Packaging and Filling Machine Operators
Description OES Code: 92974
Operate or tend machines, such as filling machines, casing-running machines, ham rolling machines, preservative filling machines, baling machines, wrapping machines, and stuffing machines, to prepare industrial or consumer products, such as gas cylinders, meat and other food products, tobacco, insulation, ammunition, stuffed toys, and athletic equipment for storage or shipment.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $6.41
25th Percentile $6.96
50th Percentile $8.47
75th Percentile $12.27

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $8.18
25th Percentile $8.65
50th Percentile $11.36
75th Percentile $15.11

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Some employers in this occupation are seasonal and average 40 hours a week. Among benefits which have been reported by some employers within California are medical insurance, paid vacation, sick leave, life insurance, retirement plans, dental insurance, and vision insurance.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 43,300
Projected Employment 2008 54,100
Percent Change 1998-2008 24.9%
Separations 1998-2008 12,700

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 950
Projected Employment 2006 1,080
Percent Change 1999-2006 13.7%
Separations 1999-2006 190

Employment Trends by California County.

Advancement
Persons working in this profession may have opportunities to advance to higher level positions such as lead person and supervisor or foreman.

Advancement
Persons working in this profession may have opportunities to advance to higher level positions such as lead person and supervisor or foreman.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Applicants should contact employers directly and should respond to want ads in local newspapers. Industries in which Packaging and Filling Machine Operators may be employed are: Wines, Brandy & Spirits, Salted & Roasted Nuts and Seeds, Glass Containers, and Cereal and Breakfast Foods.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
Some recent hires into this occupation have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Some employers report that on-the-job training is required for this occupation. Employers sometimes require 6-12 months of previous experience for applicants in this occupation. Some employers prefer this experience to be in machine operation or production line work

Skills & Other Requirements
Among skills that rank high for Packaging and Filling Machine Operators are knowledge of safe equipment practices, specific product knowledge, ability to perform routine, repetitive work, good vision, good hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, ability to stand for prolonged periods of time, good color perception, ability to work independently, willingness to work nights and weekends, to work with close supervision, to follow written and oral instructions and work well with others, oral communications skills, ability to use basic mathematical operations, and ability to write legibly.

References
US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

Related Occupations: Production Occupations

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)