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How to hire a pack machine operator

Pack machine operator hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring pack machine operators in the United States:

  • There are currently 300,555 pack machine operators in the US, as well as 68,876 job openings.
  • Pack machine operators are in the highest demand in Goodyear, AZ, with 22 current job openings.
  • The median cost to hire a pack machine operator is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new pack machine operator to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire a pack machine operator, step by step

To hire a pack machine operator, you should clearly understand the skills and experience you are looking for in a candidate, and allocate a budget for the position. You will also need to post and promote the job opening to reach potential candidates. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hire a pack machine operator:

Here's a step-by-step pack machine operator hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a pack machine operator job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new pack machine operator
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a pack machine operator do?

A pack machine operator is an employee who is responsible for operating and maintaining packaging machines to prepare industrial and consumer products for storage or shipment. Pack machine operators observe machine operations to ensure quality and conformity of filled or packaged products are up to standards. They monitor the production line to avoid problems such as pile-ups or jams while removing defective products and packaging material. Pack machine operators must also conduct maintenance of the packaging machines on a weekly to monthly basis.

Learn more about the specifics of what a pack machine operator does
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    Before you post your pack machine operator job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a pack machine operator for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    A pack machine operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, pack machine operators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

    This list presents pack machine operator salaries for various positions.

    Type of Pack Machine OperatorDescriptionHourly rate
    Pack Machine Operator$13-20
    Machine Operator/Forklift OperatorA machine operator/forklift operator is responsible for operating industrial trucks to move merchandise around the warehouse facilities and other assigned areas. Machine operators/forklift operators also assist with inventory tasks by scanning orders and ensuring the correct merchandise for shipment... Show more$12-18
    Cell OperatorA Cell Operator is someone who handles a production cell in a company or factory. This position ensures that a cell unit of the production functions properly and efficiently... Show more$14-21
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Basic Math
    • Defective Products
    • Team-Oriented Environment
    • Quality Checks
    • Safety Procedures
    • Math
    • Safety Rules
    • Quality Standards
    • Troubleshoot
    • GMP
    • Product Quality
    • Electric Pallet Jack
    • Metal Detectors
    • Assembly Line
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Insure that products pass inspection according to FDA contracts.
    • Perform CIP procedures on machinery when changing yogurt brands.
    • Maintain and operate machine and equipment quality control FDA approval identify good or bad parts
    • Observe quality of finish parts to prevent oversight by packer/inspector & prevent QA direction to rework/reinspect.
    • Perform QA checks, rework when need, cleaning, and transporting cages to the cooler.
    • Review other inspectors GMP forms; verify calibration and functionality of GMP instrumentation perform in-process tests and product audits.
    More pack machine operator duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in the pack machine operator job description is a good way to get more applicants. A pack machine operator salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

    For example, the average salary for a pack machine operator in Mississippi may be lower than in North Dakota, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level pack machine operator. Additionally, a pack machine operator with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

    Average pack machine operator salary

    $35,157yearly

    $16.90 hourly rate

    Entry-level pack machine operator salary
    $28,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 17, 2025

    Average pack machine operator salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1Minnesota$40,202$19
    2Washington$38,643$19
    3Wisconsin$37,686$18
    4Illinois$36,992$18
    5Indiana$36,752$18
    6Ohio$36,368$17
    7Oregon$36,101$17
    8Colorado$35,980$17
    9Arizona$35,501$17
    10Iowa$35,291$17
    11New York$34,057$16
    12Missouri$33,893$16
    13Nebraska$33,842$16
    14Utah$33,019$16
    15North Carolina$32,804$16
    16Georgia$32,037$15
    17Texas$31,371$15
    18Alabama$31,077$15
    19Oklahoma$30,253$15
    20Tennessee$29,880$14

    Average pack machine operator salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1Reser's Fine Foods$48,980$23.557
    2Nation Pizza$47,888$23.02
    3Nestlé$47,194$22.6978
    4Fresh Express$46,329$22.2713
    5Blue Diamond Growers$44,923$21.605
    6Hearthside Food Solutions$44,532$21.41
    7Schreiber Foods$43,685$21.0015
    8Foster Farms$43,668$20.9912
    9Mars$43,390$20.8619
    10Highliner Food Svc$43,164$20.75
    11PepsiCo$43,125$20.736
    12Reckitt Benckiser$42,581$20.4710
    13The Clorox Company$42,516$20.4416
    14Shearer's Foods$42,447$20.413
    15B&G Foods$42,443$20.416
    16General Mills$42,343$20.365
    17Amcor$42,040$20.21133
    18Abbott$41,857$20.1243
    19Alere$41,718$20.06
    20The Manitowoc Company$41,576$19.99
  4. Writing a pack machine operator job description

    A good pack machine operator job description should include a few things:

    • Summary of the role
    • List of responsibilities
    • Required skills and experience

    Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a pack machine operator job description:

    Pack machine operator job description example

    We have over 5,000 associates in 11 state-of-the-art manufacturing and warehouse sites in North America that produce over 800 million pounds of snacks per year. Did you know that we buy 20% of all the potatoes grown in the US? WOW!

    And we know what you’re thinking…how can I get my hands on some free goodies? Our team members can munch on Free Snacks....Everyday!

    NEW HOURLY RATE $20.25/HR!

    Packaging Machine Operators Afternoons (every other weekend off)4pm-12am $20.25/hour (+ $1.00 shift premium)

    Dedication, Dependability , and a Willingness to learn are a must. The PMO will be responsible for running, changing over, efficiency and quality of 3-5 packaging machines. They will have responsibility of communicating changes and plans to Team Member’s in immediate area and supervision. There will be a required set of tasks to be performed on a computer at specific times throughout the shift. As a PMO, job duties include, but are not limited to the set up and operation of packaging equipment, following precise recipes and work procedures, monitoring and adjusting variables and performing product quality tests and data collection. Extruded Processor must also be able to react to direction from quality assurance and management personnel. PMO’s will be exposed to allergens, chemicals, extreme equipment and temperatures. They will be expected to multi-task and prioritize throughout the day. Job duties also include use of hand tools.

    What you Bring to the Table:

    Leadership – The PMO will set the example for the line, as such they will need to follow all policies/procedures set forth by Shearers Foods LLC. The PMO must have the ability to work well with others. Must demonstrate Shearer's Core Values of Respect, Teamwork, and Giving Back.

    Troubleshooting Skills – Must have ability to work through problems to find root causes and address issues for Mechanical and Automation Equipment

    Computer Skills - Must have basic computer skills required to run production. Verifications on computer will be done routinely throughout the day.

    Time Management – Will have to effectively manage his/her own time. Quality verifications will be performed at specific intervals throughout the day. The PMO is responsible for completing changeovers in allotted time as well as planning his/her breaks around lulls in activity.

    Flexibility – The PMO may need to be flexible for the training period, and be available for pre-shift meetings when applicable. Must be able to work weekends and overtime when needed.

    Physical Demands – The PMO must be able to move, twist, or lift up to 60lbs and team lift 75 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and ability to adjust focus. Team Member must be able to be on his/her feet for twelve (12+) hours, to keep up with a fast, repetitious pace and to do repetitious lifting.

    We Offer a Feast of Benefits

    Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Flexible Spending Account, Retirement Savings Plan with Match, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Group Critical Accident Insurance, Group Critical Illness Insurance, Employee Assistance Plan and numerous opportunities to volunteer in the communities in which we operate.

    You will be considered for employment in our inclusive workplace

    Because at Shearer’s, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

    This is your invitation to apply now!

    #zr

  5. Post your job

    To find pack machine operators for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

    • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
    • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any pack machine operators they would recommend.
    • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level pack machine operators with the right educational background.
    • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your pack machine operator job on Zippia to find and recruit pack machine operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    To successfully recruit pack machine operators, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

    Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new pack machine operator

    Once you've selected the best pack machine operator candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

    It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

    To prepare for the new pack machine operator first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a pack machine operator?

Recruiting pack machine operators involves both the one-time costs of hiring and the ongoing costs of adding a new employee to your team. Your spending during the hiring process will mostly be on things like promoting the job on job boards, reviewing and interviewing candidates, and onboarding the new hire. Ongoing costs will obviously involve the employee's salary, but also may include things like benefits.

Pack machine operators earn a median yearly salary is $35,157 a year in the US. However, if you're looking to find pack machine operators for hire on a contract or per-project basis, hourly rates typically range between $13 and $20.

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