Packer

Career Guide

A Packer prepares products for shipment by selecting the right packaging, protecting items, labeling orders, and keeping work accurate and on time. This role is common in warehouses, fulfillment centers, manufacturing plants, and food production facilities.

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Key Responsibilities

Pack items securely to prevent damage in transit
Match items to order lists and shipping requirements
Apply shipping labels and verify address accuracy
Inspect products for visible defects before packing
Measure and record package weight and dimensions when required
Seal cartons and prepare orders for carrier pickup
Keep the packing area clean and organized
Follow safety rules and proper lifting practices
Report shortages, damages, and order issues to a supervisor
Meet daily productivity and accuracy targets

Top Skills for Success

Attention to Detail

Time Management

Reliability

Basic Math

Communication

Teamwork

Stamina

Order Accuracy

Packing Standards

Labeling Accuracy

Quality Inspection

Safety Awareness

Warehouse Scanning

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Lead Packer

Warehouse Associate Shipping Associate Receiving Associate Inventory Associate Quality Control Inspector

Transition Opportunities

Forklift Operator Team Lead Warehouse Supervisor Logistics Coordinator Operations Coordinator

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Warehouse ScanningPacking StandardsQuality InspectionSafety AwarenessInventory Basics

Development SuggestionsAsk for training on scanners and packing guidelines, practice double-check habits to improve accuracy, learn safe lifting and basic warehouse safety rules, and volunteer for inventory counts to build broader warehouse skills.

Market Intelligence Report

Packer is part of the Warehousing category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

See the market intelligence report

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 28,000 to 35,000 per year

Mid LevelUSD 32,000 to 42,000 per year

Senior LevelUSD 40,000 to 55,000 per year

Growth Trend

Steady demand, driven by e-commerce fulfillment, retail distribution, and ongoing warehouse staffing needs. Hiring often increases seasonally and during promotional sales periods.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

AmazonWalmartTargetUPS Supply Chain SolutionsFedEx Supply ChainDHL Supply ChainCostcoNike

Industry Sectors

E-commerce FulfillmentRetail DistributionThird-party LogisticsFood and Beverage ProductionPharmaceutical ManufacturingConsumer Goods Manufacturing

Recommended Next Steps

Build a resume that highlights accuracy, speed, and reliability with simple metrics

Learn basic warehouse safety and lifting techniques

Practice barcode scanning and label verification if your site uses scanners

Ask to cross-train in shipping, receiving, or inventory for faster advancement

Track your accuracy and productivity so you can request a lead role when ready