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Packaging Operator Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Machine Operator - 2nd Shift

Batavia, NY · On-site

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

Monitor supply levels of packaging materials and replenish as needed. * Pick up dropped bottles, place into bins and if needed into grinder. * Ensure correct labeling, bottle description and ...

Slitter Operator

Rochester, NY · On-site

$17.50 - $21/hr

Apply Description At American Packaging Corporation (APC), you'll find the packaging career you've ... LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and ...

Slitter Operator

NY · On-site

$27.50 - $29.76/hr

At American Packaging Corporation (APC), you'll find the packaging career you've been looking for ... LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and ...

Slitter Operator

NY · On-site

$28.33 - $30.65/hr

At American Packaging Corporation (APC), you'll find the packaging career you've been looking for ... LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and ...

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Packaging Operator information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$11

$17

$23

How much do packaging operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for packaging operator in Rochester, NY is $17.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $19.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Packaging Operator?

A packaging operator, also referred to as a packaging technician, completes the final step of the manufacturing process by packaging finished products for sale or distribution. Packaging operators typically use packaging machines and other equipment to perform their duties and must follow all company rules and regulations, along with industry protocol. As a packaging operator, your duties may include starting up and shutting down machinery, performing routine maintenance of equipment, labeling and inspecting final products, and completing distribution documents. To pursue the career, you typically need a high school education and relevant work experience. Most packaging operators gain this experience through on-the-job training in an entry-level role. Additional qualifications include strong communication skills for understanding technical documentation and processes, attention to detail during quality checks, and manual dexterity for performing mechanical tasks.

What do packaging operators do?

Packaging operators are responsible for assembling, filling, sealing, and labeling products in a manufacturing or warehouse environment. They operate packaging machinery, monitor quality standards, and ensure safety procedures are followed, often working in shifts and requiring attention to detail. Basic technical skills and knowledge of safety protocols are important for this role.

What are some common challenges Packaging Operators face, and how can they be addressed?

Packaging Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent product quality, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and meeting tight production deadlines. These can be addressed by staying attentive to detail, following standard operating procedures, and communicating promptly with maintenance and quality teams. Regular training and proactive equipment checks also help prevent issues and ensure smooth operations, making collaboration and adaptability key to success in this role.

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

To excel as a Packaging Operator, you typically need a high school diploma, strong attention to detail, and experience with production or manufacturing processes. Familiarity with packaging machinery, conveyor systems, and quality control standards is often required, along with basic computer skills for operating equipment interfaces. Strong organizational skills, the ability to work efficiently in a team, and effective communication set top performers apart. These skills are crucial for maintaining product quality, ensuring safety, and meeting production targets in a fast-paced environment.

What does a Packaging Operator do?

A Packaging Operator is responsible for operating and monitoring machinery that packs products for shipment or sale. They ensure packaging processes run smoothly, maintain quality standards, and troubleshoot minor equipment issues. Their duties often include inspecting products, labeling packages, and maintaining a clean work environment. Packaging Operators play a crucial role in ensuring products are safely and efficiently prepared for distribution.

What is the difference between Packaging Operator vs Machine Operator?

AspectPackaging OperatorMachine Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications in safety or equipment operationHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications in machine operation or safety
Work EnvironmentManufacturing or production facilities, often in food, pharmaceutical, or consumer goods industriesManufacturing plants, operating various types of machinery
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in packaging lines within manufacturing industriesUsed across various industries for operating machinery
Comparison FocusFocuses on packaging processes, quality checks, and line coordinationFocuses on operating specific machinery, troubleshooting, and maintenance

While both roles work in manufacturing environments, Packaging Operators specialize in managing packaging lines, ensuring products are correctly packaged and labeled. Machine Operators have a broader focus on operating and maintaining machinery, which may include packaging equipment. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find roles aligned with their skills and career goals.

How much does a packaging operator earn?

A packaging operator typically earns between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the industry. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end, while experienced operators with certifications can earn higher wages. Overtime and shift differentials can also increase total compensation.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Packaging operators typically do not earn $4,000 per week without specialized experience or overtime. High-paying roles that can reach this level without a degree are rare and often involve skilled trades, sales, or management positions, but most high-earning jobs require experience, certifications, or specific skills rather than formal degrees.

What is the work of a packaging operator?

A packaging operator is responsible for assembling, sealing, and labeling products for shipment, ensuring packaging meets quality and safety standards. They operate packaging machinery, monitor production lines, and perform quality checks, often working in a manufacturing or warehouse environment with attention to safety protocols.
What are popular job titles related to Packaging Operator jobs in Rochester, NY? For Packaging Operator jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Packaging Operator jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Packaging Operator jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Packaging Operator jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Packaging Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Packaging Operator job openings in Rochester, NY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,849 per year, or $17.7 per hour.
Utility Operator

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American Packaging Corporation rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 113 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

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Description

At American Packaging Corporation (APC), you'll find the packaging career you've been looking for. With competitive salaries, excellent benefits, 401(k) plans and tuition reimbursement programs, we nurture our employees while advancing and promoting diversity and inclusion. As the leading flexible packaging converter in North America for over a century, APC's longstanding success is fueled from the inside out. We're constantly seeking to improve our internal operations and were named a "Best of the Best" in the Best workplaces in the America's awards for 12 years in a row. It's how and why we engage the best and brightest talent to continue propelling our shared success into the future.


LOCATION: Rochester, NY


SCHEDULE: 12 hour rotating shifts, 7am - 7pm and 7pm -7am, on a 2-2-2 schedule


SUMMARY: Assist in daily operations of the Finishing Department.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

  • Participates in training, embrace concepts of and actively practice the STOP Safety Program fundamentals to aid American Packaging Corporation's efforts to achieve a zero-accident rate.
  • Retrieves all necessary set up information/specifications/guidelines and follows instructions on the job jacket.
  • Safely, efficiently and effectively assists with the assigned production machinery equipment monitoring quality, production and waste adhering to all customer specifications.
  • Ensures immediate work area and work areas for which Machine Operator has responsibility are free of clutter and debris. Perform all cleaning/sanitation responsibilities, safely using all required cleaning solutions and protective equipment.
  • Monitors all quality requirements as outlined by company procedure and specification. Completes necessary sheets for quality checks.
  • Actively participates in safety programs and completes required safety observations. Understands and follows plant safety rules.
  • Attends and participates in all scheduled meetings (Continuous Quality Improvement, safety, special projects, departmental, etc.).
  • Able to work all scheduled shifts and required overtime hours.
  • Trains new employees as necessary.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Requirements

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required. Previous manufacturing experience preferred.


LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.


MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.


REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.


PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk and reach with hands and arms. This position may require manual lifting not to exceed 50 lbs - reference your department-specific JHA (job hazard analysis) for departmental lifting restrictions. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.


WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to airborne particles and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.


American Packaging Corporation is committed to equal opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. American Packaging Corporation will make reasonable accommodations for known physical or mental limitations of otherwise qualified employees and applicants with disabilities unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. EOE/AA Disability/Veteran.

If you are interested in applying for an employment opportunity and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, please contact our Human Resources department at:

talentacquisition@americanpackaging.com.

Salary Description
$23.75-24.71

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