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Is containers/packaging a good career path? Certainly Yes. If you’re considering a career in container/packaging, it’s important you think about how this aligns with your career goals.

Certainly, container packaging can be a rewarding career path. However, there are different things to consider before taking up a job in this field.

For instance, a career path you choose today will affect your entire life. Consequently, you have the salary, job availability, and satisfaction to consider.

So, before you make that decision, let us answer those important questions you have regarding the containers/packing career path.

Is Containers/Packaging a Good Career Path: What are Containers/Packaging?

Container/Packaging is a general term that refers to the assembling of different types of parcels, envelopes, and structures for various merchandise.

Further, containers/packaging are done in multiple industries. So, you can work in food and beverage, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), pharmaceutical, cosmetics, or retail.

The job in this field also includes uploading packages from the factory to vehicles. Similarly, you can assemble goods made by others.

You can also work as a supervisor in a manufacturing company. So your duty would be to help supervise others who work in the factory.

Examples Of Containers/Packaging

Containers/packaging cover a variety of areas from writing, designing, and printing to the proper assembling of containers.

One of the interesting things about containers/packaging is that it offers many opportunities for many manufacturing companies.

That said, the following are examples of container/packaging:

Paper box
Corrugated boxes
Plastic boxes
Rigid boxes
Chipboard packaging
Poly bags
Foil sealed bags

Is Containers/Packaging A Good Career Path?

Containers/packaging can be a rewarding career for people who enjoy working with machines and manufactured products.

In addition, container/packaging is a good field to work in because it provides varieties of jobs with rewarding growth opportunities. Entry-level container/packaging jobs can pay $28,000 per year.

However, packaging jobs require a lot of strength. That said, if you have prior experience in container/packaging, then you can take up a supervisory or managerial role.

What are the Benefits of Working in Containers/Packaging?

The prominent benefits of containers/packaging are insurance, health, and wellness. So we went through a Glassdoor review and observed that dental insurance is the most-rated benefit.

After that, Health Savings Account (HSA) and Vision Insurance are the 2nd rated while health Insurance is the least.

Dental Insurance
Health Insurance
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Vision Insurance

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What are the Job Prospects for Containers/Packaging?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the overall employment of hand laborers and material movers will grow by 7% from 2020 to 2030. This is about as fast as the average for all occupations.

The BLS also projects that there’ll be about 941,100 openings for hand laborers and material movers each year, on average, over the decade.

Further, many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

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Is Containers/Packaging a Good Career Path: How Much Can You Make From Containers/Packaging?

Similarly, the BLS states that as of May 2021, packaging specialists made a mean salary of $30,950 per year or $14.88 per hour.

However, salaries generally ranged from $23,030 a year, or $11.07 an hour, to $38,220, or $18.38 per hour.

Further, salaries were highest in Alaska, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey paying $37,020, $34,830 , and $34,420, respectively.

On the other hand, median salaries were lowest in the state of Louisiana where packaging specialists earned $17,610 (10th percentile), $22,090 (50th percentile), and $37,210 (90th percentile).

7 Highly Paid Containers/Packaging Career Paths for Graduates

1. Assembly Technician

The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the job market for assembly technicians is expected to grow by 17% between 2016 and 2026.

The duties of an assembly technician are to assemble product components. You might also be required to construct small parts and components to create new products according to client specifications.

The average salary for an assembly technician is $18.36 per hour in the United States. This is based on 12.6k salaries reported on indeed.com in 2022.

2. Consumer Behavior Analyst

The basic role of a consumer behavior analyst is to study and understand consumer decision-making behavior. Then, create packaging that will appeal to the specific consumer.

As a consumer analyst, you’ll adopt various methods for your study. Some of these methods include surveys, focus groups, and experiments.

However, consumer behavior analysts do not work in isolation. Instead, they work hand in hand with marketing and product development teams.

With that, the company can create attractive and functional packaging.

The average annual pay for a Consumer Behavior Analyst in the United States is $77,630 a year according to ZipRecruiter.

Further, a simple calculation will give you approximately $37.32 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,492/week or $6,469/month.

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3. Packaging Operator

The packaging operator oversees the process of packaging. Packaging is the process of putting items into containers for storage, transportation, sale, or use.

Certainly, the packaging career path can be rewarding. However, it can also be challenging. But with dedication and commitment, you’ll rise to deliver timely and quality-assured packaged products.

4. Packaging Designer

Packaging designer jobs are one of the best creative jobs that pay well. They work with UX Researchers from design through the development and production of containers and packaging.

However, you got to be a fantastic graphics designer with lots of creativity in design and arts. But it doesn’t end there! You also need to be great at understanding engineering processes and product design.

The salaries of Packaging Designers in the US range from $11,783 to $312,383, with a median salary of $57,060 according to Comparably.com.

In addition, the middle 57% of Packaging Designers make between $57,061 and $142,119, with the top 86% making $312,383.

5. Packaging Engineers

A packaging engineer also designs and manufactures containers, cans, bottles, and other packaging materials.

As a packaging engineer, you can also work with a beverage manufacturer to create a variety of products that are safe for consumption.

Further, a packaging engineer can also work on the development of new technologies that reduce waste.

However, you need to have experience working with materials such as plastics, metals, paperboard, and cardboard boxes.

The average salary for a packaging engineer is $87,059 per year in the United States. This is based on 868 salaries reported on indeed.com in 2022.

6. Quality Assurance Manager

A Quality Assurance Manager ensures that the food manufacturing process is safe. He monitors and controls the production process from raw ingredient intake through to the packaging of finished products.

So, you’ll ensure that all processing meets rigorous standards of quality and hygiene. The base salary for Quality Assurance Manager ranges from $105,579 to $135,877. In addition, the average base salary is $118,919 according to salary.com.

7. Warehouse Manager

A well-functioning warehouse is essential for any company that stores and distributes materials or products.

The warehouse manager oversees all activities at the facility. Your job includes monitoring team performance, expediting goods receiving and shipping, and ensuring efficient, organized storage.

Skills You Need in a Containers/Packaging Career

If you want to be successful in the containers/packaging career path, you’ll need various skill sets. Here are three skills that you need in containers/packaging.

1. Technical Skills

You can acquire technical skills through formal education or training. In addition, technical skills are usually related to specific skills.

Examples of technical skills include computer programming, graphic design, and welding.

2. Transferable Skills

Transferable skills are general life and work abilities. You can apply to multiple industries and job functions in the industry.

Examples of transferable skills include communication, problem-solving, and organization.

3. Experience

Another skill you’ll need to land a container/packaging job is experience. In fact, any work experience is better than no work experience.

However, having relevant experience prepares you for more senior and advanced positions in the containers/packaging career path.

Conclusion

The container business has grown considerably in recent years due to its capacity to rapidly move items through ports throughout the world and its low cost in contrast to other modes of transportation. Containers are also one of the most environmentally friendly ways to carry out an activity.

Containers/packaging a good career path can be rewarding. For instance, it offers varieties of job opportunities. There’s also room for career growth.

That said, container packaging jobs require strength, skills, and commitment.

Frequently Asked Questions on is containers/packaging a good career path

What is container packaging?

A container is an enclosure for holding a product used in storage, packaging, and transportation, including shipping.

What are the types of containers used in packaging?

The various types of container packaging are Paper box
, Corrugated boxes, and Plastic boxes.
In addition, you can find Rigid boxes, Chipboard packaging, Polybags, and Foil sealed bags in the industry.