⭐ Manufacturing ↑ 4% growth · Average

Packaging Machine Operator

Packaging operators run and maintain automated packaging equipment — filling, sealing, labeling, and palletizing products across food, pharmaceutical, consumer goods, and industrial sectors. As packaging lines become more automated, operators with mechanical and PLC troubleshooting skills are increasingly in demand.

$37,800 Median Salary
325K US Jobs
weeks to months on-the-job Training
$0–$3,000 Typical Cost
Get Free Program Info → Find Schools

💰 Salary & Earning Potential

Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures represent national averages — local wages vary by state, city, and employer.

Entry Level
$30,000
Median
$37,800
Experienced
$52,000
Want your state's salary? Select a state below to see local wage data, demand, and training programs.

📈 Job Outlook

4%
Projected Growth (10yr)
Average
325K
Total US Jobs
Active positions nationwide
On-the-job training; CPO
Required Credential
On-the-job training; CPO (Certified Packaging Operator) for advancement

🎓 Training & Education

Typical Program
High school diploma + on-the-job training
Program Length
weeks to months on-the-job
Typical Tuition
$0–$3,000
Work Setting
Food plants, pharmaceutical facilities, consumer goods manufacturers
🏆 Credential Required: On-the-job training; CPO (Certified Packaging Operator) for advancement

☀️ Day in the Life

A typical day as a Packaging Machine Operator involves working closely with clients and colleagues in a Food plants environment. You'll apply your training daily while building expertise and advancing your career.

⚖️ Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • ✅ Strong job security
  • ✅ Rewarding work
  • ✅ Clear career progression
  • ✅ Growing demand

Challenges

  • ⚠️ Can be physically demanding
  • ⚠️ May require ongoing certification
  • ⚠️ Entry-level wages vary by region

🗺️ Packaging Machine Operator by State

See local salary data, licensing requirements, and schools in your state:

FL FloridaGA GeorgiaTX TexasCA CaliforniaNY New YorkNC North CarolinaIL IllinoisOH OhioPA PennsylvaniaAZ ArizonaAL AlabamaAR ArkansasLA LouisianaMS MississippiSC South CarolinaTN TennesseeVA VirginiaWV West VirginiaKY KentuckyMD MarylandDE DelawareNJ New JerseyCT ConnecticutMA MassachusettsRI Rhode IslandNH New HampshireVT VermontME MaineMI MichiganIN IndianaWI WisconsinMN MinnesotaIA IowaMO MissouriND North DakotaSD South DakotaNE NebraskaKS KansasOK OklahomaCO ColoradoMT MontanaWY WyomingID IdahoUT UtahNV NevadaNM New MexicoWA WashingtonOR OregonAK AlaskaHI HawaiiDC Washington DC