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Automotive, Aviation, & MaritimeDeclining

Packer and Packager, Hand

Operational-level

Also known as: Agricultural Produce Packer, Ampoule Sealer, Apple Packing Header, Bag Filler

Automotive, Aviation, & MaritimeBachelor's Degree

Job Description

As a Hand Packer and Packager, you manually prepare a wide range of products for shipment or storage. You'll work indoors, often on your feet, in environments that may not be temperature-controlled. Accuracy is key, and you'll collaborate with team members to ensure items are packed correctly. You may wear common safety gear like gloves or glasses. This role suits individuals who are observant, pay close attention to detail, and can follow instructions carefully.
Packaging TechnologyWarehouse ManagementMaterial HandlingLogisticsSupply Chain ManagementManufacturingIndustrial OperationsAutomotive

A Day in the Life

You clock in at 6:58 AM, the time clock whirring softly in the industrial warehouse. After grabbing a pair of thick work gloves and strapping on your safety glasses, you head to the packing station for the morning huddle. Your supervisor, Maria, quickly briefs the team on today's priority orders: a big shipment of electronics components and a rush of household goods. You confirm your assignment at Line B, ready to start. The air, though indoors, still carries a slight chill before the machines warm up.

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

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

Hot technologies
Autodesk AutoCADMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft WordSAP software

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

-5%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

61,800

per year (US)

Jobs today

555,500

in 2025 → 528,000 (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
Moderate
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
Moderate
Level of competition
Moderate

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

Future Perspective

Declining Job Market

This career typically requires a high school diploma. The overall outlook for Hand Packers and Packagers is projected to decline through 2035, though about 61,800 job openings are still expected each year. The median annual wage is around $36,280. With experience, you could advance to roles like a Shipping and Receiving Clerk or a Quality Control Inspector.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Material Handler
  • Production Assembler
  • General Laborer

Where it can lead

  • Shipping and Receiving Clerk
  • Inventory Clerk
  • Quality Control Inspector

Impact of AI on this Job

AI and automation will increasingly streamline packaging processes, leading to a shift in responsibilities for hand packers. While manual dexterity may still be needed for delicate or custom items, many routine tasks could be augmented or replaced by robotic systems. This may require workers to develop skills in overseeing automated equipment or handling more specialized, non-standard packaging.

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Salary

$36,280

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position

Relevant Studies

Based on job level & field

Packaging Science

Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years

Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management

Bachelor • Business & Economics • 4 years

Parts, Warehousing, and Inventory Management Operations

Bachelor • Business & Economics • 4 years

Supply Chain Management

Bachelor • Business & Economics • 4 years

Operations Management

Bachelor • Business & Economics • 4 years

Industrial Engineering

Bachelor • Tech & Engineering • 4 years

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