Hand Packers & Packagers
Description OES Code: 98902
Pack or package by hand a wide variety of products and materials. Exclude workers whose jobs require more than minimum training.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage minimum
25th Percentile $6.41
50th Percentile $7.55
75th Percentile $8.94

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage minimum
25th Percentile minimum
50th Percentile $7.06
75th Percentile $9.14

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Regular/full time employees average 34 hours per week, while part time staff average 17 hours per week. Most employees in this occupation are seasonal.

For those employers who offer benefits, medical insurance and vacation is offered by most. Few employers offer benefits for part time staff.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 99,000
Projected Employment 2008 133,100
Percent Change 1998-2008 34.4%
Separations 1998-2008 28,700

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 1,780
Projected Employment 2006 2,390
Percent Change 1999-2006 34.3%
Separations 1999-2006 360

Employment Trends by California County

Advancement
Most persons hired into this position filled temporary to seasonal positions. Few employers promote into this occupation from lower level positions such as General Laborer or Clean-up Worker. Employers promote from this occupation to higher level positions such as Machine Operator or Forklift Driver, or into supervisory positions.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Employers recruit for this occupation through employee referrals. Some also recruit through unsolicited applicants.

Additional help can be found at the local California Employment Development Department offices.

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

Education and Training
Most employers report that recent new hires have completed high school or the equivalent. Many also report that they have hired staff with less than high school or the equivalent.

Most employers do not require work experience, however, some employers will accept training as a substitute.

Skills & Other Requirements
Employees should have material handling skills and the knowledge of safe equipment operating procedures. Physical attributes of this occupation include: the ability to stand continuously for 2 hours or more, ability to use hands, arms & fingers good hand-eye coordination; the ability to work varying shifts; and, good color perception.

Personal skills include: the ability to perform routine, repetitive work, the ability to learn from on-the-job training; attention to detail ; ability to interact well with others; ability to work under pressure; the ability to work independently; the ability to work as part of a team; willingness to work with close supervision; and the ability to follow oral instructions.

Employers report using drug tests to screen applicants, and some also use Police Record checks and reading or math aptitude tests to screen applicants.

References
Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)