As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Packing and Crating Specialist I in the United States is $35,480 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.
However, a Packing and Crating Specialist I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Packing and Crating Specialist I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Packing and Crating Specialist I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Packing and Crating Specialist I | 0-1 years | $35,480 |
| Intermediate Crater/Packer | 1-3 years | $39,478 |
| Packing and Crating Specialist III | 3-5 years | $46,343 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Packing and Crating Specialist Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 10.88% |
| Container | 4.19% |
| Material Handling | 2.32% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Written Communication
|
$42,221 |
19%
|
|
Time Management
|
$40,802 |
15%
|
|
Insight
|
$40,802 |
15%
|
|
Inventory Management
|
$40,447 |
14%
|
|
Logistics
|
$40,447 |
14%
|
|
Decision Making
|
$39,738 |
12%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Packing and Crating Specialist Is enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Packing and Crating Specialist I with a No Diploma is between $30,690 and $33,072).
Packing and Crating Specialist I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 20.0% |
| High School | 80.0% |
| Associates | 0.0% |
| Bachelors | 0.0% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Packing and Crating Specialist I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026For a Packing and Crating Specialist I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Intermediate Crater/Packer role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $39,500 - a projected growth of 11% over your current level.
Salaries for a Packing and Crating Specialist I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $41,167 in 2023 to around $40,888 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Packing and Crating Specialist I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $41,167 |
| 2024 | $41,183 |
| 2025 | $40,888 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The role of a Packing and Crating Specialist can be challenging, requiring physical strength to handle heavy loads. The job often involves irregular hours, including nights or early mornings, to manage operations efficiently. Salaries for this position range from $31,010 to $43,570, with a midpoint of $34,860, reflecting the demanding nature of the work.
A Packing and Crating Specialist in the US earns between $31,010 and $43,570 annually, with a median salary of $34,860. This translates to an hourly wage ranging from approximately $14.92 to $20.92, depending on experience and location.
Cargo specialists ensure service members worldwide receive essential supplies and are transferred safely to their destinations. They oversee the transfer of cargo using manual and mechanical methods across air, land, and water transport. The salary for a Packing and Crating Specialist ranges from $31,010 to $43,570, with a median salary of $34,860.
Packaging can be a rewarding career, offering a competitive salary range for Packing and Crating Specialists, with a minimum of $31,010, a mid-range of $34,860, and a maximum of $43,570. Since nearly every business requires packaging for shipping or storage, there are ample opportunities for growth and income in this field.
A Packaging Consultant typically earns between $31,010 and $43,570 annually. This translates to an hourly rate ranging from approximately $14.92 to $20.92, depending on experience and location. The average salary for this role is around $34,860 per year, which equates to about $16.75 per hour.
A Packing and Crating Specialist in the US earns between $31,010 and $43,570 annually, with a median salary of $34,860. This translates to an hourly wage ranging from approximately $14.92 to $20.92, depending on experience and location.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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