Machine Feeders and Offbearers Salary Guide 2025: $41,220 Median, -13% Growth
The median annual wage for Machine Feeders and Offbearers is $41,220, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Mean hourly pay comes to about $20. The typical range runs from $32,220 at the 10th percentile to $58,160 at the 90th. With 42,330 workers nationwide, this occupation pays close to the U.S. median for all jobs, but employment is projected to shrink 13% by 2034.
How much Machine Feeders and Offbearers earn
The median wage of $41,220 places this job squarely in the middle of U.S. occupations. The mean wage is slightly higher at $43,660. Most workers earn between $32,220 and $58,160. Pay varies significantly by industry and location.
- Median annual wage: $41,220
- Mean annual wage: $43,660
- Hourly mean wage: ~$20
- 10th percentile: $32,220
- 90th percentile: $58,160
Pay by state
Wisconsin tops the list at $55,120 average salary, followed by Wyoming ($51,280), Minnesota ($48,740), Colorado ($48,400), and Kansas ($47,930). At the lower end, Maine pays $32,310, Rhode Island $32,770, and Florida $35,110. If you're willing to relocate, heading to the Upper Midwest or the Plains states can boost your income by $10,000 or more compared to the Southeast.
How to become Machine Feeders and Offbearer
No formal education beyond a high school diploma is typically required. Most training happens on the job, lasting a few weeks to a month. You'll learn how to load materials into machines, remove finished products, and monitor equipment for jams or defects. Physical stamina and attention to safety are key. Some employers may prefer candidates with basic math skills or prior experience in a factory setting.
Steps to enter the field:
- Earn a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Apply for entry-level positions at manufacturing plants, warehouses, or food processing facilities.
- Complete on-the-job training under an experienced machine feeder or supervisor.
- Consider earning OSHA safety certifications to stand out.
- Advance by learning to set up or operate machines, which can lead to higher pay.
Job outlook
The BLS projects a 13% decline in employment from 2024 to 2034, much worse than the average for all occupations. Automation is replacing many manual feeding and offbearing tasks. However, about 4,700 openings per year will come from workers transferring to other roles or retiring. Those who can operate multiple types of machinery or handle quality inspections will have the best chances.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest-paying industry for Machine Feeders and Offbearers?
The top-paying industry is animal slaughtering and processing, where annual mean wages reach about $48,000, according to BLS data.
Do Machine Feeders and Offbearers need a degree?
No. Most jobs require only a high school diploma. Training is provided on the job.
Is Machine Feeders and Offbearers a declining job?
Yes. The BLS projects a 13% employment decline by 2034 due to automation, though thousands of openings still occur yearly from turnover.
What's the typical work environment?
Most work in manufacturing plants, food processing facilities, or warehouses. Conditions can be noisy, and you may stand for long periods.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Machine Feeders and Offbearers data.