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Packaging technician vs filler operator

The differences between packaging technicians and filler operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a filler operator has an average salary of $37,729, which is higher than the $35,973 average annual salary of a packaging technician.

The top three skills for a packaging technician include basic math, GMP and math. The most important skills for a filler operator are quality checks, food safety, and pallets.

Packaging technician vs filler operator overview

Packaging TechnicianFiller Operator
Yearly salary$35,973$37,729
Hourly rate$17.29$18.14
Growth rate3%1%
Number of jobs64,85965,876
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 31%High School Diploma, 46%
Average age4444
Years of experience--

What does a packaging technician do?

A packaging technician is responsible for planning the packaging design of various products, creating attractive outputs by utilizing software tools and applications, and ensuring that the deliverables adhere to the product's features. Packaging technicians generate new designs according to market trends and public demands. They discuss their product samples to the management team and adjust plans based on the requirements and suggestions. A packaging technician also considers the sales performance of the products to develop outputs that show high innovations, attracting customers to purchase the items, and generating more resources for revenues.

What does a filler operator do?

A filler operator works with the packaging end of a production line. The filler's task is to fill containers with the required number of products before packaging and shipping. The filler also operates filling machines and makes the necessary adjustments to ensure consistency. They are also responsible for inventory and maintenance of filling process equipment. They must work well under pressure and be scrupulously accurate.

Packaging technician vs filler operator salary

Packaging technicians and filler operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Packaging TechnicianFiller Operator
Average salary$35,973$37,729
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $44,000Between $30,000 And $46,000
Highest paying CityMoorhead, MNSaint Paul, MN
Highest paying stateMinnesotaMinnesota
Best paying companyDairy Farmers of AmericaNestlé
Best paying industryPharmaceuticalHealth Care

Differences between packaging technician and filler operator education

There are a few differences between a packaging technician and a filler operator in terms of educational background:

Packaging TechnicianFiller Operator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 31%High School Diploma, 46%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Packaging technician vs filler operator demographics

Here are the differences between packaging technicians' and filler operators' demographics:

Packaging TechnicianFiller Operator
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 62.9% Female, 37.1%Male, 68.7% Female, 31.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.9% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 8.4% White, 59.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 18.7% Asian, 7.9% White, 57.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between packaging technician and filler operator duties and responsibilities

Packaging technician example 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.
  • Package pharmaceuticals, maintain a sterile environment and ensure OSHA standards, work in the clean room and freezer areas.
  • Conduct maintenance to material grinders.
  • Show more

Filler operator example responsibilities.

  • Comply with all environmental regulations including GMP's, HACCP, and OSHA.
  • Ensure pallets are move with precision to appropriate location by using a manual or power pallet jack.
  • Perform required HACCP plan testing to insure safe quality product production.
  • Move pulling unit from one location to another (CDL).
  • Maintain a clean and safe environment while observing all PPE standards and precaution.
  • Perform CIP on machinery to ensure cleanliness and ensure the highest quality product.
  • Show more

Packaging technician vs filler operator skills

Common packaging technician skills
  • Basic Math, 8%
  • GMP, 7%
  • Math, 7%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 5%
  • Hand Tools, 5%
  • Data Entry, 5%
Common filler operator skills
  • Quality Checks, 16%
  • Food Safety, 9%
  • Pallets, 7%
  • Basic Math, 7%
  • Math, 6%
  • PPE, 5%

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