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.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders to increase by 4.1% between 2024 and 2034, from 377,700 to 393,300 jobs. Its estimate of 41,400 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($43,220), education (High school diploma or equivalent), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
377,700
Projected employment (2034)
393,300
Projected change (2024–2034)
4%
Annual openings (projected average)
41,400
Pay & Preparation
$43,220
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Essential Skills
Operations Monitoring (3.25/5) • Monitoring (3.12/5) • Coordination (3/5) • Active Listening (3/5) • Operation and Control (3/5) • Critical Thinking (2.88/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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