How To Become A Package Designer: What It Is and Career Path

What is a package designer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Abby Guido

As a package designer, you will guide the design process from start to finish. You will design and execute a prototype of packing material that grabs the consumer's attention. If you can use design elements like shape, graphics, color, and typography to create functional and appealing packaging, you will be very valuable to your company.

As a Package Designer, you will need to design a product that functions and protects what's inside. You need to allow for storage and distribution. You should also design packaging that displays information about the company and is competitive-looking on a shelf.

To be a package designer, you will need a bachelor's degree in packaging. You will also need experience as a package designer, handler, or packer in a company. A starting salary for a Package Designer is $54,000 per year. Not bad for someone who plays with boxes.

What general advice would you give to a package designer?

Abby Guido

Assistant Professor, Tyler School of Art and Architecture, Temple University

We've all heard the buzz about networking, and there is so much buzz because it works. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is both up to date and active. Connect with all of your past professors, classmates, and anyone and everyone you meet in a professional setting. I often tell students to get into the habit of searching for any classroom guests, or guest lecturers, to connect, thank them for their time, and build their network. Share content. Write articles, or reshare those you find interesting.

Every job I have ever received in my career has been through someone else I know. I share this with students to help them see the value in relationships. I always remember the students that took the time to write a handwritten thank-you note. And I think of them when I get an email asking if I know any students are looking for work.

ScorePackage DesignerUS Average

Salary

4.1

Avg. Salary $52,273

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

4.2

Growth rate 3%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.5

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.37%

Asian 10.42%

Black or African American 3.42%

Hispanic or Latino 10.63%

Unknown 4.99%

White 70.17%

Gender

female 41.15%

male 58.85%

Age - 37

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 37

Stress level

4.2

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.5

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

3.9

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a package designer

Explore package designer education requirements

Most common package designer degrees

Bachelor's

72.5 %

Associate

19.8 %

Master's

4.6 %

Start to develop specific package designer skills

Skills	Percentages
Graphic Design	11.11%
CAD	5.92%
Adobe Creative Suite	5.88%
Design Solutions	5.47%
Package Design	5.41%

Complete relevant package designer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New package designers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a package designer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real package designer resumes.

Research package designer duties and responsibilities

Modify SRV-1 source code using JavaScript software to attain tracking at any instantaneous time.
Participate in brainstorming of conceptual designs and perform feasibility studies of relate concepts.
Participate in brainstorming for visual direction and mechanical solutions for active and upcoming projects.
Develop handbags from initial sketch through final product including material sourcing, development of prototypes, sampling and technical specifications.

Prepare your package designer resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your package designer resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a package designer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable package designer resume templates

Build a professional package designer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your package designer resume.