How to become a Packaging and Filling Machine Operator or Tender

Official title: Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders

Also called: Bundler, Closing Machine Operator, Computer Numerical Control Machine Operator (CNC Machine Operator), Filler Operator, Machine Operator, Packaging Operator, Packing Attendant, Packing Machine Operator

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

Main tasks

• Attach identification labels to finished packaged items, or cut stencils and stencil information on containers, such as lot numbers or shipping destinations.
• Sort, grade, weigh, and inspect products, verifying and adjusting product weight or measurement to meet specifications.
• Stop or reset machines when malfunctions occur, clear machine jams, and report malfunctions to a supervisor.
• Observe machine operations to ensure quality and conformity of filled or packaged products to standards.
• Remove finished packaged items from machine and separate rejected items.
• Monitor the production line, watching for problems such as pile-ups, jams, or glue that isn't sticking properly.
• Inspect and remove defective products and packaging material.
• Start machine by engaging controls.

How to become one

Typical education to start: High school diploma or equivalent

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Median pay: $43,220 a year The middle half earn $36,850 to $49,070.
• About 377,700 people work in this job now, and about 393,300 are projected by 2035. (+4.1%)
• People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.

Related jobs

• Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
• Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
• Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Cutters and Trimmers, Hand

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Questions people ask

How much does a Packaging and Filling Machine Operator or Tender earn in the US?

Median full-time pay is $43,220 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $36,850 to $49,070.

Is a Packaging and Filling Machine Operator or Tender a growing career in the US?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 4% by 2035, from about 377,700 to about 393,300 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become a Packaging and Filling Machine Operator or Tender?

Usually not. Only 7% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Packaging and Filling Machine Operator or Tender?

People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.

Sources

• Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.