What Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders this way: "Operate or tend machines to prepare industrial or consumer products for storage or shipment. Includes cannery workers who pack food products."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Observe machine operations to ensure quality and conformity of filled or packaged products to standards"; "Adjust machine components and machine tension and pressure according to size or processing angle of product"; "Tend or operate machine that packages product"; "Remove finished packaged items from machine and separate rejected items"; "Regulate machine flow, speed, or temperature".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is moderate-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 377,700 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 393,300 in 2035, an increase of 15,600 jobs (+4.1%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 41,400 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 11.0% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $43,220, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders earn the most
Across the 6 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $39,044 in Texas to $44,097 in Indiana, a gap of $5,054 (1.13 times). 3 of those 6 states average above the BLS national median of $43,220 and 3 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 42,130, which is 22.4% of the 188,040 counted across them. Indiana follows with 39,890.
Highest-paying states
Indiana ($44,097), California ($43,870) and Illinois ($43,660) lead the ranking, while Texas ($39,044) and New York ($40,403) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders: pay against the cost of living
We compare 6 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Lake County, IN (Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN) at $14,748. The weakest market is Kings County, NY, where the basics cost $9,117 more than take-home pay.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 4 of the 6 markets and falls short in 2. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 39.6% and 103.1% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (51-9000) include Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders, Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators, Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers and Helpers--Production Workers.
Frequently asked questions about Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders
How much do Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $43,220. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $39,044 to $44,097.
Which state pays Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders the most?
Indiana, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $44,097. California is next at $43,870.
Is Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 4.1% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 41,400 openings a year.
What education do Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and moderate-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.
Where can Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Lake County, IN leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $14,748 on a median wage of $43,290.