How much does a Packaging Operator make?
Packaging Operators play a key role in various industries, from food and pharmaceuticals to electronics and consumer goods. Based on recent data, these professionals can expect to earn an average yearly salary of $40,317. This figure can vary based on several factors, including experience, location, and specific industry.
The salary data shows that most Packaging Operators fall within a certain range. About 11.59% earn between $31,669 and $34,338 per year. The next group, making up 15.64% of the workforce, earns between $34,338 and $37,007 annually. Other workers may earn more, with some earning up to $58,360 a year. These variations can be due to different levels of experience or the complexity of tasks they handle.
What are the highest paying cities for a Packaging Operator?

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Baltimore, MD
Average Salary: $71,844
In Baltimore, you can find a range of job opportunities in the packaging industry. Companies like Under Armour and McCormick rely on skilled workers to ensure their products are well-packaged for distribution. The work environment tends to be fast-paced, providing a dynamic setting for professionals.
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Akron, OH
Average Salary: $47,209
Akron, Ohio, is known for its rubber manufacturing, and skilled packaging workers are in demand. Major companies like Goodyear Tire & Rubber and Firestone employ many packaging specialists. Working here offers a chance to be part of an industry with a rich history.
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Milwaukee, WI
Average Salary: $46,309
Milwaukee offers job opportunities in packaging with companies like MillerCoors and Johnson Controls. The city's strong manufacturing base means there is consistent demand for packaging experts. The work often involves teamwork, making it a collaborative environment.
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Cedar Rapids, IA
Average Salary: $45,210
Cedar Rapids is home to several large manufacturing firms that require packaging professionals. Companies like Rockwell Collins and Vermeer Corporation offer many positions. Working in Cedar Rapids means being part of a community with a strong industrial focus.
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Lincoln, NE
Average Salary: $45,080
Lincoln has a variety of job openings in the packaging sector, with companies like Union Pacific and Berkshire Hathaway employing many workers. The work here often involves ensuring products are packaged securely and efficiently for shipping.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $44,914
San Diego offers a variety of packaging jobs, especially in the biotech and food industries. Companies like Illumina and Del Monte rely on skilled packaging professionals. Working here can offer a chance to be part of a growing tech and food sector.
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Visalia, CA
Average Salary: $44,837
Visalia provides job opportunities in the agricultural sector, where packaging workers are crucial. Companies like DiGiorgio and Sun World International depend on skilled workers. The city's agricultural base means there is a steady demand for packaging professionals.
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Bend, OR
Average Salary: $44,208
In Bend, opportunities in the packaging industry often come from companies involved in outdoor gear and food production. Firms like Columbia Sportswear and Tuality Healthcare offer positions. Working here means being part of a vibrant community with a strong outdoor culture.
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Memphis, TN
Average Salary: $43,784
Memphis is a hub for logistics and distribution, with many opportunities for packaging workers. Companies like FedEx and International Paper employ many skilled professionals. The city’s strong focus on transportation means a steady demand for packaging jobs.
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Columbia, SC
Average Salary: $43,603
Columbia offers numerous opportunities in the packaging industry, especially in manufacturing and healthcare sectors. Companies like Sonoco Products and Prisma Health offer many positions. The work environment tends to be supportive, with a focus on quality.
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What are the best companies a Packaging Operator can work for?

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American Sugar Refining, Inc.
Average Salary: $81,445
American Sugar Refining, Inc. offers competitive salaries for its Packaging Operator jobs. This company operates in many locations across the United States. Their Packaging Operators work in facilities where they ensure the safe and accurate packaging of products. This role is vital for maintaining the quality of their sugar and related products.
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Ripley's Entertainment Inc.
Average Salary: $63,000
Ripley's Entertainment Inc. provides a good salary for its Packaging Operators. The company runs several attractions and entertainment venues nationwide. Packaging Operators here are responsible for packing merchandise that supports Ripley's attractions. These professionals work in facilities located in key tourist areas.
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B. Braun
Average Salary: $62,807
B. Braun offers attractive compensation for Packaging Operator positions. This company specializes in medical supplies and is active in many countries. Here, Packaging Operators ensure that medical products are correctly packaged for safety and delivery. This role is crucial in maintaining the high standards of B. Braun’s products.
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Frito-Lay
Average Salary: $57,814
Frito-Lay pays a solid salary for its Packaging Operators. With manufacturing plants across the United States, Frito-Lay relies on Packaging Operators to package snacks efficiently. This role involves working in large-scale production environments to meet consumer demand for snack products.
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Eli Lilly
Average Salary: $55,144
Eli Lilly provides a competitive salary for Packaging Operator jobs. Operating in many locations, Eli Lilly focuses on pharmaceutical products. Here, Packaging Operators handle the careful packaging of medications. This role is essential to ensure the safety and quality of pharmaceutical products.
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Ferrara Candy Company
Average Salary: $53,557
Ferrara Candy Company offers a good salary for Packaging Operators. This company has facilities across the United States, producing candy and confectionery products. Packaging Operators ensure that candy is packaged correctly and attractively for consumers. This role is key in maintaining the quality of Ferrara's sweet treats.
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BD
Average Salary: $52,827
BD provides a fair salary for Packaging Operator positions. Known for medical technology, BD has locations nationwide. Packaging Operators here package medical devices and supplies. This role is vital in ensuring the safety and efficiency of medical product packaging.
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Bunge
Average Salary: $52,390
Bunge offers a good salary for Packaging Operators. Operating in many locations worldwide, Bunge is involved in agribusiness. Here, Packaging Operators handle the packaging of agricultural products. This role is essential for the smooth operation of Bunge’s supply chain.
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The Clorox Company
Average Salary: $51,292
The Clorox Company provides a competitive salary for Packaging Operator jobs. With manufacturing facilities across the United States, The Clorox Company relies on Packaging Operators to package cleaning and household products. This role is key to ensuring consumer safety and product quality.
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McCain Foods
Average Salary: $51,032
McCain Foods offers a solid salary for Packaging Operator positions. Operating in many locations worldwide, McCain Foods focuses on frozen food products. Packaging Operators here package a variety of frozen foods. This role is vital to maintaining the quality and safety of McCain's products.
How to earn more as a Packaging Operator?
A Packaging Operator can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. Working in manufacturing, this role is crucial, and attention to detail can make a difference. To earn more, a Packaging Operator should prioritize the following factors:
Attention to detail can help a Packaging Operator avoid mistakes that cost the company money. Ensuring that products are packaged correctly the first time can improve efficiency and lead to higher pay. Experience is another key factor. As a worker gains more experience, they often become more efficient and skilled. This can lead to promotions and higher pay. Networking within the industry can open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Attending industry events and connecting with colleagues can lead to new job offers. Continuing education and training can also increase earning potential. Learning new skills can make a worker more valuable. Finally, staying positive and professional can lead to better reviews and opportunities for advancement.
Focusing on these factors can help a Packaging Operator earn more. Attention to detail, experience, networking, training, and professionalism all play a role in career advancement and higher pay.
Consider these five factors to boost your earnings as a Packaging Operator:
- Attention to detail
- Experience
- Networking
- Training and education
- Professionalism



