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Sonoco Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Our talented people are at the core of our growth, constantly reinventing the Sonoco wheel with brilliant solutions every year. Today we are a world leader in global packaging solutions with ...

Our talented people are at the core of our growth, constantly reinventing the Sonoco wheel with brilliant solutions every year. Today we are a world leader in global packaging solutions with ...

Our talented people are at the core of our growth, constantly reinventing the Sonoco wheel with brilliant solutions every year. Today we are a world leader in global packaging solutions with ...

Our talented people are at the core of our growth, constantly reinventing the Sonoco wheel with brilliant solutions every year. Today we are a world leader in global packaging solutions with ...

Sonoco information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$25

$32

$38

How much do sonoco jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for sonoco in Decatur, AL is $32.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.53 and $35.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is Sonoco?

Sonoco is a global provider of consumer packaging, industrial products, protective packaging, and packaging supply chain services. Founded in 1899 and headquartered in Hartsville, South Carolina, Sonoco serves a wide range of industries, including food, beverage, healthcare, and industrial markets. The company is known for its innovative packaging solutions, such as paper-based packaging, rigid plastic containers, and temperature-assured packaging for perishable goods. Sonoco operates in over 30 countries and places a strong emphasis on sustainability and recycling initiatives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a packaging engineer at Sonoco?

To thrive as a Packaging Engineer at Sonoco, you need a solid background in engineering principles, materials science, and packaging design, often supported by a relevant degree such as mechanical or chemical engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, packaging testing equipment, and industry standards like ISTA or ASTM is commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, project management skills, and effective communication help candidates excel in cross-functional teams and with clients. These skills ensure innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable packaging solutions that meet customer and regulatory requirements.

What are the most common challenges faced by employees working in Sonoco’s manufacturing facilities?

Employees in Sonoco’s manufacturing facilities often encounter challenges such as adapting to fast-paced production environments, maintaining strict safety and quality standards, and effectively communicating across shifts and teams. Managing machinery and technology updates, as well as adhering to lean manufacturing principles, can also demand continuous learning and flexibility. However, Sonoco provides comprehensive training and encourages collaboration, which helps employees overcome these challenges and contribute to process improvements.

What is the difference between Sonoco vs Packaging Operator?

AspectSonocoPackaging Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require technical trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training provided
Work EnvironmentManufacturing facilities, production linesManufacturing or production lines in packaging plants
Industry UsagePackaging, paper, and consumer products industriesPackaging and manufacturing industries
Common Search/ComparisonSonoco vs Packaging Operator

Sonoco is a global packaging company that employs various roles, including Packaging Operators. Packaging Operators work directly on production lines, handling packaging tasks in manufacturing settings. While Sonoco oversees overall operations and management, Packaging Operators focus on the hands-on production process. Both roles require similar credentials and work environments, making them common points of comparison for job seekers interested in the packaging industry.

Is Sonoco a good company to work for?

Sonoco is a global packaging company that offers a range of manufacturing and distribution roles. Employees generally report stable employment, competitive wages, and opportunities for advancement, though experiences can vary by location and position.

What is the hiring process for Sonoco?

The hiring process for a Sonoco job typically involves submitting an online application, followed by an interview which may be conducted in person or virtually. Candidates may also undergo skills assessments or background checks depending on the position. The process aims to evaluate qualifications, experience, and fit for the role before an offer is extended.

What job categories do people searching Sonoco jobs in Decatur, AL look for?

The top searched job categories for Sonoco jobs in Decatur, AL are:

What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Sonoco jobs?

Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Sonoco job openings:

Infographic showing various Sonoco job openings in Decatur, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,195 per year, or $32.8 per hour.

Machine Operator third shift

Sonoco

Hartselle, AL • On-site

$21.58/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Sonoco rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 104 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

61st of 121 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

Position: Machine Operator II
Location: Hartselle Wood Reels
Pay Rate: $21.58 + $1.50 Shift Diff
Shift: Third Shift (10p-6a) M-F

From a small family business to a multi-billion dollar global company, Sonoco has been changing the face of products and packaging since 1899 - all while keeping the heart of "People Build Businesses" alive. Our talented people are at the core of our growth, constantly reinventing the Sonoco wheel with brilliant solutions every year. Today we are a world leader in global packaging solutions with diversified operations in over 34 countries. We're extremely proud of our portfolio of brands, our achievements in sustainability and industrialization and the groundbreaking work accomplished by our people.

While reporting to the Team Lead as the Machine Operator II, you will be responsible for running machines for each customer's job with extreme attention to detail. The equipment we operate involves cutting, machining, and assembling lumber to produce components that are then manufactured into wood reels used to package wire and cable. Common types of equipment used consist of varied versions of industrial saws, routers, Nailers, spindles, scanners, stackers, and conveying equipment. Plant conditions are as follows: Non-temperature controlled, open warehouse which leads to hot temperatures during the summer and cold temperatures during the winter, sawdust, and heavy noise pollution. We provide all necessary PPE and Safety items to ensure your employment here is as comfortable as possible.

Responsibilities:

  • Work within a team to handle and process lumber from raw material to finished product.
  • Making incremental process adjustments, monitoring and reporting the quality of manufactured products.
  • Maintaining a safe, clean, and organized work area.
  • Performing all duties as designated by supervisor/manager.
  • Performing all duties in support of Sonoco's quality and safety policies.
  • Helping other departments as needed.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for at least 8 hours.
  • Ability to think on your feet and troubleshoot problems and situations.
  • Ability to read and understand manufacturing instructions.
  • Ability to effectively work with a team in a fast-paced environment is crucial to success.
  • Being reliable, committed, and quality-focused is a must.

Requirements:

  • Minimum 1-year of machine operating experience in an industrial environment.
  • Extensive knowledge of personal hand tools and use them safely to operate, adjust, and maintain production equipment.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, work well independently, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Working knowledge of our products and their quality requirements Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. as needed. Working knowledge of 5S is helpful but not required.

At Sonoco Products Company, we offer a comprehensive total rewards package, including competitive pay and benefits. *Benefits listed below are for employees located in the U.S. Specific benefits and wellbeing programs may vary depending on your location (within the U.S. or global), or if you are a union employee.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, including FSA and HSA options
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match
  • Wellbeing tools and resources to support holistic health, including an Employee Assistance Program with a variety of services
  • Paid time off and holidays to recreate, rejuvenate and care for the health of yourself and family
  • Variety of company paid and voluntary employee-paid insurance plans including life, personal accident, and disability insurance
  • Tuition reimbursement

We are an equal opportunity employer, and we strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any legally protected characteristic.


What Sonoco employees say

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About Sonoco

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sonoco is a $5 billion global provider of consumer packaging, industrial products and packaging supply chain services. When collaborating with our customers, we leverage our deep knowledge of material science, our i6 Innovation ProcessTM, and our industry-leading packaging and services portfolio to create impactful customized solutions that build stronger brands. We produce packaging for many of the world's most recognized brands, in markets such as appliances and electronics, automotive, beverages, confection, construction, converted paperboard, fresh and natural food, frozen and refrigerated food, shaving, home, lawn and garden, medical/pharmaceutical, pet care, powdered beverages, recycling and snacks. Sonoco's operations consist of our global consumer packaging businesses (rigid paper and closures, flexibles and plastics); our display and packaging division (high-impact retail displays and packaging supply chain management); our industrial businesses (tubes and cores, reels and spools, uncoated recycled paperboard and Sonoco Recycling, one of the world's largest recyclers); and our Protective Solutions division (custom-designed protective, temperature-assurance and retail security packaging solutions and highly engineered components). From our headquarters in Hartsville, S.C., and more than 300 operations in 33 countries, we serve customers in 85 nations.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Hartsville, SC, US