Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders

What the job really is

Operate or tend machines to prepare industrial or consumer products for storage or shipment. Includes cannery workers who pack food products.

At a glance

• Sector: Production
• O*NET-SOC code: 51-9111
• 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:

• Attach identification labels to finished packaged items, or cut stencils and stencil information on containers, such as lot numbers or shipping destinations.
• Sort, grade, weigh, and inspect products, verifying and adjusting product weight or measurement to meet specifications.
• Stop or reset machines when malfunctions occur, clear machine jams, and report malfunctions to a supervisor.
• Observe machine operations to ensure quality and conformity of filled or packaged products to standards.
• Remove finished packaged items from machine and separate rejected items.
• Monitor the production line, watching for problems such as pile-ups, jams, or glue that isn't sticking properly.
• Inspect and remove defective products and packaging material.
• Start machine by engaging controls.
• Tend or operate machine that packages product.
• Clean, oil, and make minor adjustments or repairs to machinery and equipment, such as opening valves or setting guides.
• Regulate machine flow, speed, or temperature.
• Adjust machine components and machine tension and pressure according to size or processing angle of product.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, SAP software, Adjustable wrenches, Box cutters, Claw hammers, Desktop computers, Dial calipers, Email software

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Packers and Packagers, Hand
• Machine Feeders and Offbearers
• Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders
• Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers

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: Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders — 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.