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Pouch Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pouch Operator 1

Columbus, WI · On-site

$20 - $24.50/hr

... pouch making experience. * Acceptable prior work history LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.

Monday - Friday / 6:00am - 4:00pm This position is responsible for meeting the goals and objectives of the organization by operating and maintaining pouch machinery used in the manufacturing process ...

Monday - Friday / 4pm - 2am MUST be able to train on 1st shift This position is responsible for meeting the goals and objectives of the organization by operating and maintaining pouch machinery used ...

Machine Operator

Middleton, WI · On-site

$22 - $27/hr

Machine Operator The Machine Operator works in a GMP-compliant, climate-controlled production ... Oversee the daily performance of Pouch Assistant functions to ensure smooth workflow and adherence ...

Showing results 21-40

Pouch Operator information

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$14

$19

$26

How much do pouch operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for pouch operator in the United States is $19.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pouch operator?

Pouch Operators are skilled workers responsible for operating machinery that fills and seals pouches or bags used for packaging various products, such as food, liquids, or powders. Their duties include setting up equipment, monitoring production lines for quality and efficiency, troubleshooting minor machine issues, and ensuring that packaging meets safety and quality standards. Pouch Operators also keep records of production data and adhere to safety and cleanliness protocols in the workplace. This role is vital in industries where consistent and secure packaging is essential for product distribution.

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

To thrive as a Pouch Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with packaging machinery, quality control systems, and basic computer interfaces is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help you quickly address issues and maintain production flow. These abilities ensure safe, efficient, and consistent packaging operations, minimizing downtime and product defects.

What are some common challenges a pouch operator faces during a typical shift?

Pouch Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent machine performance, quickly addressing equipment jams, and ensuring the correct packaging materials are loaded. They must remain attentive to quality control standards, as even minor errors can lead to product waste or downtime. Effective communication with maintenance teams and other operators is essential to resolve issues promptly and keep the production line running smoothly.

What is the difference between Pouch Operator vs Bagging Machine Operator?

AspectPouch OperatorBagging Machine Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, training on pouch filling equipmentHigh school diploma, training on bagging machinery
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, packaging linesManufacturing facilities, packaging areas
Industry UsageFood, pharmaceuticals, consumer goodsFood, chemicals, industrial products
Job Focus Operating pouch filling and sealing machines Operating bagging and filling machines

Both roles involve operating packaging machinery in manufacturing settings, but Pouch Operators specifically handle pouch filling and sealing, while Bagging Machine Operators focus on bagging processes. They share similar skills and environments but differ in the packaging formats they manage.

More about Pouch Operator jobs
Infographic showing various Pouch Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,576 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Pouch Operator 1

American Packaging Corporation

Columbus, WI • On-site

$20 - $24.50/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 23 days ago


American Packaging Corporation rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

31st of 122 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

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: Columbus, WI


SHIFT: 3rd (11pm-7am)


SUMMARY: Operate the pouching machine in the safest, most effective and efficient manner while adhering to established quality standards. 


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

  • Facilitate on the job training and instruction for team members on the correct use of tools and equipment to ensure proper safety and operating procedures are followed.
  • Participate in training, embrace concepts of and actively practice the SPOT Safety Program fundamentals to aid American Packaging Corporation’s efforts to achieve a zero-accident rate.
  • Participate in developing, understanding and following all SOP’s.
  • Read, understand, interpret and utilize all information retrieved from job jackets, manufacturing specifications, pouch specifications and print spec sheets.
  • Perform and manage all necessary cleaning and housekeeping duties.
  • Perform and manage machine set-ups/changeovers by utilizing the information on the job jacket and the pouch specification.
  • Possess a thorough understanding of the quality standards associated with running a pouch machine. Conduct, document, interpret and act upon all data obtained during QA tests. 
  • Understand the bar code system in order to properly scan all raw materials used in production to ensure accurate inventory control. Able to produce new tickets for all finished goods inventory and return to stock unused materials.
  • Complete all required paperwork accurately and in a timely manner. This includes Shop Floor Reports which document production, waste, set up time and downtime and all Quality Assurance tests.
  • Successfully set up machine to customer specifications.
  • Successfully troubleshoot all mechanical problems and apply corrective action as needed. Make decision to contact the Maintenance Department when appropriate.
  • Perform minor machine maintenance such as oiling/greasing machines.
  • Safely operate all necessary roll handling equipment to load work in process rolls onto machine.
  • Produce pouches within customer specifications while completing all necessary quality testing.
  • Attend and participate in all scheduled meetings, safety, special projects, departmental, etc.).
  • Comply with all company policies and procedures.
  • Any 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 GED
  • Previous experience in APC manufacturing positions or specific industry related printing/laminating/pouch making experience.
  • Acceptable prior work history


LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization.


MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

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


REASONING ABILITY

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to troubleshoot machine and make necessary adjustments to keep product within customer specifications. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.


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 frequently required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, climb and balance. The employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls. 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, peripheral vision, depth perception, distance and the 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 works near moving mechanical parts. The employee is exposed to electrical shock (only authorized maintenance personnel are allowed access to electrical cabinets). The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Hearing protection is mandated.


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.


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