machine by engaging controls.
- Stop or reset machine when malfunctions occur and clear machine jams.
- Inspect products to determine if they meet standards.
- Clean, oil, and make minor repairs to machinery and equipment.
- Stack packaged items or pack them in cartons or containers.
- Count and record finished and rejected packaged items.
- Attach identification labels to finished items.
Common work activities
Packaging and filling machine operators perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.
- Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
- Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
- Identify objects, actions, and events
- Handle and move objects
- Get information needed to do the job
- Evaluate information against standards
- Make decisions and solve problems
- Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
- Process information
- Teach others
- Perform activities that use the whole body
- Control machines and processes
- Judge the value of objects, services, or people
- Analyze data or information
- Update and use job-related knowledge
- Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
- Organize, plan, and prioritize work
- Think creatively
- Document and record information
- Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
- Coordinate the work and activities of others
- Assist and care for others
Work requirements
Working conditions
In a typical work setting, packaging and filling machine operators:
Interpersonal relationships
- Have a medium level of social contact. They usually work with others.
- Are responsible for coworkers' health and safety.
- Are responsible for work outcomes and results of other workers. They monitor production, and inspect products to determine if they meet standards.
- Communicate with coworkers daily in person.
- Work in a group or as part of a team.
Physical work conditions
- Almost always work indoors. They may work in warehouses without heat or air conditioning.
- Are exposed to hazardous equipment daily.
- Are exposed to contaminants on a daily basis. Packaging and filling machine operators can reduce the risk by following safety procedures.
- Are exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting and uncomfortable on a daily basis.
- Always wear protective or safety attire.
- Are frequently exposed to hazardous conditions, such as high voltage electricity.
- Are often exposed to hazardous situations that may produce cuts or minor burns.
- Work near coworkers. They may share work space, but usually have a few feet of space separating them from others.
- Occasionally must get into awkward positions to reach cramped work spaces.
Work performance
- Must be exact in their work. Errors could seriously endanger coworkers.
- Must allow the work pace to be set by the speed of the equipment or machinery.
- Repeat the same physical activities, such as stacking finished packaged items.
- Make decisions on a weekly basis that strongly impact coworkers. They consult supervisors for some decisions, but make most without talking to a supervisor.
- Are able to set some tasks for the day without consulting with a supervisor.
- Are often required to meet strict deadlines. They usually keep records of the number of items they package each day.
Hours/travel
- Generally work a standard 40-hour week.
- May work eight- or ten-hour shifts.
Physical demands
Packaging and filling machine operators frequently:
- Stand for long periods of time.
- Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
- Repeat the same movements.
- Bend or twist their body.
- Walk or run for long periods of time.
It is important for packaging and filling machine operators to be able to:
- Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
- Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
- Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
- See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
- Understand the speech of another person.
- Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
- Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
- Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
- Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
- Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
- React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
It is not as important, but still necessary, for packaging and filling machine operators to be able to:
- See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
- Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
- Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
- Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
- Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
- Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
- Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
- Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
- See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
- Determine the distance between objects.
- Move arms and legs quickly.
- Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
- Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
- Determine from which direction a sound came.
- See objects in very low light.
- While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
- Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
Skills and abilities
Packaging and filling machine operators need to:
Communicate
- Understand spoken information.
- Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
- Listen to others and ask questions.
Reason and problem solve
- Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
- Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
- Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
Manage oneself, people, time, and things
- Check how well one is learning or doing something.
Work with people
- Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
Work with things
- Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
- Operate and control equipment.
Perceive and visualize
- Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
- Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
- Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
Education and training
Educational programs
The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.
Programs of study to consider
Training
To work as a packaging and filling machine operator, you typically need to:
- have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
- complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.
Education after high school
No formal education is required for this job beyond high school.
On-the-job training
Packaging and filling machine operators usually receive training on the job from experienced workers. Training may last up to one year.
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
- Safety and First Aid
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 prefer to hire applicants who have a high school diploma or equivalent. They may also prefer applicants who have experience with small machine repairs.
Some employers will hire packaging and filling machine operators who do not have any experience. Other employers prefer to hire packaging and filling machine operators who have up to 12 months of experience.
Employers also look for people who will work well on their team.
Tips
Those who can do work which requires a good deal of standing will fare best. Applicants who have worked on production lines in other industries may have an advantage over other job applicants. Experience with forklift operation, supervising others, and shift-work are helpful.
Costs to workers
Some workers may be required to join a union and pay an initiation fee and monthly dues. Some employers also require their workers to purchase safety shoes.
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.
To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .
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.
Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders (SOC 51-9111)
Location |
Pay Period | |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
10% |
25% |
Median |
75% |
90% |
||
Washington | Hourly | $11.82 | $12.65 | $15.40 | $18.70 | $23.67 |
Monthly | $2,048 | $2,192 | $2,669 | $3,241 | $4,102 | |
Yearly | $24,590 | $26,310 | $32,020 | $38,900 | $49,230 | |
Bellingham | Hourly | $12.30 | $13.44 | $15.50 | $19.03 | $22.30 |
Monthly | $2,132 | $2,329 | $2,686 | $3,298 | $3,865 | |
Yearly | $25,600 | $27,954 | $32,231 | $39,591 | $46,389 | |
Bremerton-Silverdale | Hourly | $12.64 | $13.37 | $14.47 | $15.58 | $20.56 |
Monthly | $2,191 | $2,317 | $2,508 | $2,700 | $3,563 | |
Yearly | $26,293 | $27,807 | $30,103 | $32,405 | $42,752 | |
Clarkston-Lewiston | Hourly | $12.47 | $13.97 | $16.99 | $22.54 | $27.64 |
Monthly | $2,161 | $2,421 | $2,944 | $3,906 | $4,790 | |
Yearly | $25,929 | $29,063 | $35,343 | $46,892 | $57,474 | |
Kennewick-Richland | Hourly | $11.85 | $11.99 | $15.13 | $18.39 | $21.29 |
Monthly | $2,054 | $2,078 | $2,622 | $3,187 | $3,690 | |
Yearly | $24,662 | $24,924 | $31,461 | $38,252 | $44,280 | |
Longview | Hourly | $12.66 | $13.38 | $14.58 | $18.33 | $22.97 |
Monthly | $2,194 | $2,319 | $2,527 | $3,177 | $3,981 | |
Yearly | $26,343 | $27,835 | $30,321 | $38,133 | $47,788 | |
Mount Vernon-Anacortes | Hourly | $12.22 | $12.92 | $15.00 | $17.85 | $19.76 |
Monthly | $2,118 | $2,239 | $2,600 | $3,093 | $3,424 | |
Yearly | $25,418 | $26,879 | $31,210 | $37,131 | $41,094 | |
Olympia-Tumwater | Hourly | $12.10 | $12.55 | $14.13 | $18.30 | $24.83 |
Monthly | $2,097 | $2,175 | $2,449 | $3,171 | $4,303 | |
Yearly | $25,172 | $26,108 | $29,385 | $38,068 | $51,662 | |
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | Hourly | $12.26 | $13.40 | $16.04 | $18.96 | $23.84 |
Monthly | $2,125 | $2,322 | $2,780 | $3,286 | $4,131 | |
Yearly | $25,507 | $27,866 | $33,356 | $39,453 | $49,595 | |
Spokane-Spokane Valley | Hourly | $11.93 | $12.52 | $15.31 | $19.21 | $23.41 |
Monthly | $2,067 | $2,170 | $2,653 | $3,329 | $4,057 | |
Yearly | $24,803 | $26,033 | $31,857 | $39,960 | $48,694 | |
Vancouver | Hourly | $11.58 | $12.56 | $14.91 | $19.00 | $24.75 |
Monthly | $2,007 | $2,177 | $2,584 | $3,293 | $4,289 | |
Yearly | $24,084 | $26,128 | $31,020 | $39,528 | $51,480 | |
Walla Walla | Hourly | $12.82 | $13.84 | $15.81 | $19.99 | $23.53 |
Monthly | $2,222 | $2,398 | $2,740 | $3,464 | $4,078 | |
Yearly | $26,668 | $28,791 | $32,901 | $41,570 | $48,942 | |
Wenatchee | Hourly | $12.26 | $12.98 | $14.29 | $16.47 | $18.83 |
Monthly | $2,125 | $2,249 | $2,476 | $2,854 | $3,263 | |
Yearly | $25,519 | $26,993 | $29,729 | $34,245 | $39,163 | |
Yakima | Hourly | $12.10 | $12.56 | $15.33 | $19.46 | $23.43 |
Monthly | $2,097 | $2,177 | $2,657 | $3,372 | $4,060 | |
Yearly | $25,164 | $26,118 | $31,881 | $40,488 | $48,751 | |
United States | Hourly | $10.22 | $11.81 | $14.50 | $18.62 | $23.50 |
Monthly | $1,771 | $2,047 | $2,513 | $3,227 | $4,073 | |
Yearly | $21,260 | $24,570 | $30,160 | $38,730 | $48,890 |
Wages vary by employer, type of machine being operated, and type of product being packaged.
Packaging and filling machine operators who work full time often receive 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.
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders (SOC 51-9111)
Location | Current employment | Growth over 10 years | Annual openings | |
This occupation |
All occupations |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
Washington | 8,323 | 9.9% | 16.1% | 1,169 |
Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties | 951 | 11.1% | 13.4% | 136 |
Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties | 118 | 20.3% | 8.6% | 20 |
Benton and Franklin Counties | 961 | 5.5% | 15.0% | 123 |
Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties | 72 | 11.1% | 11.9% | 10 |
Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties | 653 | 10.0% | 15.2% | 91 |
Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties | 535 | 3.4% | 14.1% | 65 |
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties | 375 | 5.1% | 14.6% | 47 |
King County | 2,013 | 6.3% | 19.6% | 262 |
Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties | 1,621 | 18.2% | 13.8% | 264 |
Pierce County | 398 | 21.1% | 15.2% | 68 |
Snohomish County | 323 | 16.1% | 12.4% | 50 |
Spokane County | 397 | 10.8% | 13.9% | 56 |
United States | 394,900 | 1.3% | 5.2% | 46,700 |
National employment
Major employers:
- Temporary worker agencies
- Fruit and vegetable processors
- Drug manufacturers
- Meat products processors
- Beverage manufacturers
National outlook
Little to no change in growth is expected for this occupation. The largest number of job openings will be for temporary workers.
Job openings will occur as current workers leave this occupation for permanent jobs or jobs that pay more money.
Other resources
Washington Business WeekPO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545
References
Career cluster
Career path
- Realistic (Technical)
O*Net
occupationO*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.
DOT occupations
- Ampoule Filler (559.685-018)
- Auto Roller (529.685-010)
- Baler (690.685-022)
- Baling-machine Tender (920.685-010)
- Bander-and-cellophaner, Machine (920.685-014)
- Barrel Filler II (914.485-010)
- Base-filler Operator (732.685-010)
- BB Shot Packer (920.685-018)
- Bottle Packer (920.685-026)
- Bunch Maker, Machine (529.685-038)
- Bundle Tier and Labeler (920.685-110)
- Candle Wrapping-machine Operator (920.685-030)
- Can-filling-and-closing-machine Tender (529.685-282)
- Capsule-filling-machine Operator (559.682-010)
- Carder (920.685-034)
- Carton-packaging-machine Operator (920.665-010)
- Case Packer and Sealer (920.685-038)
- Case-loader Operator (920.685-042)
- Casing-running-machine Tender (525.685-014)
- Cigar Brander (920.685-046)
- Cigarette-packing-machine Operator (920.685-050)
- Cigar-wrapper Tender, Automatic (529.685-286)
- Cotton Baler (920.685-114)
- Cotton-roll Packer (920.685-054)
- Cubing-machine Tender (920.685-106)
- Cylinder Filler (559.565-010)
- Feed Weigher (920.685-058)
- Filling Machine Tender (524.685-030)
- Filling-and-stapling-machine Operator (692.682-038)
- Filling-machine Operator (699.685-038)
- Filling-machine Operator (733.685-014)
- Foam Charger (827.585-010)
- Foam Dispenser (554.684-014)
- Fruit-grader Operator (529.665-010)
- Gelatin-dynamite-packing Operator (692.662-014)
- Ham-rolling-machine Operator (529.685-138)
- Hydraulic-press Operator (920.685-062)
- Icicle-machine Operator (920.482-010)
- Labeling-machine Operator (920.685-066)
- Level-glass-vial Filler (692.685-114)
- Linking-machine Operator (529.685-162)
- Loading-machine Operator (694.685-026)
- Loading-unit Operator (694.685-030)
- Molder, Meat (520.685-174)
- Package Sealer, Machine (920.685-074)
- Packager, Machine (920.685-078)
- Packer Operator, Automatic (920.685-082)
- Packer, Insulation (579.685-038)
- Packing-machine-pilot Can Router (920.685-086)
- Plug-overwrap-machine Tender (529.685-186)
- Preservative Filler, Machine (529.685-190)
- Punchboard-filling-machine Operator (649.685-094)
- Quilt Stuffer, Machine (689.685-102)
- Rack-room Worker (920.665-014)
- Rim-fire-priming Operator (694.685-050)
- Roll Finisher (920.685-090)
- Sand-slinger Operator (518.683-010)
- Scrap Baller (509.685-046)
- Seal-extrusion Operator (692.685-154)
- Snuff-packing-machine Operator (920.685-094)
- Strapping-machine Operator (692.682-058)
- Stuffer (520.685-210)
- Stuffer (731.685-014)
- Stuffing-machine Operator (732.685-034)
- Stuffing-machine Operator (780.685-014)
- Tape-fastener-machine Operator (649.685-122)
- Tobacco-packing-machine Operator (920.685-098)
- Tracer-bullet-charging-machine Operator (694.382-014)
- Tray-casting-machine Operator (520.685-218)
- Tying-machine Operator (929.685-014)
- Tying-machine Operator, Lumber (929.685-018)
- Wrapper Layer (529.685-266)
- Wrapper-layer-and-examiner, Soft Work (529.685-270)
- Yeast-cutting-and-wrapping-machine Operator (529.665-022)
Holland occupational cluster
- Realistic/Conventional/Investigative
COPSystem
- Technology Skilled