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:

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

Industrial Mechanics

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.

Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders

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.

Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders (SOC 51-9111)

Location	Pay Period
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)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
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 Week
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

References

Career cluster

Manufacturing

Career path

Realistic (Technical)

O*Net occupation

Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders (51-9111.00)

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.