How To Become A Packaging Operator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a packaging operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

A packaging operator ensures the proper packaging and labeling of products before they ship to retailers or customers. They operate machinery to fill, seal, and label packages and inspect the products to ensure they meet quality standards. They also troubleshoot equipment, follow safety protocols, and record production numbers. They work with other operators, supervisors, and quality control staff. This role requires attention to detail, physical stamina, ability to work under pressure, and willingness to learn.

ScorePackaging OperatorUS Average

Salary

2.7

Avg. Salary $34,269

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity

8.8

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.22%

Asian 7.76%

Black or African American 10.30%

Hispanic or Latino 19.61%

Unknown 3.42%

White 57.68%

Gender

female 40.30%

male 59.70%

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 Packaging Operator?

Pros

Job stability
Opportunities for overtime
Competitive wages and benefits
Opportunities for advancement
Contributing to the production of goods

Cons

Repetitive tasks can be monotonous
Strict production quotas and deadlines can be stressful
Shift work may disrupt personal life and social schedule
Potential for workplace injuries if safety protocols are not followed
Limited opportunities for flexible scheduling or remote work.

Newest jobs for Packaging Operator in Ashburn, VA

Receive alerts for the newest job postings.

Key steps to become a packaging operator

Explore packaging operator education requirements

Most common packaging operator degrees

High School Diploma

39.3 %

Bachelor's

24.1 %

Associate

18.0 %

Start to develop specific packaging operator skills

Skills	Percentages
Basic Math	8.51%
Math	8.40%
GMP	7.56%
Quality Checks	5.46%
Safety Procedures	4.41%

Complete relevant packaging operator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New packaging operators 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 packaging operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real packaging operator resumes.

Research packaging operator duties and responsibilities

Manage the receipt and tracking of control substances as well as the DEA biennial inspection.
Print, inspect and fill iv bags.
Use of calipers and plug gauge for machine measuring.
Print and complete all paperwork according to DEA regulations.

Prepare your packaging operator resume

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

Choose From 10+ Customizable Packaging Operator Resume templates

Build a professional Packaging Operator 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 Packaging Operator resume.

Apply for packaging operator jobs

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

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

How do packaging operators rate their job?

-/5

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Packaging Operator reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2019

Cons

Short time at work that to day U not working we will call you when we have busy I need a full time job not part time

Pros

It challenging I love challenge to work as a operator it a very challenging job

A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2019