Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders
Operate or tend machines to prepare industrial or consumer products for storage or shipment. Includes cannery workers who pack food products.
How AI Impacts Each Task
20 tasks analyzed
Attach identification labels to finished packaged items, or cut stencils and stencil information on containers, such as lot numbers or shipping destinations.
Sort, grade, weigh, and inspect products, verifying and adjusting product weight or measurement to meet specifications.
Stop or reset machines when malfunctions occur, clear machine jams, and report malfunctions to a supervisor.
Observe machine operations to ensure quality and conformity of filled or packaged products to standards.
Remove finished packaged items from machine and separate rejected items.
Monitor the production line, watching for problems such as pile-ups, jams, or glue that isn't sticking properly.
Inspect and remove defective products and packaging material.
Start machine by engaging controls.
Tend or operate machine that packages product.
Clean, oil, and make minor adjustments or repairs to machinery and equipment, such as opening valves or setting guides.
Regulate machine flow, speed, or temperature.
Adjust machine components and machine tension and pressure according to size or processing angle of product.
Supply materials to spindles, conveyors, hoppers, or other feeding devices and unload packaged product.
Stack finished packaged items, or wrap protective material around each item, and pack the items in cartons or containers.
Package the product in the form in which it will be sent out, for example, filling bags with flour from a chute or spout.
Stock and sort product for packaging or filling machine operation, and replenish packaging supplies, such as wrapping paper, plastic sheet, boxes, cartons, glue, ink, or labels.
Count and record finished and rejected packaged items.
Clean packaging containers, line and pad crates, or assemble cartons to prepare for product packing.
Clean and remove damaged or otherwise inferior materials to prepare raw products for processing.
Secure finished packaged items by hand tying, sewing, gluing, stapling, or attaching fastener.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attach identification labels to finished packaged items, or cut stencils and stencil information on containers, such as lot numbers or shipping destinations. | 80Estimated | 65.0% | 4% | |
| Sort, grade, weigh, and inspect products, verifying and adjusting product weight or measurement to meet specifications. | 85Estimated | 67.0% | 5% | |
| Stop or reset machines when malfunctions occur, clear machine jams, and report malfunctions to a supervisor. | 35Estimated | 47.0% | 4% | |
| Observe machine operations to ensure quality and conformity of filled or packaged products to standards. | 92Estimated | 86.0% | 8% | |
| Remove finished packaged items from machine and separate rejected items. | 80Estimated | 65.0% | 6% | |
| Monitor the production line, watching for problems such as pile-ups, jams, or glue that isn't sticking properly. | 87Estimated | 84.0% | 8% | |
| Inspect and remove defective products and packaging material. | 80Estimated | 65.0% | 5% | |
| Start machine by engaging controls. | 75Estimated | 63.0% | 2% | |
| Tend or operate machine that packages product. | 50Estimated | 53.0% | 10% | |
| Clean, oil, and make minor adjustments or repairs to machinery and equipment, such as opening valves or setting guides. | 10Estimated | 13.0% | 4% | |
| Regulate machine flow, speed, or temperature. | 95Estimated | 87.2% | 4% | |
| Adjust machine components and machine tension and pressure according to size or processing angle of product. | 60Estimated | 57.0% | 4% | |
| Supply materials to spindles, conveyors, hoppers, or other feeding devices and unload packaged product. | 50Estimated | 53.0% | 6% | |
| Stack finished packaged items, or wrap protective material around each item, and pack the items in cartons or containers. | 85Estimated | 67.0% | 6% | |
| Package the product in the form in which it will be sent out, for example, filling bags with flour from a chute or spout. | 90Estimated | 69.0% | 6% | |
| Stock and sort product for packaging or filling machine operation, and replenish packaging supplies, such as wrapping paper, plastic sheet, boxes, cartons, glue, ink, or labels. | 40Estimated | 49.0% | 5% | |
| Count and record finished and rejected packaged items. | 97Estimated | 88.0% | 3% | |
| Clean packaging containers, line and pad crates, or assemble cartons to prepare for product packing. | 70Estimated | 61.0% | 4% | |
| Clean and remove damaged or otherwise inferior materials to prepare raw products for processing. | 80Estimated | 65.0% | 3% | |
| Secure finished packaged items by hand tying, sewing, gluing, stapling, or attaching fastener. | 65Estimated | 59.0% | 3% |
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
Information Ordering is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Reading Comprehension is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
AI-Resistant Skills (11)
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Manual Dexterity is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Equipment Maintenance is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
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Score History
Risk score over 2 scoring runs
overall change
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Education Level
Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
Related News
Recent articles about AI affecting this occupation
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Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis