Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders
Machines can already do 20% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 60%. The job changes before it disappears.
Share of the work machines can do
Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders in 2026: the short answer
- Today: machines can do 20% of this job's tasks, and AI use is already seen in 0% of them.
- Forecast: machines can do half of its tasks by 2033, and 60% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
- Size: 379,060 people do this job in the United States, on a median pay of $43,220 a year.
- Contact with people: it scores 62% for contact with people.
- Also called: Bundler, Closing Machine Operator, Computer Numerical Control Machine Operator (CNC Machine Operator), Filler Operator.
Updated by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit. These are worldwide baseline figures; the Workforce Starburst shows them for your country. Go deeper: How ready am I? or an executive briefing.
How the work changes, task by task
The tasks that take up most of the day, with the share of each that machines can do in 2026 (dark) and 2035 (pink). Worldwide baseline.
| Task | Share of the day | Machines can do | 2026 to 2035 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tend or operate machine that packages product | 12% | 20% to 60% | |
| Observe machine operations to ensure quality and conformity of filled or packaged products to standards | 9% | 20% to 60% | |
| Monitor the production line, watching for problems such as pile-ups, jams, or glue that isn't sticking properly | 9% | 20% to 60% | |
| Stop or reset machines when malfunctions occur, clear machine jams, and report malfunctions to a supervisor | 6% | 3% to 30% | |
| Remove finished packaged items from machine and separate rejected items | 6% | 20% to 60% | |
| Clean, oil, and make minor adjustments or repairs to machinery and equipment, such as opening valves or setting guides | 6% | 20% to 60% | |
| Supply materials to spindles, conveyors, hoppers, or other feeding devices and unload packaged product | 6% | 20% to 60% | |
| Stack finished packaged items, or wrap protective material around each item, and pack the items in cartons or containers | 6% | 30% to 75% |
The skills this job runs on
The skills packaging and filling machine operators and tenders use most, most used first.
Safer jobs nearby
Jobs with a similar skill shape where machines can do less of the work by 2035.
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic57% of tasks by 2035 · US median $47,720
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers59% of tasks by 2035 · US median $53,710
- Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders56% of tasks by 2035 · US median $50,270
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery56% of tasks by 2035 · US median $60,850
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Questions
When will machines do half of the tasks of Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders?
Machines can do half of its tasks by 2033. That is the worldwide baseline from the 311 Workforce Starburst, before adjusting for country.
Will AI take the job of packaging and filling machine operators and tenders?
Machines can do 20% of the tasks of packaging and filling machine operators and tenders today and 60% by 2035. The job changes before it disappears: the routine tasks move first.
Sources and citing
Tasks and their share of the day: O*NET 31.0, occupation 51-9111.00 (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0). Pay and jobs: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. AI use today: Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Scoring and forecast: the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit; after 2035 the figures extend each trend, with lower confidence. Foresight, not advice.
Cite as: 311 Institute (2026). Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/packaging-and-filling-machine-operators-and-tenders/