As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Packaging Associate in the United States is $45,521 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.
However, a Packaging Associate's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Packaging Associate'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 Associate'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 |
|---|---|
| Packaging... Level Packaging Associate | $39,512 |
| Packaging... Level Packaging Associate | $45,167 |
| Packaging... Level Packaging Associate | $50,159 |
| Packaging... Level Packaging Associate | $85,833 |
| Packaging... Level Packaging Associate | $116,079 |
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 Associates. 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
Managing People
|
$51,439 |
13%
|
|
Adaptability
|
$48,252 |
6%
|
|
Commitment
|
$47,797 |
5%
|
|
Leadership
|
$47,797 |
5%
|
|
Sustainability
|
$47,797 |
5%
|
|
Manufacturing Processes
|
$47,342 |
4%
|
For Packaging Associate roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Packaging Associate positions in Telecom or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Packaging Associate as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $68,282 | $33.0 | 50% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Packaging Associates 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 Associate with a No Diploma is between $42,370 and $45,765).
Packaging Associate Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 50.0% |
| High School | 50.0% |
| Associates | 0.0% |
| Bachelors | 0.0% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Packaging Associate'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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a Packaging Associate can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $42,732 in 2023 to around $42,769 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Packaging Associate salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $42,732 |
| 2024 | $42,886 |
| 2025 | $42,769 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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