Occupation · SOC 53-7064
Packers and Packagers, Hand
Pack or package by hand a wide variety of products and materials.
Median wage
$35,580
$27,050–$46,260
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
601,440
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
1 mapped
Core skills
MonitoringCritical ThinkingActive ListeningSpeakingReading ComprehensionCoordinationTime ManagementQuality Control AnalysisJudgment and Decision MakingSocial PerceptivenessService OrientationOperations MonitoringActive LearningWritingOperation and ControlMathematicsLearning StrategiesComplex Problem SolvingSystems EvaluationSystems AnalysisInstructingTroubleshootingManagement of Personnel ResourcesPersuasionNegotiationEquipment SelectionManagement of Material ResourcesProgrammingEquipment MaintenanceRepairingManagement of Financial ResourcesTechnology DesignOperations AnalysisScienceInstallation
Knowledge areas
Production and ProcessingCustomer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageAdministrativeMathematicsPublic Safety and SecurityMechanicalComputers and ElectronicsChemistryTransportationBuilding and ConstructionEngineering and TechnologyEducation and TrainingDesignAdministration and ManagementPersonnel and Human ResourcesFood ProductionPsychologySales and MarketingLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsEconomics and AccountingForeign LanguageCommunications and MediaPhysicsSociology and AnthropologyHistory and ArcheologyMedicine and DentistryPhilosophy and TheologyGeographyFine ArtsTherapy and CounselingBiology
Technology & tools
Autodesk AutoCADInventory tracking softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft WordSAP softwareSpreadsheet software
Representative tasks
Getting InformationHandling and Moving ObjectsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesTraining and Teaching OthersEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationPerforming General Physical ActivitiesCoaching and Developing OthersUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeAnalyzing Data or InformationAssisting and Caring for OthersJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkControlling Machines and ProcessesDeveloping and Building TeamsCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentProcessing InformationInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentWorking with ComputersThinking CreativelyScheduling Work and ActivitiesRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationSelling or Influencing OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the Public
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Container and product inspection — recognize basic quality defects and packing specification requirements under direct supervisor guidance on a production floor.Measuring and weighing tools — use scales and tape measures to count and record product quantities under close direction in a warehouse or packaging facility.Packing records and order forms — complete specified paper forms or basic digital entries with supervisor assistance in a production environment.Sealing materials and hand tools — apply glue, fasteners, or tape to close containers following step-by-step instructions on an entry-level packaging line.Cartons and crates — assemble and pad using basic hand tools according to a provided template or diagram in a supervised warehouse setting.Products and containers — obtain, move, and sort materials using hand trucks or dollies under direct instruction in a distribution facility.Marking and labeling tools — apply pre-printed labels and use markers to identify containers accurately following established labeling protocols.Work area and containers — clean surfaces and equipment using approved cleaning solutions following safety guidelines in a packaging facility.Oral instructions and team communications — listen and respond to supervisor directions and coworker requests on a fast-paced packaging floor.Basic inventory software — navigate simple data entry screens to log completed packaging orders with supervisor support in a fulfillment center.
developing
Product quality standards — inspect containers and finished goods against packing specifications with minimal oversight on a high-volume packaging line.Measurement and verification routines — independently weigh, count, and measure products to confirm order accuracy in a distribution or manufacturing facility.Packaging and order records — accurately record and update production data using spreadsheet or inventory management software during a standard shift.Sealing and fastening techniques — select and apply appropriate glues, nails, and hand tools to seal varied container types efficiently on a packaging floor.Carton and container assembly — line, pad, and construct cartons and crates to specification without supervision across routine production runs.Material movement and sorting — obtain and organize products, materials, and orders using hand tools and equipment to maintain workflow on a warehouse floor.Container marking and labeling — mark labels, container tags, and products using marking tools accurately and consistently throughout a full production shift.Facility and equipment cleanliness — perform scheduled cleaning of containers, supplies, and work areas using correct solutions to maintain compliance standards.Problem sensitivity in operations — identify common packaging errors or equipment issues and alert supervisors before they escalate in a production environment.Inventory tracking systems — enter and retrieve stock data using inventory management or ERP software to support accurate order fulfillment in a warehouse setting.
proficient
Quality assurance inspections — autonomously evaluate products, containers, and materials against detailed packing specifications and flag non-conformances on a distribution floor.Multi-product measurement accuracy — independently weigh, count, and verify diverse product types across shifting order volumes in a high-throughput fulfillment center.Production documentation — maintain complete and accurate records across paper and digital systems, including ERP and office suite software, throughout complex packaging workflows.Container sealing for varied materials — select and apply optimal fastening methods for non-routine container types and fragile materials on a specialized packaging line.Complex container construction — assemble, reinforce, and customize cartons, crates, and containers for irregular or high-value shipments using advanced hand tool techniques.Workflow material management — coordinate the movement, sorting, and staging of large product volumes to sustain throughput targets on a busy warehouse floor.Labeling accuracy across product lines — apply and verify marking requirements for multiple product lines and regulatory standards in a regulated distribution environment.Sanitation and compliance maintenance — lead thorough cleaning procedures for work areas and equipment, ensuring adherence to facility safety and hygiene standards.Operational monitoring and correction — track production line performance, detect deviations from packaging standards, and implement corrections independently during active shifts.Cross-functional technology use — leverage inventory management, ERP, and spreadsheet software to reconcile order data and resolve discrepancies in a multi-department facility.
advanced
Packing quality programs — establish and maintain inspection protocols and quality benchmarks for an entire packaging department in a large distribution or manufacturing operation.Measurement and accuracy standards — design verification procedures for weighing, counting, and measuring that reduce error rates across multiple product lines and shifts.Records and reporting systems — implement and oversee documentation workflows using ERP, spreadsheet, and office suite software to ensure data integrity across a facility.Sealing and fastening best practices — evaluate and standardize container sealing methods and tool usage guidelines for all packaging teams in a high-volume operation.Container assembly training — develop instructional materials and hands-on training sessions that bring new employees up to specification in carton and crate assembly.Material flow optimization — redesign sorting and movement processes using lean principles to improve throughput and reduce waste across a warehouse or distribution center.Labeling compliance leadership — oversee marking and labeling standards to ensure regulatory and customer compliance across all product lines in a multi-client fulfillment operation.Facility sanitation governance — set cleaning schedules, select appropriate solutions, and audit adherence to hygiene standards across all shifts in a packaging facility.Team performance and development — coach, evaluate, and mentor packaging workers at all skill levels to build departmental capability in a production environment.Technology integration and improvement — lead the adoption and optimization of inventory management and ERP software to align packaging operations with organizational efficiency goals.
Also known as
181 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Agricultural Produce PackerAmpoule SealerApple Packing HeaderBag FillerBag LoaderBag SealerBaggerBand ShoverBandoleer PackerBarrel FillerBatt PackerBin FillerBinder and Wrapper PackerBook PackerBottling Line AttendantBox Order PersonBox PackerBoxerBulb PackerBulk FillerBulkerBundle PackerBundle PersonBundle TierBundle WrapperBundlerBurlap Roll CovererBurlapperButter WrapperCaddy PackerCake PackerCake WrapperCan Top SetterCandy PackerCard BoxerCarrier PackerCarton WrapperCase FillerCase FolderCase Liner