Packers and Packagers, Hand
Hand packers and packagers prepare products for storage or shipment by wrapping, boxing, labeling, and arranging items by hand. They work in warehouses, manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, and retail environments, handling everything from food and pharmaceuticals to electronics and household goods.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against packers and packagers, hand and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical shift involves receiving items, inspecting them for quality, wrapping or boxing products according to specifications, applying labels and barcodes, and stacking packages for shipment. Packers work at tables or conveyor stations, often standing for extended periods. They may organize inventory, track quantities, and communicate with team leads about production targets or damaged goods.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCE. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You're suited for this work if you prefer hands-on, concrete tasks over abstract problem-solving and appreciate clear procedures and predictable routines. You're reliable, detail-oriented, and comfortable with repetitive work that follows established systems and standards.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas | $38,020 | $44,460 | $44,570 | 9,900 |
| New Jersey | $36,030 | $43,840 | $44,930 | 71,260 |
| Alaska | $34,960 | $41,670 | $47,010 | 560 |
| District of Columbia | $37,140 | $40,910 | $43,990 | 170 |
| Colorado | $37,850 | $40,730 | $46,580 | 4,120 |
| Minnesota | $36,650 | $40,310 | $46,950 | 5,460 |
| Vermont | $36,460 | $39,440 | $43,640 | 810 |
| Washington | $35,880 | $39,220 | $45,310 | 11,940 |
| Nebraska | $35,630 | $38,880 | $45,910 | 3,010 |
| Missouri | $33,440 | $37,670 | $40,240 | 5,910 |
| Iowa | $33,260 | $37,470 | $43,010 | 4,090 |
| Indiana | $33,430 | $37,420 | $43,850 | 9,690 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against packers and packagers, hand and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 53-7064.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.