CDCareer Decision

Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders Salary in Hickory, NC

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders in Hickory, NC have a median annual salary of $41,150, with 930 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $30,200 at the 10th percentile to $50,270 at the 90th percentile.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS · Data year: 2025 · Last updated: 2026-09-22

Salary overview

Median annual salary

$41,150

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$19.78

Employment

930

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$30,200
10th
$35,870
25th
$41,150
Median
$47,220
75th
$50,270
90th

Local compared with national

Hickory, NC

$41,150

Median annual · 2025

United States

$43,220

Median annual · 2025

The Hickory, NC median is 4.8% below the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $2,070).

Top skills

  1. 1.Operations MonitoringImportance 3.3
  2. 2.MonitoringImportance 3.1
  3. 3.Active ListeningImportance 3.0
  4. 4.CoordinationImportance 3.0
  5. 5.Operation and ControlImportance 3.0
  6. 6.Reading ComprehensionImportance 2.9
  7. 7.Critical ThinkingImportance 2.9
  8. 8.Social PerceptivenessImportance 2.9
  9. 9.Equipment MaintenanceImportance 2.9
  10. 10.Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.9
  11. 11.Time ManagementImportance 2.9
  12. 12.SpeakingImportance 2.8

Career information

Education and experience

Typical education
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
Experience
None
Job zone
2

Technology used

  • Email software
  • Label printing software
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • SAP software

Common tasks

  • Regulate machine flow, speed, or temperature.
  • 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.

Related careers

Occupations recorded as related in the dataset. A relationship does not imply a guaranteed transition.

Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders salary in other locations

Other occupations in Hickory, NC