What does a Machine Feeder and Offbearer do?

Feed materials into or remove materials from machines or equipment that is automatic or tended by other workers.

What is the salary of a Machine Feeder and Offbearer?

The typical salary range is $27,790 - $55,580 per year.

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Automotive, Aviation, & MaritimeDeclining

Machine Feeder and Offbearer

Operational-level

Also known as: Acid Dumper, Archery Equipment Hay Sorter, Assembly Machine Operator, Automatic Glove Turner and Former

Automotive, Aviation, & MaritimeBachelor's Degree

Job Description

As a Machine Feeder and Offbearer, you load raw materials into machines and remove finished or partly finished products. You work in manufacturing or production environments, often on your feet and using your hands to handle materials. This role involves following instructions, communicating with a team, and carefully monitoring machine operation. It's a good fit if you're detail-oriented, enjoy practical work, and are comfortable in a busy, sometimes noisy, factory setting where the pace is set by equipment.

Automotive ManufacturingAviation ManufacturingMaritime ManufacturingMaterial HandlingProduction OperationsManufacturingIndustrial TechnologyLogisticsAutomotive

A Day in the Life

The scent of cardboard dust hits you as you step into Apex Packaging, punching in at 6:58 AM. You grab your safety glasses, earplugs, and cut-resistant gloves from your locker, then lace up your steel-toed boots. Walking onto the production floor, the low hum of machinery quickly builds to a roar. You head to your station beside the massive die-cutting press, scanning the previous shift’s log for any notes before starting your machine inspection.

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies

Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

-13.1%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

4,000

per year (US)

Jobs today

41,800

in 2025 → 36,300 (2035)

Typical entry education

No formal educational credential

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication

Low

Working in a team

High

Contact with others

High

Freedom to make decisions

Moderate

Time pressure

High

Time spent sitting

Low

Working outdoors

Low

Indoor, climate-controlled

Moderate

Dealing with customers

Low

Level of competition

Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Declining Job Market

The job outlook for Machine Feeders and Offbearers is projected to decline by 13.1% through 2035, with about 4,000 job openings each year. The median annual wage is around $41,220. You can advance by gaining experience, learning to operate machines, or moving into industrial maintenance, which can offer more stable prospects.

Career ladder

Often before this role

Production Laborer
Warehouse Worker
Production Assistant

Machine Feeder and Offbearer

Where it can lead

Machine Operator
Industrial Maintenance Technician
Production Supervisor

Impact of AI on this Job

AI, when integrated with advanced robotics and automation, will likely significantly reduce the demand for traditional Machine Feeder and Offbearer roles. Many repetitive tasks involving material loading, unloading, and handling are prime candidates for full automation within the next 5-10 years. This could lead to job displacement, with a potential shift towards roles focused on monitoring, maintaining, or programming these automated systems.

Salary

$41,220

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position