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Packaging Machine Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

Machine Operator Assistant

Thomson, GA ยท On-site

$17.85 - $19.85/hr

Premier Packaging is a fast-growing, forward-thinking provider for all packaging needs. From ... Ensure that materials and tools required for machine setup are readily available. * Handle and ...

Machine Operator

Macon, GA ยท On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

They will inspect harvesting or packaging line processes and materials and respond promptly to any machine malfunctions. They will be responsible for the start up and continuous operation of ...

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Packaging Machine information

See Georgia salary details

$10

$16

$23

How much do packaging machine jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for packaging machine in Georgia is $16.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $18.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do you need to be a packaging technician?

To become a packaging technician, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic mechanical skills, and familiarity with packaging machinery. Some employers may require certification or training in equipment operation and safety procedures. Physical stamina and attention to detail are also important for this role.

What are some common challenges faced by Packaging Machine Operators, and how can they be addressed?

Packaging Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as machine malfunctions, maintaining product quality, and meeting production deadlines. To address these, operators should be proactive with routine maintenance, quickly troubleshoot minor mechanical issues, and adhere to safety and quality protocols. Effective communication with maintenance teams and supervisors is also essential for minimizing downtime and ensuring smooth workflow. Continuous learning and staying updated on new equipment or processes can further enhance efficiency and job satisfaction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Packaging Machine Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Packaging Machine Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with automated packaging machinery, basic troubleshooting tools, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong teamwork, reliability, and effective communication help operators quickly resolve issues and maintain productivity. These skills ensure efficient, safe operation of packaging lines and consistent product quality in manufacturing environments.

What is the difference between Packaging Machine vs Packaging Operator?

AspectPackaging MachinePackaging Operator
CredentialsTechnical training or certification in machinery operationHigh school diploma; on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentManufacturing or production lineProduction floor, operating packaging equipment
Job RoleSet up, monitor, and troubleshoot packaging machineryOperate and oversee packaging processes

The Packaging Machine role focuses on maintaining and troubleshooting the machinery itself, requiring technical skills. In contrast, the Packaging Operator primarily manages the packaging process, ensuring products are correctly packaged. Both roles are essential in manufacturing, often working together to ensure efficient production and quality control.

What are packaging machine operators?

Packaging machine operators are workers responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining machines that prepare and package products for shipment or sale. They ensure that packaging equipment runs smoothly, monitor the quality of packaging, and troubleshoot any issues that arise during the process. Their duties may also include cleaning and adjusting machinery, inspecting packaged goods, and following safety and quality guidelines. Packaging machine operators often work in manufacturing, food processing, or logistics industries.

Is being a packaging operator hard?

Being a packaging operator involves operating machinery, monitoring production lines, and ensuring quality standards, which can require physical stamina and attention to detail. The job often involves repetitive tasks and working in a fast-paced environment, but with proper training and safety protocols, it is manageable for many workers.

What is the highest paying machine operator job?

The highest paying machine operator jobs are often in specialized industries such as aerospace, pharmaceuticals, or manufacturing of complex machinery, where operators may earn higher wages due to technical skills and certifications. Roles involving CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines or automation systems tend to offer higher salaries compared to standard packaging machine operators. Advanced skills, experience, and certifications can significantly increase earning potential in this field.

How much do packaging operators make in the US?

Packaging machine operators in the US typically earn a median hourly wage of around $14 to $18, which translates to approximately $29,000 to $37,000 annually for full-time work. Wages can vary based on experience, location, and the complexity of the equipment operated, with some operators earning higher pay with certifications or specialized skills.
Infographic showing various Packaging Machine job openings in Georgia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,096 per year, or $16.9 per hour.
Packaging Laborer 2nd Shift

Packaging Laborer 2nd Shift

Martin's Famous Pastry Shoppe, Inc.

Valdosta, GA โ€ข On-site

$21.85/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 24 days ago


Martin's Famous Pastry Shoppe rating

3.7

Company rating: 3.7 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

380th of 383 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Job Brief
Join our Production team as a Packaging Laborer helping to ensure our customers receive the highest quality roll and bread products!
Come join our Team as a Packaging Laborer! We started with pastries handmade by Lois and Lloyd Martin produced inside of a garage and we have boomed into a multi-facility company where our many products are produced by machines and shipped domestically and internationally. Talk about a rich history and exciting future! As an employer of choice we offer physical, emotional, financial and professional benefits including 401K, disability insurance and paid holidays.
As a member of the Martin's Family, a packaging laborer is responsible for machines that perform packaging functions and ensures that unpackaged and packaged products are of exceptional quality. The packaging laborer openly gives and receives truthful feedback, shares helpful knowledge with teammates, goes the extra mile, and represents Martin's by being an ambassador of superior quality and service.
Pay rate: $21.85/hr. + $3.00 pay differential and Weekend Premiums, paid weekly!
You will typically work 2:50PM to 11:00PM, however, you must be willing to work up to 12 hours depending on business needs.
Sunday
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Week 1:
OFF
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Week 2:
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Week 3:
OFF
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Week 5:
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Week 6:
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You will work this 6 week rotation of days off.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
  • Evaluates product entering packaging for quality standards.
  • Removes substandard product from the line.
  • Communicates quality issues to Line Control Supervisor for correction.
  • Removes packaged product from conveyor line.
  • Places packaged product into baskets.
  • Monitors packaged product for quality standards.
  • Packs special arrangements or selections of product.
  • Verifies that the date packaged is correct.
  • Starts and adjusts slicers and packaging machinery; requests necessary repairs from the maintenance team.
  • Straightens product progressing along a conveyor line.
  • Starts, adjusts, and monitors economy packaging equipment.
  • Operates palletizing equipment.
  • Operates the bagging and kwickloc equipment.
  • Maintain counts of finished product to meet orders generated via the load coordinating department.
  • Communicate product clip demands to Line Control Supervisors.
  • Remove full or partial pallets of product from equipment for staging.
  • Refill boxes of bagging equipment.
  • Monitor clips on finished product and perform checks for accuracy in regards to clip color, date, product, and price.
  • Monitor and operate sticker machines and pattern makers.
  • Maintain cleanliness of area.
  • Assists co-workers when system is not running properly.
  • Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance.
  • Supports organizational culture and values by following policies, working with integrity, building morale, and respecting and putting others before oneself.
  • Adheres to safety, food safety, quality, and Good Manufacturing Practices regulations.
  • Reports safety, food safety, and quality problems to personnel with authority to initiate action.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education/Experience
  • Education: High School Diploma/GED
  • Related food manufacturing and/or machine operating experience preffered

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand for long periods of time. Employees uses hands to finger, handle or feel' reach with hands and arms; talk or hear and smell. Employee is required to walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, crouch and/or crawl. Ability to frequently lift and /or move up to 15 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision and depth perception.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.