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Packaging Machine Operator Jobs in North Carolina

Kelly Services

Packaging Machine Operator

Marion, NC

$19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Packaging Machine Operator Pay Rate: $19.00/hour Shift: 6:30pm - 6:30am / 7:00pm - 7:00am, 2-week rotation pattern Location: Marion, NCEssential Job Duties Rotational Duties: * Fill, assemble, and ...

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Packaging Machine Operator information

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How much do packaging machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for packaging machine operator in North Carolina is $18.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.29 and $20.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a packaging machine operator do?

A packaging machine operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining packaging machinery to ensure products are packed efficiently and accurately. They monitor the machines during operation, troubleshoot issues, and perform quality checks to meet safety and production standards. The role often requires attention to detail, knowledge of safety procedures, and the ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Is packaging machine operator hard?

Packaging machine operators typically perform repetitive tasks and need to pay close attention to detail to ensure products are correctly packaged. The job may require standing for long periods and operating machinery safely, but with proper training, it is generally manageable for most individuals. Skills in machinery operation and safety protocols are important for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a packaging machine operator?

To thrive as a Packaging Machine Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with automated packaging machinery, basic computer systems, and safety certifications like OSHA are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help operators adapt to production changes and prevent downtime. These skills are crucial for maintaining product quality, operational efficiency, and workplace safety.

What is the difference between Packaging Machine Operator vs Material Handler?

AspectPackaging Machine OperatorMaterial Handler
Primary RoleOperates packaging machinery to package products efficientlyMoves, loads, and unloads materials and products within a facility
Skills & CertificationsMechanical skills, attention to detail, safety trainingForklift certification, physical stamina, safety awareness
Work EnvironmentManufacturing or production linesWarehouses, distribution centers
Industry UsageFood, pharmaceuticals, consumer goodsLogistics, manufacturing, distribution

While both roles are essential in manufacturing and logistics, Packaging Machine Operators focus on operating and maintaining packaging equipment, ensuring products are properly sealed and labeled. Material Handlers primarily manage the movement and storage of materials within facilities. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path based on skills and interests.

What is a packaging machine operator?

Packaging Machine Operators are skilled workers responsible for running, monitoring, and maintaining machinery that packages products in factories or warehouses. They set up the equipment, ensure it runs efficiently, load materials, and inspect finished packages for quality. Their role also includes troubleshooting minor issues, performing regular maintenance, and following safety standards to prevent accidents. Packaging Machine Operators are essential for ensuring that goods are properly packed and ready for shipment or sale.

What are the most common challenges packaging machine operators face during a typical shift?

Packaging Machine Operators frequently encounter challenges such as troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, maintaining consistent product quality, and meeting production deadlines. Operators must stay alert to quickly identify and resolve minor mechanical issues, ensuring minimal downtime. Additionally, they need to follow strict safety and hygiene protocols, often while working in fast-paced environments with repetitive tasks. Strong attention to detail and good communication skills are essential for collaborating with maintenance teams and supervisors when more complex problems arise.

What are popular job titles related to Packaging Machine Operator jobs in North Carolina?

For Packaging Machine Operator jobs in North Carolina, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Packaging Machine Operator jobs in North Carolina look for?

The top searched job categories for Packaging Machine Operator jobs in North Carolina are:

What cities in North Carolina are hiring for Packaging Machine Operator jobs?

Cities in North Carolina with the most Packaging Machine Operator job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Packaging Machine Operator jobs in NC?

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Packaging Machine Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Packaging Machine Operator job openings in North Carolina as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 49% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,774 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Packaging Machine Operator

Kelly Services

Marion, NC

$19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Packaging Machine Operator 
Pay Rate: $19.00/hour
Shift: 6:30pm – 6:30am / 7:00pm – 7:00am, 2-week rotation pattern
Location: Marion, NCEssential Job Duties

Rotational Duties:

  • Fill, assemble, and plug flexible containers with solutions/premixed drugs to meet production needs
  • Over-pouch and seal bags containing solutions/drugs according to production requirements
  • Inspect over-pouches, printed bags, filled bags, and components to ensure quality standards
  • Print labeling and barcodes on containers using computerized printers; maintain printers as needed
  • Supply filling stations with printed bags and other supplies

Continual/Intermittent Duties:

  • Resolve over-pouch seal or packaging issues
  • Perform scheduled quality checks using gauges and scales
  • Complete and document scheduled cleaning activities
  • Notify supervisor and take corrective action on safety, quality, mechanical, or discrepancy issues
  • Apply rigorous quality standards, SOPs, and cGMP
  • Maintain a clean and safe work area using 6S principles

Other Duties:

  • Additional quality assurance and packaging responsibilities as assigned
Work Environment
  • Class III Controlled Environment: safety glasses, ear plugs, hairnet, beard cover; extra PPE required for cleaning/loading
  • Class I Controlled Environment: safety glasses, ear plugs, jumpsuit, hood, hairnet, beard cover, gloves, mask, boots; extra PPE for cleaning
  • Safety shoes required
  • Constant/intermittent exposure to elevated noise levels
  • Working around equipment, machinery, and belts
  • Occasional work with chemical cleaners/disinfectants
Required Qualifications
  • High School Diploma, GED or equivalent
  • Minimum age: 18 years
  • Basic English written and oral communication skills
  • Ability to comprehend safety and quality instructions, work instructions (including words and drawings)
  • Basic mathematics skills
Preferred Experience
  • One year of manufacturing experience
  • CRC Career Readiness Certification (Silver level)
Physical Requirements
  • Continuous grasping, pushing/pulling up to 40 lbs, reaching with hands/arms
  • Lifting/carrying up to 16 lbs frequently
  • Normal visual acuity, color distinction
  • Ability to perform quick, precise, repetitive processes using both arms/hands
  • Specialized physicals may be required when working with certain drug codes

As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

Put your skills to work.

There are a lot of different light industrial jobs out there. Kelly® Professional & Industrial recruiters are focused on only offering opportunities with companies that provide competitive pay, safe work environments, and cultures that recognize your value. Whether you’re looking for flexible shifts, performance bonuses, or a progressive work culture-we’re dedicated to finding the very best opportunities for you.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life-just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.
Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
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