As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Packaging Manager in the United States is $114,205 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $55.
However, a Packaging Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Packaging Manager'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 Manager'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 Manager | $110,025 |
| Intermediate Level Packaging Manager | $110,527 |
| Senior Level Packaging Manager | $112,199 |
| Specialist Level Packaging Manager | $114,205 |
| Expert Level Packaging Manager | $117,749 |
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 Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 2.7% |
| KPI | 1.48% |
| Inventory Control | 0.79% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Packaging Design
|
$125,626 |
10%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$124,483 |
9%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$121,057 |
6%
|
|
Supply Chain
|
$121,057 |
6%
|
|
Insight
|
$121,057 |
6%
|
|
Procurement
|
$121,057 |
6%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Packaging Managers enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate 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 Manager with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $112,655 and $122,858).
Packaging Manager Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 21.1% |
| High School | 21.1% |
| Associates | 5.3% |
| Bachelors | 73.7% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Packaging Manager'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 March 01, 2026For a Packaging Manager, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Machine Operator Senior Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $135,496 - a projected growth of 19% over your current level.
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Packaging Manager and their salaries, click below for more details.
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A Packaging Manager'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 Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Packaging Manager is $144,047.
The highest pay for Packaging Manager is $140,888.
The lowest pay for Packaging Manager is $92,804.
Manages and oversees the packaging staff on designated shift to achieve operational objectives. Observes, analyzes, and researches packaging line operation to develop and implement scientific and efficient process. Implements quality control check to ensure the packaging meets environment, health, and safety regulations. Provides staff with directions on materials and equipment for each package. May require a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a head of a unit/department. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Extensive knowledge of department processes. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 to 3 years supervisory experience may be required.
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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