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What is a packager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

A packager is an individual responsible for preparing products for shipment or storage. They work in a variety of industries, including food, cosmetics, and electronics. Packagers typically work in warehouses or production facilities and use machines or hand tools to package products in boxes, bags, or containers. They also ensure that the packaging materials are properly labeled with product information and barcodes. This job requires physical stamina and attention to detail.

ScorePackagerUS Average
Salary
2.5

Avg. Salary $31,506

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
4.4

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
8.6
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.21%

Asian 7.50%

Black or African American 11.90%

Hispanic or Latino 15.33%

Unknown 3.41%

White 60.65%

Gender

female 47.69%

male 52.31%

Age - 46
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 - 46
Stress level
4.4

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity level
5.6

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.8

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a packager?

Pros

  • Opportunity for flexible work schedules

  • Little required education or experience

  • Overtime pay available

  • Room for advancement in some companies

  • Relatively low stress environment

Cons

  • Repetitive work can become monotonous

  • Low pay compared to other industries

  • Potential for injury due to physical demands of the job

  • Long hours standing may cause fatigue or discomfort

  • Work may be seasonal or dependent on demand

Packager career paths

Key steps to become a packager

  1. Explore packager education requirements

    Most common packager degrees

    High School Diploma

    49.4 %

    Bachelor's

    15.5 %

    Diploma

    14.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific packager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Basic Math10.81%
    Package Product10.21%
    Work Ethic9.87%
    Pallets9.00%
    Math8.03%
  3. Complete relevant packager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New packagers 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 packager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real packager resumes.
  4. Research packager duties and responsibilities

    • Create PowerShell scripts to manage installations.
    • Create, customize, automate software installation of applications using WiseStudio / InstallShield by VMware.
    • Comply with applicable FDA, OSHA and Abbott/Ross regulations, policies, procedures or guidelines.
    • Experience on MSI, MST (transforms), MSM (merge modules), MSP (patches).
  5. Prepare your packager resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your packager 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 packager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable packager resume templates

    Build a professional packager 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 packager resume.
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    Packager Resume
    Packager Resume
  6. Apply for packager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a packager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first packager job

Zippi

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Average packager salary

The average packager salary in the United States is $31,506 per year or $15 per hour. Packager salaries range between $21,000 and $45,000 per year.

Average packager salary
$31,506 Yearly
$15.15 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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