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Retail

Packaging and Filling Machine Operator and Tender

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

Annual openings

637

Median wage

$46,010

Typical education

High school (GED)

Growth 2026–2032

+8%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

High school (GED)

Credential requirement

A National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Level I Certification, Production Technician Certificate, or Operator's Certificate is valued.

Work experience

This is an entry-level role so no experience is required. However, any previous experience working with large machines, engines or on a production floor, or knowledge of basic mechanical principles is valued.

Employer competency information

  • Feedback from employers identifies the following competencies as being critical to success: mechanical aptitude, attention to detail (including the ability to build something to specifications and tolerance), diagnosing and problem solving, basic computer skills, teamwork, a focus on safety, and accountability.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Automation exposure

High exposure

Many tasks are repeatable, so technology could reshape the day-to-day over time.

A typical day

  1. Stop or reset machines when malfunctions occur, clear machine jams, and report malfunctions to a supervisor.
  2. Observe machine operations to ensure quality and conformity of filled or packaged products to standards.
  3. Monitor the production line, watching for problems such as pile-ups, jams, or glue that isn't sticking properly.
  4. Inspect and remove defective products and packaging material.
  5. Start machine by engaging controls.
  6. Tend or operate machine that packages product.
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