What Packers and Packagers, Hand do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Packers and Packagers, Hand this way: "Pack or package by hand a wide variety of products and materials."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Mark and label containers, container tags, or products, using marking tools"; "Measure, weigh, and count products and materials"; "Record product, packaging, and order information on specified forms and records"; "Seal containers or materials, using glues, fasteners, nails, and hand tools"; "Assemble, line, and pad cartons, crates, and containers, using hand tools".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is no formal educational credential. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is short-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Packers and Packagers, Hand
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 555,500 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 528,000 in 2035, a decrease of 27,500 jobs (-5%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 61,800 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 11.1% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $36,280, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Packers and Packagers, Hand earn the most
Across the 15 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $28,768 in Florida to $43,710 in Delaware, a gap of $14,942 (1.52 times). 9 of those 15 states average above the BLS national median of $36,280 and 6 average at or below it.
New Jersey employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 79,950, which is 15.3% of the 523,130 counted across them. California follows with 77,710.
Highest-paying states
Delaware ($43,710), New Jersey ($43,077) and New York ($42,795) lead the ranking, while Florida ($28,768) and Texas ($32,268) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Packers and Packagers, Hand: pay against the cost of living
We compare 18 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Jackson County, MO (Kansas City, MO-KS) at $13,377. The weakest market is Middlesex County, MA, where the basics cost $9,758 more than take-home pay.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 14 of the 18 markets and falls short in 4. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 44.7% and 103.5% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Packers and Packagers, Hand
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand, Stockers and Order Fillers and Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (53-7000) include Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors and Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators.
Frequently asked questions about Packers and Packagers, Hand
How much do Packers and Packagers, Hand earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $36,280. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $28,768 to $43,710.
Which state pays Packers and Packagers, Hand the most?
Delaware, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $43,710. New Jersey is next at $43,077.
Is Packers and Packagers, Hand a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to shrink by 5% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 61,800 openings a year.
What education do Packers and Packagers, Hand need?
The typical entry-level education is no formal educational credential and short-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.
Where can Packers and Packagers, Hand afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Jackson County, MO leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $13,377 on a median wage of $44,460.