How to become machine feeders and offbearerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Logistics Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$41,220

25th–75th pct. $36,420–$48,480

Top pay (est.)

$75,600

Top 10% $58,160

Pay in 5 years

$46,000est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$51,200est.

$44,100–$59,500

Outlook score

28/100

★☆☆☆☆ Weak

AI replacement risk

50%

Moderate

Job growth (10 yr)

−13.1%

4,000 openings / yr

How to become machine feeders and offbearers

Typical education

No formal educational credential

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Short-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Machine Feeders and Offbearers

Key skills

Operations Monitoring

3.4

Reading Comprehension

2.9

Monitoring

2.9

Speaking

2.6

Active Listening

2.6

Critical Thinking

2.6

Operation and Control

2.5

Quality Control Analysis

2.5

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Production and Processing

3.4

Mechanical

3.2

Mathematics

2.9

Education and Training

2.9

Public Safety and Security

2.6

English Language

2.6

Administration and Management

2.4

Administrative

2.3

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesPerforming General Physical ActivitiesEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsGetting Information

Important abilities

Control PrecisionReaction TimeArm-Hand SteadinessNear VisionRate ControlOral Expression

Education of workers

High school diploma

73%

Less than high school

21%

Post-secondary certificate

Associate's degree

Training before entry

1–3 months

24%

None / short demo

19%

Up to 1 month

18%

3–6 months

18%

6–12 months

10%

2–4 years

1–2 years

Related work experience

None

32%

1–3 months

16%

1–2 years

15%

6–12 months

15%

3–6 months

2–4 years

6–8 years

Up to 1 month

4–6 years

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as machine feeders and offbearers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand Manually move freight, stock, luggage, or other materials, or perform other general labor.	$40,240	45/100	33%
2	Stockers and Order Fillers Receive, store, and issue merchandise, materials, equipment, and other items from stockroom, warehouse, or storage yard to fill shelves, racks, tables, or customers' orders.	$37,330	61/100	35%
3	Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks Verify and maintain records on incoming and outgoing shipments involving inventory.	$45,260	25/100	54%
4	Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators Operate industrial trucks or tractors equipped to move materials around a warehouse, storage yard, factory, construction site, or similar location.	$46,420	43/100	30%
5	Packers and Packagers, Hand Pack or package by hand a wide variety of products and materials.	$36,280	33/100	38%
6	Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks Coordinate and expedite the flow of work and materials within or between departments of an establishment according to production schedule.	$59,650	34/100	70%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.