20 Best-Paying Jobs in Packaged Foods Industry | 2023 (Updated)

Although the food production industry creates a variety of jobs, its main objective is to connect farmers and other agricultural workers with consumers. Of course, you can find some of the best-Paying jobs in Packaged Foods Industry.

Today, packaged goods are a massive sector that employs more than half a million people in the United States and pays them well.

In addition, according to a survey conducted in 2020, packaged food companies in the United States are worth over 996 billion dollars.

Also, another study from 2018 showed that the global packaged goods’ business is worth $2.70 trillion dollars and will grow to $3.86 trillion dollars by 2026!

In fact, the packaged food market is growing all over the world because of healthy packaged foods. This article will provide you with all the information on the best-paying jobs in packaged foods.

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What are Packaged Foods?

Packaged foods are edible substances that have their entire surface covered in order to prevent direct contact of the foods with the environment. It is the process of protecting food from damage, spoilage, containment, and pest attacks.

Most of the time, packaged foods are always labeled with information such as ingredients, amount of the contents, nutritional content, shelf life, and cooking instructions (if relevant). However, the package needs to be selected and designed in such a manner that there are no adverse interactions between it and the food.

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Are Packaged Food Jobs Physically Demanding?

It all depends on which sector you want to work in, as there are numerous professions in the packaged goods industry, some of which require physical effort and others do not.

Let’s assume you want to start working as a packer because it doesn’t require a lot of training or talent to do so. So, as a packer, you are to perform physically demanding tasks on a daily basis.

However, carrying bulky packages is also another example of packaged food jobs that are exacting.

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What are the Important Skills Needed to work in the Packaging Industry?

Below is a list of skills you should have before applying for the best-jobs in the food packaging industry.

• Physically fit 
• Diligent
• Team player
• Good eye for defects
• Hand-eye coordination

List of 25 Best Paying Jobs in Packaged Foods Industry

Below is the list of the best-paying jobs in packaged foods.

1. Packaging Manager

A packaging manager manages and oversees the packaging staff on a designated shift to achieve operational objectives.
So, other responsibilities of the pack manager include:

• Observing, analyzing, and researching packaging line operations in order to develop and implement a scientific and efficient process.
• Implementing quality control checks to ensure the packaging meets environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Providing staff with directions on materials and equipment for each package
• Managing subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs

In addition, a true first-level manager may require a bachelor’s degree. The average salary for people in this sector is $108,094.

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2. Best Paying Jobs in Packaged Foods: Entry Packaging Engineer

The Entry Packaging Engineer analyzes, selects and tests materials for packaging based on durability and cost effectiveness. 

Also, they design the product packaging to ensure product integrity under varying shipping and display conditions. So, as an entry-level packaging engineer, you may require a bachelor’s degree.

Also, the entry packaging manager reports to a supervisor or manager. However, working as an entry packaging engineer typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. So, the average salary for people in this is $69,700.

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3. Flavorist

As a flavorist, you build flavor formulas using your understanding of essential oils, natural and artificial chemicals, and other substances. Therefore, working as a refrigerator is one of the best-paying jobs in packaged foods.

In fact, these formulas are used by food, and beverage firms to develop new goods and improve old ones. Also, in the process, you should strive to copy and restore natural flavors that are lost during the manufacturing process.

In addition, your tasks include conducting research in line with diet and safety rules imposed by the US Food and Drug Administration, as well as generating flavors that have a long shelf life, are allergy-safe, and have broad consumer appeal.

However, the salary range for people within this sector is $97,500-$155,000 per year

4. Food Safety Director

A food safety coordinator’s responsibilities include ensuring quality, food safety, and regulatory compliance for businesses in the food production, distribution, and service industries.

You also organize third-party audits or work to get up-to-date information about health department inspections or pest control reports involving your company’s suppliers and other ingredient sources.

Also, during all elements of manufacturing, shipping, and, if applicable, preparation, you endeavor to guarantee proper food handling and conformance to FDA food code requirements.

However, the salary range for people working in this sector is $38,000-$53,000 per year.

5. Restaurant Maintenance Technician

Your responsibilities as a restaurant maintenance technician are to provide technical and facility support to a restaurant.

Also, other responsibilities of a restaurant maintenance technician include building repairs, solving cooking equipment problems, adjusting HVAC systems, and fixing other equipment, such as ice and soda machines.

In addition, you inspect the facility daily and respond to issues that consumers or staff bring to your attention. You also collaborate with the general manager of the restaurant to arrange orders for replacement parts and equipment.

However, the salary range for people within this sector is $41,000-$55,500 per year.

6. Distillery Manager

A distillery manager is the head of the distillery’s administrative work, as well as the manufacture and storage of beverages after they’ve been processed.

In this position, you will also be in charge of coordinating all departments inside the distillery, from product research and manufacturing to supply and operations. Other responsibilities include:

• Monitoring profit and loss.
• Estimating future production levels and costs.
• keeping consistency in the amount of alcohol and components in each batch is of your tasks.

In addition, you must also maintain your license in the state and city where you operate and guarantee that you meet the standards to continue operating as a craft distillery. However, the salary range for people within this sector is $44,500-$57,000 per year.

7. Best Paying Jobs in Packaged Foods: Food Technologist

A food technologist works for a food company to create new goods or improve existing ones. However, working as a food technologist is one of the best-paying jobs in packaged foods.

Furthermore, roles of food technologists include:

• Developing foods that satisfy mandated requirements.
• Enhancing shelf life.
• Exploring new trends and ingredients.
• monitoring consumer input and assuring product packaging accuracy.

However, you may also check the manufacturing process for quality assurance. The salary range for people within this sector is $49,000-$65,000 per year.

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8. Food Safety Manager

As a food safety manager, you are the quality control manager for the food your employees produce. Therefore, food safety management is among the best-paying jobs in the packaged food industry.

Also, your main obligations are to ensure that the food served in your establishment follows health and safety regulations.

In addition, other parts of your responsibilities include

• Overseeing food production and packaging.
• Checking storage and holding facilities.
• Ensuring workers follow health and safety laws.
• Reporting problems to plant or facility management

Also, food safety managers work in large-scale food operations, such as food processing factories, schools, and hospitals. However, the salary range for people working in this sector is $50,000–$86,000.

9. Food Safety Director

Food safety directors oversee all regulatory procedures and policies at a large food production or manufacturing company.

They also execute inspections and other auditing activities, as well as the facility itself, to follow food health and safety requirements.

Also, the food safety director hires and trains new inspectors and other quality assurance professionals who help examine the facility and write detailed reports.

However, you can use the findings of their investigation to determine how to effectively continuously improve safety standards at your facility. The salary range for people within this sector is $41,500-$90,00 per year.

10. Best Paying Jobs in Packaged Foods: Oven Operator

An oven operator supervises the baking process during food production in commercial bakeries or factories.

As part of your duties, you are responsible for setting up, monitoring, and adjusting the oven temperature and time controls. You examine the products during and after baking to ensure product quality.

Also, oven operators load and unload products from the oven for the next step in the manufacturing process. You also organize and place oven racks in designated areas, keeping the work area clean, sanitary, and organized. All safety procedures must be followed at all times.

However, the salary range for people working in this sector is $22,500–$27,000 per year.

11. Best Paying Jobs in Packaged Foods: Batch Maker

A batch maker is responsible for include mixing or blending paints or chemicals according to specifications used on the equipment.

Therefore, working in this field entails weighing or measuring substances to ensure that they precisely match the specifications of the chemical or paint mixture.

In fact, you are to keep an eye on the mixing process to ensure correct blending and uniform flow of materials into the machine.

In addition, all of our activities must be documented, including the ingredients of each batch and the quantities used. For quality control purposes, you also collect and test samples from each batch.

The salary range for people working in this sector is $28,500-$37,000 per year.

12. Refrigeration Mechanics

As a refrigeration mechanic, you build and service refrigeration systems in homes, restaurants, and cold storage facilities.

You engage with clients or facility managers to decide the extent of the installation, budgets, and completion dates while installing new systems.

In addition, other responsibilities of refrigeration mechanics include cleaning cooling systems, Scheduling checks, and replacing problematic parts or supplies, such as refrigerant coolant

However, you could work for a refrigeration company, or for a construction or HVAC company. The salary range for people in this sector is $41,500-$62,500 per year.

13. Food Safety Coordinator

A food safety coordinator’s responsibilities include; ensuring quality, food safety, and regulatory compliance for businesses in the food production, distribution, and service industries.

Therefore, as a food safety coordinator, you have to work to obtain up-to-date information about health department inspections or pest control reports involving your company’s suppliers and other ingredient sources.

However, during the manufacturing of all elements, shipping, and preparation, you will work to ensure proper food handling and compliance with FDA food code requirements.

Therefore, the salary range for people in this sector is $38,000-$53,000 per year.

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14. Commercial Kitchen Service Technician

A restaurant equipment troubleshooter and repairer works in a commercial kitchen. However, in this profession, you’ll fix a kitchen appliance and maintain it on a regular basis.

Other responsibilities include:

• Communication with other food industry specialists.
• Ensuring the proper operation of kitchen appliances are among your responsibilities.
• keeping track of truck inventories and ensuring that necessary supplies get from the warehouse to the kitchen.
• keeping track of any repairs or services that are required.

In addition, a commercial kitchen service technician installs new kitchen equipment, keeps a clean and ordered truck, and provides excellent customer service to restaurant owners and operators.

However, the salary range for people working in this sector is $36,000-$44,500 per year.

15. Batch Plant Operator

A batch plant operator is responsible for a ready-mix concrete factory’s quality assurance unit.

So, here are some other responsibilities of a batch plant operator:

• Supervising the mixing process to ensure that producers employ the correct combination of cement and water.
• Addressing any difficulties.

However, relevant experience at a mixing plant, excellent attention to detail, and mechanical abilities for inspecting and maintaining factory equipment are all required for this position.

However, the salary range for people in this sector is $29,000-$42,000 per year.

16. Best Paying Jobs in Packaged Foods: Food Taster

A food taster is a quality assurance employee whose job includes testing food products for various aspects such as appearance, smell, taste, flavor, and ingredient quality.

The job role also includes taking little bites of various products and grading them against certain manufacturer or cooking department standards.

However, some food tasters work as food technologists, scientists, or marketers full-time. So, other food tasters are regular people who consult for businesses. So, many of these customers work in the food sector in other capacities.

Certainly, food tasters are among the best-paid jobs in packaged foods. So, the salary range for people within this sector is $24,500-$40,500 per year.

17. Food Inspector

Before the food is distributed, a food inspector ensures that all food produced at a farm, processing plant, slaughterhouse, or other food production facility follows stringent health and safety standards.

As a food inspector, your roles include

• Conducting physical inspections of the food.
• Investigating health, sanitation, and safety practices at a facility.
• Writing reports based on your findings and interviews.

In addition, as a food inspector, you must be able to detect any bacterial or other health hazards and be willing to halt manufacturing to ensure public safety. So, the salary range for people within this sector is $26,000-$37,500 per year.

18. Best Paying Jobs in Packaged Foods: Batch Mixer

The responsibilities of a batch maker involve using equipment to mix or blend paints or chemicals according to specifications.

Your duties in this career include working to weigh or measure ingredients so that they exactly match the requirements of the chemical or paint formulation.

Also, you are to monitor the mixing process to ensure an even flow of materials into the equipment and proper blending.

However, you must document all your activities and record the contents of each batch and quantity that you use. The salary range for people within this sector is $28,500-$37,000 per year.

19. Food Processor

A food processor is someone who prepares and packages food before it is sold to customers or retailers.

Although studying agricultural or food science gives you experience and abilities that may be valuable in your employment. There are no specific academic certifications for a career as a food processor.

Also, you could work as a butcher, a meat picker, a fish cleaner, a baker, or an assembly line worker in a food processing company as a food processor.

However, your employment responsibilities vary based on your position, but you must adhere to severe health and safety rules as well as federal regulations. The salary range for people in this sector is $23,000-$27,000 per year.

20. Best Paying Jobs in Packaged Foods: Refrigeration Engineer

A refrigeration engineer is a professional that specializes in the design and installation of cooling systems. However, working as a refrigerator is one of the best-paying jobs in packaged foods.

In addition, the role of a refrigerator is to plan and oversee the steps of installing complex refrigeration systems for restaurants, medical facilities, warehouses, trucks, and trailers.

However, to satisfy your customer’s needs, you must establish what type of cooling system is required and how best to design and implement that system. The salary range for people in this sector is $77,000-$96,000 per year.

List of 10 Great Jobs in Packaged Foods

Here is a list of ten great jobs you can get in packaged foods.

• Refrigeration Engineer Jobs
• Food Safety Director Jobs
• Food Scientist Jobs
• Refrigeration Mechanic Jobs
• Ammonia Refrigeration Technician Jobs
• Food Inspector Jobs
• Batch Maker Jobs
• Batch Mixer Jobs
• Food Processor JobsOven Operator Jobs (Overview)

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What are the types of Food Packaging

Packaged foods can be fashioned into different types of containers and food packages. Examples are given below.)

Packaging type	Type of container	Examples of foods packaged
Aseptic packages	Primary	Liquid whole eggs
Plastic trays	Primary	Portion of fish
Bags	Primary	Potato chips
Bottles	Primary	Bottle of a soft drink
Boxes	Secondary	Box of soft drink bottles
Cans	Primary	Can of tomato soup
Cartons	Primary	Carton of eggs
Flexible packaging	Primary	Bagged salad
Pallets	Tertiary	A series of boxes on a single pallet, to transport packaged food from the manufacturing plant to a distribution center.
Wrappers	Tertiary	Used to wrap the boxes on the pallet for transport

What Are the Industries in Packaged Foods?

Here are some industries where you can work

• Chips
• Dairy
• Bakery
• Beverage
• Frozen foods
• Health and beauty

Conclusion

Food packaging is at the center of today’s food economy, and they sell only a small percentage of foods unpackaged.

In fact, food packaging reduces waste and ensures that the product maintains its target quality over time. This article has covered the 20 best-paying jobs in packaged foods industry.

FAQs

What are the Careers in Packaged Foods Industry?

• Baker.
• Banquet manager.
• Bartender.
• Beverage manager.
• Broiler cook.
• Bus person

Is Packaged Foods a Good Career Path?

It is a great sector to start your career in because of its job opportunities.

Are Packaged Foods Healthy?

Packaged foods often contain ingredients that could be harmful to the body system.

What are Packaged Foods

Packaged foods are foods that have their entire surface covered to prevent direct contact of the foods with the environment.

What is the Average Salary of an Oven Operator

The salary range for people working in this sector is $22,500–$27,000 per year.

FAQs

What are the Careers in packaged foods industry?

• Baker.
• Banquet manager.
• Bartender.
• Beverage manager.
• Broiler cook.
• Bus person

Is packaged foods a good career paths?

It is a great sector to start your career in because of its job opportunities.

Are packaged foods healthy?

Packaged foods often contain ingredients that could be harmful to the body system.

What are packaged foods

Packaged foods are foods that have their entire surface covered in order to prevent direct contact of the foods with the environment.

what is average salary of an oven operator

The salary range for people working in this sector is $22,500–$27,000 per year.

References

• Royalrecruiter.com– Is Packaged Food a Good Career Path?
• newworldencyclopedia.org– Food Packaging
• Ziprecruiter.com– 25 of the Highest-Paying Food Manufacturing Jobs in 2022

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