Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders

Operate or tend machines to prepare industrial or consumer products for storage or shipment. Includes cannery workers who pack food products.

Median Annual Wage: $26,410

Education: High school diploma or equivalent (72%); Less than high school diploma (20%); Associate's degree (8%)

Projected Growth: Little or no change (-2% to 2%)

Related Job Titles: Machine Operator; Chemical Operator; Bundler; A-Operator; Fabrication Technician; Adjuster/Packer; Filler Operator; Packaging Operator; Closing Machine Operator; Packing Machine Operator

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders.

More Production Careers

  • Observe machine operations to ensure quality and conformity of filled or packaged products to standards.
  • Monitor the production line, watching for problems such as pile-ups, jams, or glue that isn't sticking properly.
  • Attach identification labels to finished packaged items, or cut stencils and stencil information on containers, such as lot numbers or shipping destinations.
  • Stock and sort product for packaging or filling machine operation, and replenish packaging supplies, such as wrapping paper, plastic sheet, boxes, cartons, glue, ink, or labels.
  • Package the product in the form in which it will be sent out, for example, filling bags with flour from a chute or spout.
  • Inspect and remove defective products and packaging material.
  • Start machine by engaging controls.
  • Remove finished packaged items from machine and separate rejected items.
  • Count and record finished and rejected packaged items.
  • Adjust machine components and machine tension and pressure according to size or processing angle of product.
  • Stop or reset machines when malfunctions occur, clear machine jams, and report malfunctions to a supervisor.
  • Stack finished packaged items, or wrap protective material around each item, and pack the items in cartons or containers.
  • Regulate machine flow, speed, or temperature.
  • Tend or operate machine that packages product.
  • Supply materials to spindles, conveyors, hoppers, or other feeding devices and unload packaged product.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders.

  • Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
  • Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  • Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  • Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders.

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