Production
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders
Also called: Bundler, Closing Machine Operator, Computer Numerical Control Machine Operator (CNC Machine Operator), Filler Operator
US median pay
$43,220
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+4.1%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
41,400
377,700 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
Operate or tend machines to prepare industrial or consumer products for storage or shipment. Includes cannery workers who pack food products.
What they do day to day
- Attach identification labels to finished packaged items, or cut stencils and stencil information on containers, such as lot numbers or shipping destinations.
- Sort, grade, weigh, and inspect products, verifying and adjusting product weight or measurement to meet specifications.
- Stop or reset machines when malfunctions occur, clear machine jams, and report malfunctions to a supervisor.
- Observe machine operations to ensure quality and conformity of filled or packaged products to standards.
- Remove finished packaged items from machine and separate rejected items.
- Monitor the production line, watching for problems such as pile-ups, jams, or glue that isn't sticking properly.
- Inspect and remove defective products and packaging material.
- Start machine by engaging controls.
- Tend or operate machine that packages product.
- Clean, oil, and make minor adjustments or repairs to machinery and equipment, such as opening valves or setting guides.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Operations Monitoring3.2/5
- Operation and Control3.0/5
- Coordination3.0/5
- Time Management2.9/5
- Social Perceptiveness2.9/5
- Quality Control Analysis2.9/5
- Equipment Maintenance2.9/5
- Troubleshooting2.8/5
Knowledge
- Production and Processing3.8/5
- Mechanical3.5/5
- Public Safety and Security3.2/5
- Education and Training3.2/5
- English Language3.2/5
- Mathematics3.1/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma80%
- Less than high school17%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.