Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders
Operate or tend machines to prepare industrial or consumer products for storage or shipment. Includes cannery workers who pack food products.
- O*NET-SOC code
51-9111.00 - Preparation Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
Wages
Median annual wage, U.S.$43,220
Employment, U.S.379,060
Median hourly wage$20.78
| 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $33,390 | $36,850 | $43,220 | $49,070 | $60,030 |
By state (50)
| State | Employment | Median annual | Location quotient |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 3,240 | $37,820 | 0.63 |
| Alaska | 260 | $38,730 | 0.33 |
| Arizona | 7,090 | $40,560 | 0.90 |
| Arkansas | 4,630 | $37,740 | 1.46 |
| California | 43,430 | $44,020 | 0.98 |
| Colorado | 4,760 | $46,010 | 0.68 |
| Connecticut | 1,540 | $39,460 | 0.37 |
| Delaware | 680 | $38,500 | 0.58 |
| Florida | 14,010 | $37,170 | 0.58 |
| Georgia | 11,380 | $42,920 | 0.95 |
| Hawaii | 380 | $36,810 | 0.25 |
| Idaho | 3,950 | $46,720 | 1.89 |
| Illinois | 29,400 | $43,150 | 1.98 |
| Indiana | 12,880 | $44,600 | 1.65 |
| Iowa | 6,990 | $45,660 | 1.84 |
| Kansas | 7,920 | $44,890 | 2.26 |
| Kentucky | 8,640 | $45,450 | 1.77 |
| Louisiana | 1,910 | $38,370 | 0.41 |
| Maine | 1,490 | $47,970 | 0.95 |
| Maryland | 3,030 | $43,670 | 0.45 |
| Massachusetts | 5,020 | $40,360 | 0.57 |
| Michigan | 10,940 | $41,690 | 1.02 |
| Minnesota | 7,340 | $40,960 | 1.02 |
| Mississippi | 3,030 | $37,720 | 1.07 |
| Missouri | 12,620 | $48,070 | 1.76 |
| Montana | 380 | $44,350 | 0.31 |
| Nebraska | 4,410 | $46,220 | 1.77 |
| Nevada | 2,700 | $37,440 | 0.71 |
| New Hampshire | 620 | $49,450 | 0.37 |
| New Jersey | 9,810 | $40,280 | 0.94 |
| New Mexico | 1,550 | $35,640 | 0.73 |
| New York | 18,150 | $39,330 | 0.77 |
| North Carolina | 11,870 | $41,150 | 0.98 |
| North Dakota | 760 | $47,390 | 0.73 |
| Ohio | 17,850 | $43,310 | 1.32 |
| Oklahoma | 3,150 | $39,310 | 0.76 |
| Oregon | 5,370 | $45,180 | 1.12 |
| Pennsylvania | 19,340 | $44,480 | 1.31 |
| Rhode Island | 1,100 | $38,330 | 0.90 |
| South Carolina | 4,890 | $40,010 | 0.87 |
| South Dakota | 1,000 | $43,860 | 0.90 |
| Tennessee | 7,400 | $43,190 | 0.93 |
| Texas | 22,970 | $38,950 | 0.67 |
| Utah | 6,350 | $43,780 | 1.50 |
| Vermont | 880 | $46,670 | 1.18 |
| Virginia | 6,150 | $44,950 | 0.61 |
| Washington | 8,450 | $41,700 | 0.98 |
| West Virginia | 810 | $46,410 | 0.47 |
| Wisconsin | 16,150 | $46,220 | 2.25 |
| Wyoming | 360 | $48,890 | 0.53 |
Similar occupations
Similarity is our measure: the cosine of importance x level over all 120 O*NET skills, knowledge areas and abilities. It is not an O*NET finding. More.
Circles are the 20 most similar occupations, coloured by Job Zone. Lines join pairs where one is among the other's 10 most similar; darker lines are pairs O*NET also lists as related. Drag a circle to move it out of the way; select one to open it.
One skill away
Among the 50 occupations most similar to Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders, those at the same Job Zone or lower, where exactly one skill rated at least 3 in importance needs a level more than 0.75 points higher (on O*NET's 0-7 level scale). Our definition. Change the thresholds.
| Occupation | Skill to build | Level gap | Similarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers | Judgment and Decision Making | 0.76 | 0.978 |
| Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals | Judgment and Decision Making | 0.88 | 0.963 |
| Print Binding and Finishing Workers | Complex Problem Solving | 0.76 | 0.961 |
| Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | Complex Problem Solving | 0.76 | 0.958 |
| Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | Operation and Control | 1.00 | 0.956 |
| Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Operation and Control | 0.87 | 0.956 |
| Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Operation and Control | 1.00 | 0.955 |
| Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners | Repairing | 0.87 | 0.953 |
| Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators | Complex Problem Solving | 0.76 | 0.953 |
Software to learn next
Software used by at least 3 of the 20 occupations most similar to Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders, excluding software Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders already lists and any you named. Ranked by how many of them use it, weighted by how much more common it is among them than across all occupations (lift). Our ranking.
| Software | Similar jobs using it | Lift |
|---|---|---|
| Operational databases | 4 of 20 | 15.4x |
| Autodesk AutoCAD | 4 of 20 | 1.1x |
| Web browser software | 3 of 20 | 0.3x |
Skills
From O*NET data. Importance is rated 1 to 5 and level 0 to 7.
| Skill | Type | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operations Monitoring | Transferable skill | 3.25 | 3.25 |
| Monitoring | Essential skill | 3.12 | 2.88 |
| Coordination | Transferable skill | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Operation and Control | Transferable skill | 3.00 | 2.88 |
| Active Listening | Essential skill | 3.00 | 2.75 |
| Reading Comprehension | Essential skill | 2.88 | 2.88 |
| Equipment Maintenance | Transferable skill | 2.88 | 2.62 |
| Quality Control Analysis | Transferable skill | 2.88 | 2.62 |
| Social Perceptiveness | Transferable skill | 2.88 | 2.62 |
| Time Management | Transferable skill | 2.88 | 2.38 |
| Critical Thinking | Essential skill | 2.88 | 2.25 |
| Troubleshooting | Transferable skill | 2.75 | 2.62 |
| Speaking | Essential skill | 2.75 | 2.25 |
| Complex Problem Solving | Transferable skill | 2.75 | 2.12 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | Transferable skill | 2.75 | 2.12 |
| Instructing | Transferable skill | 2.62 | 2.25 |
| Writing | Essential skill | 2.62 | 2.25 |
| Repairing | Transferable skill | 2.38 | 2.25 |
| Active Learning | Essential skill | 2.38 | 2.12 |
| Service Orientation | Transferable skill | 2.38 | 2.12 |
| Management of Personnel Resources | Transferable skill | 2.25 | 2.25 |
| Persuasion | Transferable skill | 2.25 | 2.12 |
| Negotiation | Transferable skill | 2.25 | 2.00 |
| Learning Strategies | Essential skill | 2.12 | 2.25 |
| Mathematics | Essential skill | 2.12 | 2.00 |
| Systems Analysis | Transferable skill | 2.12 | 2.00 |
| Systems Evaluation | Transferable skill | 2.12 | 2.00 |
| Equipment Selection | Transferable skill | 2.00 | 1.75 |
| Technology Design | Transferable skill | 1.38 | 0.38 |
| Management of Financial Resources | Transferable skill | 1.25 | not rated |
| Management of Material Resources | Transferable skill | 1.25 | not rated |
| Programming | Transferable skill | 1.12 | not rated |
| Installation | Transferable skill | 1.00 | not rated |
| Operations Analysis | Transferable skill | 1.00 | not rated |
| Science | Essential skill | 1.00 | not rated |
Knowledge (33) and abilities (52)
| Name | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Production and Processing | 3.76 | 4.03 |
| Mechanical | 3.53 | 4.04 |
| Public Safety and Security | 3.23 | 3.06 |
| Education and Training | 3.20 | 3.33 |
| English Language | 3.19 | 3.06 |
| Customer and Personal Service | 3.06 | 3.26 |
| Mathematics | 3.06 | 3.12 |
| Administration and Management | 2.74 | 2.60 |
| Personnel and Human Resources | 2.59 | 2.30 |
| Computers and Electronics | 2.52 | 2.75 |
| Food Production | 2.38 | 2.40 |
| Sales and Marketing | 2.37 | 1.94 |
| Administrative | 2.36 | 2.31 |
| Chemistry | 2.23 | 1.68 |
| Design | 2.20 | 2.35 |
| Transportation | 2.20 | 1.50 |
| Psychology | 2.19 | 1.96 |
| Engineering and Technology | 2.15 | 2.28 |
| Economics and Accounting | 2.12 | 1.80 |
| Physics | 2.09 | 1.53 |
| Law and Government | 2.08 | 1.86 |
| Communications and Media | 2.03 | 1.61 |
| Building and Construction | 1.92 | 1.92 |
| Telecommunications | 1.85 | 1.17 |
| Medicine and Dentistry | 1.80 | 1.35 |
| Philosophy and Theology | 1.73 | 1.48 |
| Foreign Language | 1.70 | not rated |
| Sociology and Anthropology | 1.69 | 0.91 |
| Therapy and Counseling | 1.63 | 1.43 |
| Geography | 1.55 | not rated |
| Biology | 1.52 | not rated |
| Fine Arts | 1.38 | not rated |
| History and Archeology | 1.36 | not rated |
| Name | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | 3.25 | 3.12 |
| Control Precision | 3.12 | 3.62 |
| Manual Dexterity | 3.12 | 3.50 |
| Near Vision | 3.12 | 3.38 |
| Oral Comprehension | 3.12 | 3.00 |
| Oral Expression | 3.12 | 3.00 |
| Perceptual Speed | 3.12 | 3.00 |
| Problem Sensitivity | 3.12 | 2.88 |
| Finger Dexterity | 3.00 | 3.38 |
| Reaction Time | 3.00 | 3.25 |
| Flexibility of Closure | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Information Ordering | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Multilimb Coordination | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Rate Control | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Selective Attention | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Speech Clarity | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Trunk Strength | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Speech Recognition | 3.00 | 2.88 |
| Visualization | 3.00 | 2.88 |
| Auditory Attention | 2.88 | 3.00 |
| Category Flexibility | 2.88 | 3.00 |
| Written Comprehension | 2.88 | 3.00 |
| Deductive Reasoning | 2.88 | 2.88 |
| Far Vision | 2.88 | 2.88 |
| Inductive Reasoning | 2.88 | 2.75 |
| Time Sharing | 2.88 | 2.75 |
| Hearing Sensitivity | 2.88 | 2.50 |
| Static Strength | 2.75 | 2.88 |
| Extent Flexibility | 2.62 | 2.88 |
| Written Expression | 2.62 | 2.88 |
| Response Orientation | 2.50 | 2.62 |
| Visual Color Discrimination | 2.50 | 2.62 |
| Wrist-Finger Speed | 2.50 | 2.62 |
| Stamina | 2.50 | 2.38 |
| Depth Perception | 2.25 | 2.62 |
| Speed of Limb Movement | 2.25 | 2.25 |
| Fluency of Ideas | 2.25 | 2.12 |
| Originality | 2.12 | 2.25 |
| Dynamic Strength | 2.12 | 2.12 |
| Mathematical Reasoning | 2.12 | 2.12 |
| Speed of Closure | 2.12 | 2.12 |
| Gross Body Equilibrium | 2.12 | 2.00 |
| Number Facility | 2.12 | 2.00 |
| Gross Body Coordination | 2.00 | 2.38 |
| Memorization | 2.00 | 2.00 |
| Spatial Orientation | 2.00 | 1.75 |
| Night Vision | 2.00 | 1.12 |
| Peripheral Vision | 2.00 | 1.12 |
| Sound Localization | 2.00 | 1.12 |
| Glare Sensitivity | 1.88 | 1.12 |
| Explosive Strength | 1.62 | 1.00 |
| Dynamic Flexibility | 1.12 | not rated |
Software used
Examples from O*NET data. "Hot" and "in demand" are O*NET flags for technologies often listed in job postings.
- Microsoft Excel hot
- Microsoft Office software hot
- Microsoft Outlook hot
- Microsoft PowerPoint hot
- Microsoft Word hot
- SAP software hot
- Email software
- Label printing software
Where it concentrates
Metro areas ranked by BLS location quotient: the occupation's share of the area's jobs divided by its share of all US jobs. Above 1 means more concentrated than the nation. Metros employing fewer than 100 are left out.
| Metro area | Employment | Location quotient | Median annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Joseph, MO-KS | 1,120 | 8.46 | $50,930 |
| Logan, UT-ID | 1,330 | 8.15 | $45,360 |
| Owensboro, KY | 980 | 8.13 | $61,250 |
| Twin Falls, ID | 950 | 7.79 | $51,430 |
| Kankakee, IL | 800 | 7.77 | $45,480 |
| Gettysburg, PA | 510 | 6.53 | $46,020 |
| Sheboygan, WI | 910 | 6.12 | $47,120 |
| Joplin, MO-KS | 1,280 | 6.03 | $47,040 |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA | 690 | 5.49 | Not available |
| Gainesville, GA | 1,360 | 5.35 | $40,820 |