Occupation

Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders

Human Advantage 61%

Significant human skills needed

AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
3.6 / 10

Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.

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

Also Known As: Ampoule Filler, Ampoule Sealer, Apple Press Operator, Assembly Line Worker, Assembly Person, Assembly Worker, Auto Roller, Automatic Cigar Wrapper Tender +194 more

Video

Core Tasks

  1. Attach identification labels to finished packaged items, or cut stencils and stencil information on containers, such as lot numbers or shipping destinations.
  2. Sort, grade, weigh, and inspect products, verifying and adjusting product weight or measurement to meet specifications.
  3. Stop or reset machines when malfunctions occur, clear machine jams, and report malfunctions to a supervisor.
  4. Observe machine operations to ensure quality and conformity of filled or packaged products to standards.
  5. Remove finished packaged items from machine and separate rejected items.
  6. Monitor the production line, watching for problems such as pile-ups, jams, or glue that isn't sticking properly.
  7. Inspect and remove defective products and packaging material.
  8. Start machine by engaging controls.
  9. Tend or operate machine that packages product.
  10. Clean, oil, and make minor adjustments or repairs to machinery and equipment, such as opening valves or setting guides.
  11. Regulate machine flow, speed, or temperature.
  12. Adjust machine components and machine tension and pressure according to size or processing angle of product.
  13. Supply materials to spindles, conveyors, hoppers, or other feeding devices and unload packaged product.
  14. Stack finished packaged items, or wrap protective material around each item, and pack the items in cartons or containers.
  15. Package the product in the form in which it will be sent out, for example, filling bags with flour from a chute or spout.
  16. Stock and sort product for packaging or filling machine operation, and replenish packaging supplies, such as wrapping paper, plastic sheet, boxes, cartons, glue, ink, or labels.
  17. Count and record finished and rejected packaged items.
  18. Clean packaging containers, line and pad crates, or assemble cartons to prepare for product packing.
  19. Secure finished packaged items by hand tying, sewing, gluing, stapling, or attaching fastener.
  20. Clean and remove damaged or otherwise inferior materials to prepare raw products for processing.

Education & Training

Job Zone 2 Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Experience: Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.

High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
80%
Less than a High School Diploma
17%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
2%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
1%

Technology & Tools

Hot Technologies

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • SAP software

Software (11)

  • Email software
  • Enterprise resource planning ERP software
  • Label printing software
  • Spreadsheet software
  • Word processing software

Tools & Equipment (28)

  • Adjustable wrenches
  • Box cutters
  • Claw hammers
  • Desktop computers
  • Dial calipers
  • Forklifts
  • Glue guns
  • Handtrucks
  • Industrial platform scales
  • Industrial sewing machines
  • Label-making machines
  • Locking pliers
  • Measuring tapes
  • Pallet jacks
  • Pallet movers
  • Personal computers
  • Phillips head screwdrivers
  • Power drills
  • Powered roll lifts
  • Scanners
  • Scrapers
  • Space gauges
  • Staple guns
  • Stencils
  • Step stools
  • Straight screwdrivers
  • Utility knives
  • Wire brushes

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

Purchasing & Warehousing Supply Chain & Transportation

Zone 2
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders You are here

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