Packaging Machine Operator I Salary in the United States
How much does a Packaging Machine Operator I make in the United States?
As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Packaging Machine Operator I in the United States is $38,897 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.
However, a Packaging Machine Operator I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Top Earners (90th percentile): $44,586
Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $35,684 to $41,875
Key Factors That Influence Packaging Machine Operator I Salaries
A Packaging Machine Operator 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.
How Experience Level Affects Packaging Machine Operator Salaries?
Experience is a primary driver of a Packaging Machine Operator 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:
Packaging Machine Operator I (0-1 years): $38,897
Packaging Machine Operator II (1-3 years): $44,464
Packaging Machine Operator III (3-5 years): $49,379
Packaging Supervisor (5+ years): $84,498
Packaging Manager (5+ years): $114,273
Job Role
Years of Experience
Average Salary
Packaging Machine Operator I
0-1 years
$38,897
Packaging Machine Operator II
1-3 years
$44,464
Packaging Machine Operator III
3-5 years
$49,379
Packaging Supervisor
5+ years
$84,498
Packaging Manager
5+ years
$114,273
$38,897Packaging...
$44,464Packaging...
$49,379Packaging...
$84,498Packaging...
$114,273Packaging...
View as Table
View as Graph
What Am I Worth?
How Do Packaging Machine Operator I Salaries Vary from State to State?
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 Packaging Machine Operator Is.
For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
District of Columbia: $43,067.
California: $42,903.
Massachusetts: $42,332.
District of Columbia$43,067
California$42,903
Massachusetts$42,332
Washington$42,176
New Jersey$42,160
Alaska$42,106
Connecticut$41,569
New York$41,351
Hawaii$40,655
Rhode Island$40,328
Maryland$40,107
Minnesota$39,803
Colorado$39,687
Illinois$39,648
Oregon$39,500
Delaware$39,391
New Hampshire$39,323
Virginia$39,169
Pennsylvania$38,722
Nevada$38,496
North Dakota$38,422
Michigan$38,306
Wisconsin$38,263
Vermont$38,177
Texas$37,940
Maine$37,925
Arizona$37,901
Ohio$37,874
Georgia$37,516
Indiana$37,337
Wyoming$37,302
Utah$37,248
Iowa$37,224
Kansas$37,038
Louisiana$36,983
North Carolina$36,964
Missouri$36,956
Florida$36,804
Montana$36,723
Nebraska$36,645
Kentucky$36,602
South Carolina$36,446
Tennessee$36,349
Idaho$36,310
New Mexico$36,026
Oklahoma$35,964
Alabama$35,735
South Dakota$35,350
Arkansas$35,140
West Virginia$35,027
Mississippi$34,688
Top Paying Cities for Packaging Machine Operator Is
Salaries can also vary between different cities.
Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay.
Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
San Jose: $49,061
San Francisco: $48,524
Oakland: $47,501
San Jose, CA$49,061
San Francisco, CA$48,524
Oakland, CA$47,501
New York, NY$44,786
Paramus, NJ$44,241
Queens Village, NY$44,239
Passaic, NJ$44,202
Bergenfield, NJ$44,199
Stamford, CT$44,113
Huntington, NY$44,097
Newark, NJ$43,810
Bridgeport, CT$43,728
Vallejo, CA$43,650
New Brunswick, NJ$43,635
Petaluma, CA$43,611
Middlesex, NJ$43,537
Somerset, NJ$43,510
Santa Cruz, CA$43,460
Boston, MA$43,222
Monterey, CA$43,086
Seattle, WA$42,997
Santa Rosa, CA$42,989
Los Angeles, CA$42,977
Juneau, AK$42,876
Washington, DC$42,833
Orange, CA$42,695
Santa Ana, CA$42,592
Long Beach, CA$42,553
Anaheim, CA$42,546
Anchorage, AK$42,526
Santa Maria, CA$42,409
Everett, WA$42,402
Danbury, CT$42,265
Bremerton, WA$42,211
Tacoma, WA$42,071
New Suffolk, NY$42,070
Sacramento, CA$42,059
Santa Barbara, CA$42,017
Trenton, NJ$41,974
San Diego, CA$41,974
Brockton, MA$41,931
Fairbanks, AK$41,836
Lompoc, CA$41,736
Lowell, MA$41,705
Ventura, CA$41,698
Nashua, NH$41,690
Stockton, CA$41,686
Modesto, CA$41,402
Poughkeepsie, NY$41,316
Olympia, WA$41,242
Kennewick, WA$41,242
New Haven, CT$41,227
Lawrence, MA$41,087
Hartford, CT$41,048
Riverside, CA$41,040
New Bedford, MA$41,001
Richland, WA$41,001
Bakersfield, CA$40,947
San Bernardino, CA$40,931
New Britain, CT$40,927
Atlantic City, NJ$40,927
New London, CT$40,912
Norwich, CT$40,900
Portsmouth, NH$40,892
Boulder, CO$40,810
Portland, OR$40,756
Worcester, MA$40,752
Minneapolis, MN$40,632
Philadelphia, PA$40,577
Honolulu, HI$40,449
Saint Paul, MN$40,430
Vineland, NJ$40,422
Providence, RI$40,309
Chicago, IL$40,196
Bellingham, WA$40,149
Springfield, MA$40,118
Baltimore, MD$40,107
Chico, CA$40,009
Pittsfield, MA$39,904
Manchester, NH$39,831
Spokane, WA$39,659
Denver, CO$39,655
Albany, NY$39,473
Troy, NY$39,457
Nassau, NY$39,415
Schenectady, NY$39,375
Wilmington, DE$39,344
Burlington, VT$39,290
Salem, OR$39,274
Portland, ME$39,154
Yakima, WA$39,115
Rochester, MN$38,994
Reno, NV$38,975
Fresno, CA$38,975
Milwaukee, WI$38,940
Detroit, MI$38,901
Ann Arbor, MI$38,894
Allentown, PA$38,889
Colorado Springs, CO$38,823
Syracuse, NY$38,804
Carson City, NV$38,804
Houston, TX$38,749
Eugene, OR$38,730
Gary, IN$38,683
Springfield, OR$38,652
Bismarck, ND$38,644
Galveston, TX$38,617
Medford, OR$38,559
Fort Collins, CO$38,543
Concord, NH$38,524
Austin, TX$38,512
Mesa, AZ$38,430
Reading, PA$38,426
Phoenix, AZ$38,422
Dallas, TX$38,411
Saint Cloud, MN$38,373
Madison, WI$38,321
Utica, NY$38,216
Rochester, NY$38,154
Des Moines, IA$38,150
Raleigh, NC$38,146
Atlanta, GA$38,088
Battle Creek, MI$38,076
Salt Lake City, UT$38,065
Lancaster, PA$38,006
Harrisburg, PA$37,952
Kansas City, MO$37,913
Champaign, IL$37,905
Kansas City, KS$37,905
Fort Worth, TX$37,901
Columbus, OH$37,895
Boca Raton, FL$37,886
Pittsburgh, PA$37,870
Richmond, VA$37,855
Indianapolis, IN$37,847
Cleveland, OH$37,843
Las Vegas, NV$37,796
Cincinnati, OH$37,796
Petersburg, VA$37,738
Huntsville, AL$37,680
Lansing, MI$37,653
Lebanon, PA$37,648
Pueblo, CO$37,645
Appleton, WI$37,633
Buffalo, NY$37,617
Dayton, OH$37,606
Racine, WI$37,598
Charlotte, NC$37,594
Saint Louis, MO$37,582
York, PA$37,559
Elkhart, IN$37,559
Gastonia, NC$37,552
Billings, MT$37,542
Beaumont, TX$37,532
Lorain, OH$37,524
Benton Harbor, MI$37,516
Toledo, OH$37,508
Binghamton, NY$37,489
Rock Hill, SC$37,485
Rockford, IL$37,466
Springfield, IL$37,450
Elyria, OH$37,446
Fargo, ND$37,446
Flagstaff, AZ$37,419
Fort Lauderdale, FL$37,396
Duluth, MN$37,372
Miami, FL$37,372
Cheyenne, WY$37,345
Grand Forks, ND$37,345
Bangor, ME$37,259
Cedar Rapids, IA$37,217
Durham, NC$37,200
Louisville, KY$37,197
Grand Rapids, MI$37,189
Hialeah, FL$37,186
Casper, WY$37,131
Scranton, PA$37,084
New Orleans, LA$37,073
Virginia Beach, VA$37,069
Akron, OH$37,049
Peoria, IL$36,999
Sarasota, FL$36,991
Nashville, TN$36,964
Omaha, NE$36,964
Green Bay, WI$36,964
Baton Rouge, LA$36,944
Charleston, SC$36,937
Jamestown, NY$36,917
Davenport, IA$36,917
Tucson, AZ$36,898
Saint Petersburg, FL$36,874
Tampa, FL$36,867
Evansville, IN$36,843
Port Arthur, TX$36,843
Bradenton, FL$36,828
Santa Fe, NM$36,758
Orlando, FL$36,688
Clearwater, FL$36,676
Canton, OH$36,594
La Crosse, WI$36,594
Albuquerque, NM$36,571
Newport News, VA$36,567
High Point, NC$36,555
Ogden, UT$36,540
Corpus Christi, TX$36,509
Norfolk, VA$36,485
Laramie, WY$36,485
Rock Island, IL$36,462
Saginaw, MI$36,454
Jacksonville, FL$36,450
Salisbury, NC$36,443
Boise, ID$36,435
Moline, IL$36,415
Fort Myers, FL$36,404
Memphis, TN$36,396
Tulsa, OK$36,376
Waterloo, IA$36,353
Spartanburg, SC$36,314
Lincoln, NE$36,295
Fort Wayne, IN$36,287
Provo, UT$36,283
Cedar Falls, IA$36,236
San Antonio, TX$36,221
Greensboro, NC$36,205
South Bend, IN$36,201
Savannah, GA$36,159
Muskegon, MI$36,143
Birmingham, AL$36,139
Winston Salem, NC$36,120
Lake Charles, LA$36,026
Anderson, IN$36,019
Lexington, KY$36,007
Augusta, GA$35,995
Greenville, SC$35,995
Lima, OH$35,964
Wichita, KS$35,960
Tuscaloosa, AL$35,960
Columbia, SC$35,925
Springfield, OH$35,917
Asheville, NC$35,855
Bloomington, IN$35,828
Knoxville, TN$35,688
Shreveport, LA$35,684
Wilmington, NC$35,634
Roanoke, VA$35,634
Topeka, KS$35,564
Frankfort, KY$35,559
Oklahoma City, OK$35,532
Chillicothe, OH$35,517
Longview, TX$35,513
Melbourne, FL$35,509
Sioux Falls, SD$35,447
Mobile, AL$35,443
Terre Haute, IN$35,427
Altoona, PA$35,404
Amarillo, TX$35,377
Killeen, TX$35,365
Fayetteville, AR$35,334
Chattanooga, TN$35,322
Sioux City, IA$35,287
Idaho Falls, ID$35,280
Lynchburg, VA$35,248
Gainesville, FL$35,198
Portsmouth, OH$35,178
Little Rock, AR$35,171
Lafayette, LA$35,155
Youngstown, OH$35,155
Daytona Beach, FL$35,132
Clarksville, TN$35,128
Pensacola, FL$35,124
Temple, TX$35,121
Hopkinsville, KY$35,007
Erie, PA$35,000
Florence, SC$34,984
Charleston, WV$34,922
Great Falls, MT$34,902
Macon, GA$34,848
Tallahassee, FL$34,844
Fayetteville, NC$34,836
Waco, TX$34,828
Helena, MT$34,801
Pine Bluff, AR$34,786
Vincennes, IN$34,739
Lubbock, TX$34,723
Alamogordo, NM$34,700
Twin Falls, ID$34,665
Rapid City, SD$34,653
Jackson, MS$34,583
Huntington, WV$34,581
Greenville, MS$34,579
Parkersburg, WV$34,540
Montgomery, AL$34,533
Wichita Falls, TX$34,494
Springfield, MO$34,494
Biloxi, MS$34,474
Monroe, LA$34,436
Johnstown, PA$34,408
Sumter, SC$34,393
Columbus, GA$34,389
Pascagoula, MS$34,315
Abilene, TX$34,315
Kingsport, TN$34,214
Albany, GA$34,214
Gulfport, MS$34,202
Alexandria, LA$34,074
Fort Smith, AR$33,977
El Paso, TX$33,872
Las Cruces, NM$33,696
Harlingen, TX$33,598
Pocatello, ID$33,591
Florence, AL$33,541
Brownsville, TX$33,533
Mcallen, TX$33,451
Dothan, AL$33,397
Columbus, MS$33,166
Altus, OK$32,985
Lawton, OK$32,911
Pierre, SD$32,771
What Skills Can Increase a Packaging Machine Operator I's Salary?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
Commitment (Mentioned in 3.8% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
Food Safety (Mentioned in 2.92% Job Postings): Applying procedures during food preparation, processing, storage, and distribution to ensure consumers are safe from foodborne illnesses.
5S (Mentioned in 1.47% Job Postings): Stands for sort, sustain, set in order, standardized and shine. 5 tips that are designed to achieve clean, uncluttered, safe, and well organized workplace for a more systematized work flow.
See More Skills
Skills
Demand Percentage
Commitment
3.8%
Food Safety
2.92%
5S
1.47%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay.
Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Packaging Machine Operator I's salary.
Accountability: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
Sustainability: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
ISO: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
Skill
Salary
Salary % Increase
Accountability
$42,398
9%
Sustainability
$42,009
8%
ISO
$41,620
7%
Analysis
$41,620
7%
Process Improvement
$41,231
6%
Leadership
$41,231
6%
Get Latest Data
Packaging Machine Operator I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise
Packaging Machine Operator I salary potential scales significantly with company size.
Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $43,506.
While startup companies pay approximate $36,793.
Packaging Machine Operator I Salary by Company Size
Company Size
Employees
Average Salary
Startup
1~50
$36,793
Growth Stage
51~500
$38,914
Established
501~5000
$42,013
Enterprise
5000+
$43,506
Packaging Machine Operator I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors
For Packaging Machine Operator I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential
by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries).
Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Aerospace & Defense
sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average.
In contrast, Packaging Machine Operator positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay,
as these industries often view Packaging Machine Operator I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
The top paying industries for a Packaging Machine Operator I
Industry Sector
Average Annual Salary
Average Hourly Rate
Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals
$46,676
$22.0
20%
Aerospace & Defense
$44,732
$22.0
15%
Biotechnology
$44,732
$22.0
15%
Chemicals
$42,787
$21.0
10%
Financial Services
$42,787
$21.0
10%
How Education impacts a Packaging Machine Operator I's Salary?
Your level of education can impact your salary potential.
While many Packaging Machine Operator 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 Packaging Machine Operator I with a No Diploma is between
$34,791
and $37,321).
Packaging Machine Operator I Salaries by Degree Level
Typical Education for Packaging Machine Operator I
No Diploma81.8%
High School81.8%
Associates9.1%
Bachelors9.1%
Masters0.0%
Doctorate0.0%
view as table
Degree Level
% of user with this level of education
No Diploma
81.8%
High School
81.8%
Associates
9.1%
Bachelors
9.1%
Masters
0.0%
Doctorate
0.0%
view as graph
Packaging Machine Operator I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay
Understanding how a Packaging Machine Operator 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.
Hourly
Monthly
Weekly
Yearly
Table View
Last Updated on July 01, 2026
$35,684
Average$38,897/year
$41,875
$2,974
Average$3,241/month
$3,490
$686
Average$748/week
$805
$17
Average$19/hour
$20
Annual Salary
Monthly Pay
Weekly Pay
Hourly Wage
75th Percentile
$41,875
$3,490
$805
$20
Average
$38,897
$3,241
$748
$19
25th Percentile
$35,684
$2,974
$686
$17
Packaging Machine Operator I Salary Growth & Career Path
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings.
As a Packaging Machine Operator I, you have the following paths for advancement.
The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles.
By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
Packaging Machine Operator I Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role
Estimate Salary
Projected Raise
Extrusion Operator, Sr.
$54,584
40%
Injection Molding Machine Operator II
$48,508
25%
Machine Operator II
$45,474
17%
Milling Machine Operator II
$46,865
20%
Salaries of jobs related to Packaging Machine Operator I
Salaries for a Packaging Machine Operator I can change over time,
reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy.
The median salary decreased from $38,256 in 2023
to around $37,727 in 2025,
reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy.
For a detailed analysis of Packaging Machine Operator I salary trends,
.
Average Annual Salary of Packaging Machine Operator I Over Time
2022
$???
2023
$38,256
2024
$37,980
2025
$37,727
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year
Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023
$38,256
2024
$37,980
2025
$37,727
2026
View More
2027
View More
Most common benefits for Packaging Machine Operator I
Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Packaging Machine Operator I
Here are companies hiring for Packaging Machine Operator I and their salaries, click below for more details.
C
$128,509/per year
C R Bard Inc
Biotechnology
the United States
H
$124,697/per year
Henry Schein Canada
Biotechnology
the United States
N
$123,899/per year
Nordex Inc
Biotechnology
the United States
N
$120,416/per year
Nipro Corp
Biotechnology
the United States
E
$115,870/per year
Enovis
Biotechnology
the United States
A
$114,553/per year
Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy
Biotechnology
the United States
M
$112,110/per year
MiniMed Inc
Biotechnology
the United States
L
$111,500/per year
Labcorp Drug Development
Biotechnology
the United States
L
$110,229/per year
Life Technologies Corp
Biotechnology
the United States
Z
$106,224/per year
Zimmer Biomet
Biotechnology
the United States
P
$103,077/per year
Promontory Therapeutics
Biotechnology
the United States
S
$102,181/per year
Steris PLC
Biotechnology
the United States
G
$97,274/per year
Gavin Conferences Pty Ltd
Biotechnology
the United States
E
$94,764/per year
Endeavor BioMedicines
Biotechnology
the United States
R
$94,402/per year
Replay Holdings LLC
Biotechnology
the United States
P
$94,235/per year
Pleno Inc
Biotechnology
the United States
S
$93,666/per year
Simulaids Inc
Biotechnology
the United States
N
$88,880/per year
NOIRLab/CAS
Biotechnology
the United States
O
$86,468/per year
Onward Technology
Biotechnology
the United States
L
$84,895/per year
LED Medical Diagnostics Inc
Biotechnology
the United States
E
$84,682/per year
Eyeco Ltd
Biotechnology
the United States
P
$84,523/per year
Paerosol
Biotechnology
the United States
I
$83,525/per year
IONIQ Sciences Inc
Biotechnology
the United States
S
$82,815/per year
Stateside PPE
Biotechnology
the United States
D
$82,041/per year
Digi Bio
Biotechnology
the United States
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FAQ about Packaging Machine Operator I
1. Where can a Packaging Machine Operator I earn the most?
A Packaging Machine Operator I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer.
According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Packaging Machine Operator I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Packaging Machine Operator I is $49,061.
2. What is the highest pay for Packaging Machine Operator I?
The highest pay for Packaging Machine Operator I is $44,586.
3. What is the lowest pay for Packaging Machine Operator I?
The lowest pay for Packaging Machine Operator I is $32,759.
4. What are the responsibilities of Packaging Machine Operator I?
Sets up and operates a packaging machine in accordance with established procedures and guidelines. Fills, secures, and labels containers according to company and/or customer specifications. Verifies goods packaged against package invoices. Reads and interprets blueprints and diagrams to select, position and secure machinery. Adjusts machine settings to complete tasks accurately, according to specifications, and in a timely fashion. Documents inventory number and weight, and organizes packages. May make minor repairs to packaging equipment as needed. May have to complete an apprenticeship and/or formal training in area of specialty. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.
5. What industry pays the highest salary for Packaging Machine Operator I?
The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Packaging Machine Operator I roles,
with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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