Machine Feeders and Offbearers

What the job really is

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

At a glance

• Sector: Transportation & Material Moving
• O*NET-SOC code: 53-7063
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Inspect materials and products for defects, and to ensure conformance to specifications.
• Record production and operational data, such as amount of materials processed.
• Push dual control buttons and move controls to start, stop, or adjust machinery and equipment.
• Weigh or measure materials or products to ensure conformance to specifications.
• Identify and mark materials, products, and samples, following instructions.
• Clean and maintain machinery, equipment, and work areas to ensure proper functioning and safe working conditions.
• Load materials and products into machines and equipment, or onto conveyors, using hand tools and moving devices.
• Transfer materials and products to and from machinery and equipment, using industrial trucks or hand trucks.
• Fasten, package, or stack materials and products, using hand tools and fastening equipment.
• Remove materials and products from machines and equipment, and place them in boxes, trucks or conveyors, using hand tools and moving devices.
• Shovel or scoop materials into containers, machines, or equipment for processing, storage, or transport.
• Open and close gates of belt and pneumatic conveyors on machines that are fed directly from preceding machines.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Conveyor belt systems, Digital floor scales, Electric hoists, Electric winches, Feeder consoles, Folder gluers, Grinder machines, Hoppers, Label applicators

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders
• Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
• Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Packers and Packagers, Hand

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Machine Feeders and Offbearers — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.