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

What is a packaging technician and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Packaging technicians ensure products are correctly packaged and labeled for shipping. They work in manufacturing and distribution facilities using specialized machinery, and must follow specific safety protocols and quality control measures. They may also be responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting machinery and monitoring inventory levels of packing materials. Attention to detail and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are important qualities for a successful packaging technician.

ScorePackaging TechnicianUS Average

Salary

2.8

Avg. Salary $35,973

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

4.4

Growth rate 3%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

8.4

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.23%

Asian 8.36%

Black or African American 11.94%

Hispanic or Latino 15.46%

Unknown 3.44%

White 59.57%

Gender

female 37.07%

male 62.93%

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 technician?

Pros

Opportunities for advancement and career growth
Competitive pay, benefits, and job stability
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to see tangible results of work efforts
Opportunity to work for a variety of industries

Cons

Can be repetitive and monotonous
Physically demanding, including standing for long periods of time and heavy lifting
Exposure to potentially hazardous substances
Stress due to tight deadlines and production quotas
Limited opportunities for remote or flexible work

Key steps to become a packaging technician

Explore packaging technician education requirements

Most common packaging technician degrees

Bachelor's

30.5 %

High School Diploma

30.0 %

Associate

22.3 %

Start to develop specific packaging technician skills

Skills	Percentages
Basic Math	7.77%
GMP	6.77%
Math	6.58%
Preventative Maintenance	5.32%
Hand Tools	4.89%

Complete relevant packaging technician training and internships

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

Research packaging technician duties and responsibilities

Perform machining, including but not limit to components using mills, lathes and surface grinders to accomplish repairs.
Complete accurate and timely documentation to comply with FDA and GMP regulations
Operate equipment in compliance with company and OSHA standards.
Team member of various over-the-counter lines to prepare package from pill form to truck-ready, with respect to FDA requirements.

Prepare your packaging technician resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your packaging technician resume.

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Choose from 10+ customizable packaging technician resume templates

Build a professional packaging technician 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 technician resume.