Overview Salaries

Packaging Operator Salaries

Updated on Mar 10, 2026
Position
Salary

How much does a Packaging Operator make?

The average salary for a Packaging Operator is $40,364 per year in the US.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Packaging Operator positions, showing an average salary of $40,364 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Packaging Operator positions, showing an average salary of $40,364 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Packaging Operator positions, showing an average salary of $40,364 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Packaging Operator positions, showing an average salary of $40,364 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

A packaging operator plays a key role in the manufacturing and distribution process. These professionals ensure products are packaged properly for shipping and sales. Their work is vital, and it deserves recognition in the form of a fair salary. The average yearly salary for a packaging operator stands at approximately $40,364. This figure provides a general sense of what one might expect to earn in this role.


The salary range for packaging operators can vary based on several factors. Experience, location, and specific industry can all play a role. Lower-end earners might make around $28,700 per year. At the higher end of the spectrum, salaries can reach up to $57,680 annually. This range shows that there are opportunities for growth and advancement within the field. As one gains more experience or moves into higher-level positions, they may see an increase in their salary.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Packaging Operator?

Job seekers looking for packaging operator positions should consider cities like Baltimore, Maryland, and Akron, Ohio. Both cities offer above-average salaries for this role. Baltimore pays an average of $73,836 annually, while Akron offers $47,277. These figures suggest that cities with larger markets might provide more opportunities for higher earnings. Explore smaller cities like Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Lincoln, Nebraska, for potentially lucrative positions. Cedar Rapids pays an average of $46,380, and Lincoln offers $45,529. These cities offer a good balance of cost of living and salary, making them attractive for job seekers.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Packaging Operator jobs, highlighting Baltimore, MD with the highest at $73,836 and Columbia, SC with the lowest at $43,987.

  1. Baltimore, MD
    Average Salary: $73,836
    In Baltimore, work with local companies that lead in the food and beverage industry. Job stability is high, with plenty of opportunities for growth. Popular employers include Tyson Foods and McCormick.
    Find Packaging Operator jobs in Baltimore, MD


  2. Akron, OH
    Average Salary: $47,277
    Akron offers many positions in manufacturing and distribution. The city’s strong industrial base provides a stable work environment. Local giants like FirstEnergy Corporation and Rubbermaid often have openings.
    Find Packaging Operator jobs in Akron, OH


  3. Milwaukee, WI
    Average Salary: $46,580
    Milwaukee is home to major firms such as Rockwell Automation and Johnson Controls. These companies offer great benefits and chances to advance. The city's reputation for quality manufacturing makes it a great place to work.
    Find Packaging Operator jobs in Milwaukee, WI


  4. Cedar Rapids, IA
    Average Salary: $46,380
    Cedar Rapids boasts a strong presence of manufacturing companies. Companies like Rockwell Collins and 3M provide numerous opportunities. Workers can expect a supportive environment and potential for growth.
    Find Packaging Operator jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA


  5. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $45,942
    San Diego's vibrant economy offers many jobs in tech and biotech. Companies like Illumina and Qualcomm often hire for these roles. The city’s diverse industries provide ample job opportunities.
    Find Packaging Operator jobs in San Diego, CA


  6. Lincoln, NE
    Average Salary: $45,529
    Lincoln’s economy thrives on agriculture and manufacturing. Firms like Union Pacific and Nebraska Furniture Mart offer stable positions. The city’s smaller size means a tight-knit community of workers.
    Find Packaging Operator jobs in Lincoln, NE


  7. Visalia, CA
    Average Salary: $45,398
    Visalia’s agricultural sector provides numerous opportunities. Companies like Tanimura & Antle and Fresh Express offer good benefits. The laid-back atmosphere makes for a pleasant work environment.
    Find Packaging Operator jobs in Visalia, CA


  8. Memphis, TN
    Average Salary: $44,362
    Memphis is a hub for logistics and manufacturing. Companies like FedEx and International Paper offer numerous roles. The city’s rich cultural scene adds to the quality of life for workers.
    Find Packaging Operator jobs in Memphis, TN


  9. Bend, OR
    Average Salary: $44,153
    Bend’s outdoor lifestyle attracts many companies in outdoor gear and food processing. Firms like Columbia Sportswear and Deschutes Brewery offer outdoor-oriented roles. The city’s natural beauty enhances work-life balance.
    Find Packaging Operator jobs in Bend, OR


  10. Columbia, SC
    Average Salary: $43,987
    Columbia’s growing economy offers opportunities in manufacturing and distribution. Companies like Sonoco Products and Milliken & Company provide stable positions. The city’s expanding job market offers growth potential.
    Find Packaging Operator jobs in Columbia, SC

What are the best companies a Packaging Operator can work for?

Packaging operators often seek stable jobs with competitive pay. American Sugar Refining, Inc. and Ripley's Entertainment Inc. offer among the highest salaries for this role. These companies provide an excellent opportunity for those looking to earn more while performing vital tasks. Additionally, firms like Frito-Lay, Kemps, and Eli Lilly also offer attractive compensation packages. Working for these companies can lead to a fulfilling career with good earnings. Such roles often come with benefits and growth potential.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Packaging Operator jobs, highlighting American Sugar Refining, Inc. with the highest at $81,445 and The Clorox Company with the lowest at $51,296.

  1. American Sugar Refining, Inc.
    Average Salary: $81,445
    American Sugar Refining, Inc. offers Packaging Operator jobs with competitive salaries. They have plants across the U.S., with major locations in Florida, Georgia, and Louisiana. The company focuses on producing high-quality sugar and offers a supportive work environment.


  2. Ripley's Entertainment Inc.
    Average Salary: $63,000
    Ripley's Entertainment Inc. provides exciting Packaging Operator positions, especially in their amusement parks and museums. Based in Orlando, FL, employees enjoy a dynamic workplace that values employee growth and satisfaction.


  3. Frito-Lay
    Average Salary: $57,200
    Frito-Lay offers rewarding Packaging Operator roles, mainly in their production facilities. Locations include Texas, California, and Pennsylvania. They emphasize teamwork and offer a variety of benefits.


  4. Kemps
    Average Salary: $56,842
    Kemps provides Packaging Operator jobs with good compensation. They operate in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Kemps values quality and offers a family-oriented work atmosphere.


  5. Eli Lilly
    Average Salary: $55,086
    Eli Lilly offers Packaging Operator positions with competitive pay. They have facilities in Indiana and California. The company is known for its innovative culture and strong employee support systems.


  6. Ferrara Candy Company
    Average Salary: $54,358
    Ferrara Candy Company provides Packaging Operator jobs with a good salary. Their main locations are in Illinois and Michigan. They focus on quality products and a positive workplace.


  7. Bunge
    Average Salary: $52,390
    Bunge offers Packaging Operator roles with solid compensation. They have operations in Missouri and Louisiana. Bunge values employee contributions and offers a stable work environment.


  8. BD
    Average Salary: $51,686
    BD provides Packaging Operator jobs with decent salaries. They operate in New Jersey and North Carolina. BD emphasizes innovation and offers a supportive work culture.


  9. MilliporeSigma
    Average Salary: $51,443
    MilliporeSigma offers Packaging Operator positions with fair compensation. They have facilities in Missouri and California. The company values scientific excellence and provides a collaborative environment.


  10. The Clorox Company
    Average Salary: $51,296
    The Clorox Company provides Packaging Operator roles with good pay. They are located in California and Georgia. Clorox is known for its strong brand and supportive workplace.

How to earn more as a Packaging Operator?

Increasing earnings as a Packaging Operator involves strategic career moves and skill development. A Packaging Operator who masters the right techniques can see a significant boost in pay. Focusing on certain key areas will help in achieving better job opportunities and higher wages.

First, gaining experience in different types of packaging machinery can make a Packaging Operator more valuable. Second, obtaining certifications in packaging safety and efficiency can lead to better-paying jobs. Third, building strong communication skills with team members ensures smoother operations, which can improve productivity and lead to higher wages. Fourth, consistently seeking feedback and improving performance can lead to promotions. Lastly, networking with industry professionals can open doors to higher-paying positions.

These factors require dedication and effort but can lead to substantial financial rewards. Investing time in training and personal growth will pay off in the long run.

  1. Gain experience with various machinery.
  2. Obtain relevant certifications.
  3. Improve communication skills.
  4. Seek feedback and improve performance.
  5. Network with industry professionals.

Currently 710 Packaging Operator job openings, nationwide.

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Packaging Operator
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