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Food Packaging Operative Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Legend Clubs

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1st Shift Packaging Operator

Verona, WI · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

The Packaging Operator will be responsible for operating and maintaining the canning line machinery ... Previous experience in a manufacturing or production environment, particularly in beverage or food ...

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The Legend Clubs

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3rd Shift Packaging Operator

Verona, WI · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

The Packaging Operator will be responsible for operating and maintaining the canning line machinery ... Previous experience in a manufacturing or production environment, particularly in beverage or food ...

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Openwork

Packaging Operator 450

Baytown, TX

$17/hr

... food-packing, order-packing, or Amazon-style fulfillment role. Packaging Operators run machinery that fills plastic resin pellets into industrial bags or containers. They also monitor the packaging ...

Artius Solutions

Packaging Operator

Fall River, MA · On-site

$17 - $20.50/hr

Packaging Operator I Location: Fall River, MA Employment Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt/Hourly Shift ... Food & Beverage Manufacturing * Cosmetics & Personal Care * Nutraceuticals & Dietary Supplements

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Food Packaging Operative information

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$29.5K

$87.7K

$142.5K

How much do food packaging operative jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for food packaging operative in the United States is $87,669.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,500.00 and $112,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a food packaging operative do?

A Food Packaging Operative is responsible for preparing, packaging, and labeling food products in a safe and efficient manner. They operate machinery, monitor quality control, and ensure that all packaging meets hygiene and safety standards. This role often involves working on a production line, checking for defects, and maintaining a clean work environment. Food Packaging Operatives play a key role in making sure products are ready for distribution to retailers and consumers.

What are some common daily responsibilities of a food packaging operative, and how do they contribute to the overall production process?

As a Food Packaging Operative, your daily tasks typically include preparing packaging materials, operating machinery, monitoring product quality, and labeling finished products. You will also be responsible for maintaining cleanliness and adhering to food safety standards to ensure products are safe for consumption. Your role is vital in ensuring that products are efficiently packed and ready for distribution, contributing directly to the smooth operation of the production line. Teamwork is essential, as you will often collaborate with machine operators, quality control staff, and supervisors to meet production targets and resolve any issues that arise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food packaging operative, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Packaging Operative, you need attention to detail, manual dexterity, and a basic understanding of food safety, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with packaging machinery, conveyor systems, and adherence to health and safety regulations such as HACCP is typically required. Reliability, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are crucial soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure that food products are packaged safely, efficiently, and in compliance with industry standards to maintain quality and customer satisfaction.

What is the difference between Food Packaging Operative vs Food Packing Assistant?

AspectFood Packaging OperativeFood Packing Assistant
CredentialsBasic training, health & safetyBasic training, health & safety
Work EnvironmentManufacturing/production linesManufacturing/production lines
Industry UsageFood manufacturing companiesFood manufacturing companies
Job FocusOperating packaging machinery, packing food productsAssisting with packing, preparing food products for shipment

Both roles are common in food manufacturing, requiring similar skills and working environments. The Food Packaging Operative typically handles machinery and packaging processes, while the Food Packing Assistant supports packing tasks. Both positions are essential for efficient production and share similar credentials and industry usage.

Is food packaging a good career?

Food packaging as a career involves operating machinery, preparing products, and ensuring quality standards in a manufacturing environment. It can offer stable employment with opportunities for skill development and advancement, often requiring attention to safety protocols and sometimes certifications. The job typically involves physical work and shift schedules, making it suitable for those seeking entry-level manufacturing roles.
More about Food Packaging Operative jobs

What states have the most Food Packaging Operative jobs?

States with the most job openings for Food Packaging Operative jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Food Packaging Operative jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Packaging Operative jobs are:

Food Packaging Operative jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Packaging Operative job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,669 per year, or $42.1 per hour.

Food Packaging Operator 2nd Shift

Gehl Food and Beverage

Germantown, WI • On-site

$21.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Packaging Operator 2nd Shift Food
Germantown, WI
Description
Packaging Operator 2nd Shift Food
Germantown, WI
Description
Now Hiring: Packaging Operator Food 2nd Shift
Shift/Schedule: Mon - Fri 2:00PM - 10:00PM
Pay: Base + Shift Differential = $21.50/hour
Why join our team?
  • Need cash before payday? We've got you covered with on demand pay
  • Quarterly bonuses (based on team achievement and up to 6% of wages)
  • Full benefits package - medical, dental, vision & 401(k) match
  • Generous PTO & holidays
  • Growth opportunities to expand skillsets and enhance career
  • Amazing team & culture focused on:

Communication Community Involvement Wellness Employee Activities
Other Benefits & Programs We Offer:
  • Full-time & stable hours - no seasonal cuts!
  • Referral bonus program
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • HSA Medical plan option with annual company contribution
  • Perks at Work - discounts on shopping, travel & more
  • Proven continued business growth for future opportunities

What You'll Do
Ensures compliance with Gehl Foods safety standards and applicable regulatory requirements while following the company's Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)
  • Operates and observes secondary packaging equipment to ensure food safety, product quality and conformity meeting customer standards and specifications
  • Performs clean, inspect and lube functions
  • Actively participates in start-up, troubleshooting/adjustment, stop/reset and shutdown of line equipment - Clears jams and reports malfunctions to Business Lead/Supervisor as necessary
  • Performs changeovers - Completes line clears and accurately sets up next item's packaging and coding
  • Applies appropriate labels to secondary packages and completed finished goods pallets
  • Reports out of standard/specification results to the Quality Department and Business Unit Lead/Supervisor
  • Reports unsafe conditions or other compliance issues to the Business Unit Lead/Supervisor
  • Completes handwritten instructions and on-line documentation including Quality and Critical Control Point (CCP) checks accurately and at the required frequencies
  • Maintains accurate and detailed work log (including Factory MES data collection) and inventory records
  • Monitors and reviews inventory and production levels to achieve the most efficient operating conditions
  • Maintains assigned work area and production environment in clean orderly condition - completes environmental cleaning requirements as necessary
  • Actively participates in shift exchanges and work team meetings
  • Safely operates forklifts to handle materials and finished goods
  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements
What You'll Need
  • 6 months previous manufacturing, packaging, or assembly line production experience
  • Demonstrated organizational and observational skills, and detail-oriented
  • Basic mathematical calculation skills
  • Demonstrated ability to read, write and listen to written and oral and instructions in the English language
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment under limited supervision

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