Packers and Packagers, Hand Salary 2025: $36,280 Median, -5.4% Decline Ahead
The median salary for hand packers and packagers is $36,280 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' most recent data. That works out to about $17 an hour. The typical range runs from $27,890 at the 10th percentile up to $47,100 at the 90th. The occupation employs 559,820 people across the country.
How much Packers and Packagers, Hand earn
The national mean wage for hand packers and packagers is $37,540, or roughly $18.05 per hour. Half of all workers earn between about $28,000 and $43,000. The bottom 10% make less than $27,890, while the top 10% earn above $47,100.
- Median annual salary: $36,280
- 10th percentile: $27,890
- 90th percentile: $47,100
- Mean hourly wage: $18.05
Pay by state
Location matters a lot for this job. The highest-paying state is Kansas, where hand packers earn a mean of $44,460. New Jersey pays $43,840, Alaska $41,670, the District of Columbia $40,910, and Colorado $40,730. At the other end, the lowest average is in Florida ($28,280), followed by New Mexico ($28,070) and Louisiana ($27,710). That's a gap of nearly $17,000 between Kansas and Louisiana.
How to become Packers and Packagers, Hand
Most hand packer and packager jobs require a high school diploma or equivalent. On-the-job training is typical, lasting from a few days to a few weeks. No prior experience is needed for entry-level roles; employers teach you how to handle products, operate packing equipment, and apply labels. Some workers advance to supervisory roles or machine operator positions after gaining experience. Certifications are not required, but a forklift operator license can be a plus if the role involves moving packed goods.
- Education: High school diploma or GED usually required
- Experience: None needed to start; on-the-job training provided
- Certifications: Optional; forklift certification may help
- Advancement: Can move to team lead, machine operator, or quality inspector
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment for hand packers and packagers will decline by 5.4% from 2024 to 2034. Automation of packing tasks is a major reason. However, about 74,000 openings are expected each year, mostly from workers leaving the occupation or retiring. That means steady opportunities for job seekers, but competition for the best-paying positions may be stronger.
Frequently asked questions
What is the hourly wage for a hand packer?
The mean hourly wage is $18.05, and the median annual salary is $36,280.
Do you need a degree to become a hand packer?
Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent. No college degree is needed.
Is hand packing a declining job?
Yes, the BLS projects a 5.4% decline in employment from 2024 to 2034 due to automation. But about 74,000 openings per year will still occur.
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 Packers and Packagers, Hand data.