Career Overview
Pack or package by hand a wide variety of products and materials.
Also Known As
- Bagger
- Packager
- Packer
- Selector Packer
Alternate Job Titles
- Agricultural Produce Packer
- Ampoule Sealer
- Apple Packing Header
- Bag Filler
- Bag Loader
- Bag Sealer
- Bagger
- Band Shover
- Bandoleer Packer
- Barrel Filler
- Batt Packer
- Bin Filler
- Binder and Wrapper Packer
- Book Packer
- Bottling Line Attendant
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Examine and inspect containers, materials, or products to ensure that product quality and packing specifications are met.
- Measure, weigh, and count products and materials.
- Record product, packaging, and order information on specified forms and records.
- Seal containers or materials, using glues, fasteners, nails, and hand tools.
- Assemble, line, and pad cartons, crates, and containers, using hand tools.
- Obtain, move, and sort products, materials, containers, and orders, using hand tools.
- Mark and label containers, container tags, or products, using marking tools.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Production and Processing
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Near Vision
- Problem Sensitivity
- Trunk Strength
- Oral Comprehension
- Speech Recognition
- Static Strength
- Multilimb Coordination
- Manual Dexterity
- Oral Expression
- Selective Attention
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Integrity
- Stress Tolerance
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Relationships
- Support
- Independence
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience Required: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Word
- SAP software
Tools & Equipment
- Bagging machines
- Bundling equipment
- Carton closing staplers
- Clamshell sealers
- Claw hammers
- Combination polypropylene strapping tools
- Computer scanners
- Computerized scales
- Electric tabletop staplers
- Electronic water-activated tape dispensers
- Foot-operated staplers
- Forklifts
- Glue guns
- Heat sealers
- Heat shrink guns
Work Environment
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Spend Time Standing
- Contact With Others
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $27,050 |
| Median | $35,580 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $46,260 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 601,440
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $40,900
Machine Feeders and Offbearers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $39,700
Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products
Education: Less than a High School Diploma
Median Salary: $35,430
Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $45,210
Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $45,700
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.