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How much do packaging scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for packaging scientist in the United States is $37.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.32 and $43.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a packaging scientist?

Packaging Scientists are professionals who design, develop, and test packaging solutions for products to ensure their safety, quality, and efficiency from production to consumer use. They work with various materials and technologies to create packaging that meets regulatory standards, sustainability goals, and cost requirements. Packaging Scientists collaborate with engineers, marketing teams, and manufacturers to innovate and improve packaging processes while addressing environmental concerns. Their expertise is crucial in industries like food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and consumer goods.

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

To thrive as a Packaging Scientist, you need a background in materials science, chemistry, or engineering, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with packaging design software, laboratory testing equipment, and knowledge of regulatory standards are essential. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively and innovate solutions. These competencies ensure packaging is safe, cost-effective, sustainable, and compliant with industry requirements.

What are some common challenges packaging scientists face when developing new packaging solutions, and how can they address them?

Packaging Scientists often encounter challenges such as balancing sustainability with cost-effectiveness, ensuring product safety and compliance with regulations, and meeting the evolving needs of both consumers and retailers. To address these, they collaborate closely with cross-functional teams in R&D, marketing, and supply chain to innovate while adhering to strict standards. Staying updated on new materials and technologies, as well as maintaining strong communication with suppliers and regulatory bodies, also helps in overcoming these obstacles.

What is the difference between Packaging Scientist vs Packaging Engineer?

AspectPackaging ScientistPackaging Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Packaging, Chemistry, or Material ScienceBachelor's or Master's in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related fields
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D facilities, testing labsManufacturing plants, design studios, production lines
Industry UsageResearch, development, testing of packaging materialsDesign, implementation, and optimization of packaging systems
Common Search IntentResearching packaging materials and innovationsDesigning and improving packaging processes

While both Packaging Scientists and Packaging Engineers work in the packaging industry, Packaging Scientists focus on research, testing, and developing new packaging materials. Packaging Engineers primarily design, implement, and optimize packaging systems for manufacturing and distribution. Both roles require related educational backgrounds and often collaborate to ensure packaging quality and efficiency.

Is packaging a stable career?

Packaging scientists work in industries such as consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, and food, where packaging is essential. The field offers steady employment due to ongoing demand for innovative and sustainable packaging solutions, and professionals often need knowledge of materials, design, and regulatory standards. Job stability is generally good, especially with experience and relevant certifications.

What can you do with a packaging scientist degree?

A packaging scientist degree prepares individuals to develop, test, and improve packaging materials and systems for various industries. Graduates can work in product development, quality assurance, and research roles, often using tools like CAD software and understanding regulatory standards. The role typically requires knowledge of materials science, engineering principles, and environmental considerations.
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Packaging Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Packaging Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,637 per year, or $37.3 per hour.

R&D Associate Packaging Scientist/Packaging Scientist/Senior Packaging Scientist- Austin, MN

Hormel Foods Corporation

Austin, MN • On-site

$64K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Associate Packaging Scientist -  Packaging Scientist - Associate Sr Packaging Scientist - Senior Packaging Scientist

To save time applying, Hormel Foods does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas for this position at this time.

ABOUT HORMEL FOODS - 

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company with approximately $12 billion in annual revenue. Its brands include PLANTERS, SKIPPY, SPAM, HORMEL NATURAL CHOICE, APPLEGATE, WHOLLY, HORMEL BLACK LABEL, COLUMBUS, JENNIE-O and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of the best companies to work for by U.S. News & World Report, one of America's most responsible companies by Newsweek, recognized by TIME magazine as one of the World's Best Companies and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts.  For more information, visit hormelfoods.com. hormelfoods.com.

JOB DESCRIPTION: 

This packaging role organizes, plans, directs and conducts research in the area of packaging technologies that will lead to improved and new innovative and creative packaging applications in support of company goals and objectives.  It provides technical advice and assistance to professional and non-professional personnel.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Identifies, facilitates, devises and conducts research in the area of packaging which leads to the development and implementation of new packaging systems for the company.  This involves maintaining competency in cutting edge packaging technology and broad packaging theory, and researching the feasibility of using this technology in conjunction with our products.

  • Investigates, recommends and implements packaging cost saving programs by evaluating new enhancements made to packaging materials and/or new design considerations with the planned goal of minimizing the costs associated with our products.

  • Fulfills the role as a technical service/troubleshooter when more broadly defined packaging problems at our facilities are beyond the scope of the plant/corporate personnel.  May serve as a resource and advisor to other Packaging Scientists and personnel within the company.

  • Develops and plans systems for improving packaging efficiencies within the corporation. This includes the entering and managing of all packaging specifications for our company's products and may also include development of software and catalogue systems for collecting critical data regarding packaging materials and package attributes. 

  • Facilitates practical applications of packaging technology requiring direct interaction with other areas of the company such as Engineering, Operations, Marketing and Purchasing etc.  Oversees the development and integration of packaging technologies with the many vendors and suppliers who work with the company.

  • Coordinates and plans specific projects effectively, on a daily basis, with the group's Research Technicians.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Level of position offered (Associate Packaging Scientist, Packaging Scientist, Associate Sr Packaging Scientist, or Senior Packaging Scientist) will be determined based on candidate's skill set and experience. 

Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering or related field

  • Project management skills with the ability to lead and run projects smoothly.

  • Demonstrated self-motivation, initiative, and creativity

  • Ability to work both independently and in a team setting.

  • An understanding of basic scientific principles.

  • Strong analytical, time management, and record keeping skills.

  • Excellent interpersonal skills including good team building skills.

  • Excellent written and verbal communications skills with ability to effectively present technical concepts to a nontechnical audience

  • Applicants must not now, or at any time in the future, require employer sponsorship for a work visa 

  • Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer

  • Must be 18 years of age or older (all plant positions including R&D) 

Preferred

  • Packaging Equipment and/or Processing experience

LOCATION: 

Austin, Minnesota - Hormel Foods Global Headquarters

BENEFITS: 

Compensation package includes comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage,  discretionary annual merit increases and bonuses, 401(k) with employer match, stock purchase plan, relocation assistance, paid time off, FREE two-year community/technical college tuition for children of employees, and more.

The base pay range for this position $64,425 to $137,340 per year; however, actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills set, level of experience, and specific office location. 

Hormel Foods provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability.

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About Hormel

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minn., is a global branded food company with over $11 billion in annual revenues across 75 countries worldwide. Its brands include Planters®, SKIPPY®, SPAM®, Hormel® Natural Choice®, Applegate®, Justin's®, Columbus®, Wholly®, Hormel® Black Label® and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named on the "Global 2000 World's Best Employers" list by Forbes magazine for three years, is one of Fortune magazine's most admired companies, has appeared on Corporate Responsibility Magazine's "The 100 Best Corporate Citizens" list for the 12 years, and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. The company lives by its purpose statement -- Inspired People. Inspired Food.™ -- to bring some of the world's most trusted and iconic brands to tables across the globe. For more information, visit www.hormelfoods.com and

Industry

Food and beverage wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Austin, MN, US

Year founded

1891

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