As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Packaging Machine Operator I in the United States is $38,909 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:
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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.
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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Packaging Machine Operator I | $38,669 |
| Intermediate Level Packaging Machine Operator I | $38,909 |
| Senior Level Packaging Machine Operator I | $39,443 |
| Specialist Level Packaging Machine Operator I | $39,798 |
| Expert Level Packaging Machine Operator I | $39,887 |
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 Packaging Machine Operator Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 3.8% |
| Food Safety | 2.92% |
| 5S | 1.47% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Accountability
|
$42,411 |
9%
|
|
Sustainability
|
$42,022 |
8%
|
|
ISO
|
$41,633 |
7%
|
|
Analysis
|
$41,633 |
7%
|
|
Process Improvement
|
$41,244 |
6%
|
|
Leadership
|
$41,244 |
6%
|
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
| 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% |
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.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026Promotions 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.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Extrusion Operator, Sr. | $54,524 | 40% |
| Injection Molding Machine Operator II | $48,484 | 25% |
| Machine Operator II | $45,469 | 17% |
| Milling Machine Operator II | $57,584 | 48% |
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, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $38,256 |
| 2024 | $37,980 |
| 2025 | $37,727 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Packaging Machine Operator I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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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 $49,076.
The highest pay for Packaging Machine Operator I is $44,600.
The lowest pay for Packaging Machine Operator I is $32,771.
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.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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