What does a packer do?
A key part of the distribution chain, packers work at retail or manufacturing companies’ warehouses or production facilities and are responsible for getting the correct products from storage and preparing them for shipment. This involves carefully checking orders for the required items and quantities, prepping and maintaining the packing machines and, once wrapped and appropriately packed, loading the packages onto shipping trucks.
Packers may also need to collect and update the shipping documentation, and label all packages. As part of their role, packers consider the most economical way to pack and ship products of various weights, shapes and sizes.
Packer skills and qualifications
To succeed as a packer, attention to detail, time management and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment are essential. Employers value individuals who can follow instructions accurately, maintain quality standards, and work safely as part of a team. While formal qualifications are not usually required, experience in warehousing, manufacturing or logistics, along with a basic understanding of workplace health and safety, is highly regarded.
A good packer should have the following skills and aptitudes:
- ability to operate packing machines
- good hand-eye coordination
- ability to work on their feet for extended periods of time
- good attention to detail to meet order specifications
- comfortable working as part of a team
- physically able to lift and move heavy items.
Packer experience requirements
It’s common for a packer to start working without any special experience, as they usually learn and pick up skills on the job. This may involve starting by shadowing a more experienced packer for a period of time.
Still, any previous experience in warehouse work or a similar role is, of course, beneficial. Look for skills in operating packing or warehouse machinery, or any relevant internships the applicant may have completed. Any previous knowledge might save you costs spent on training up the new staff member.
Packer education and training requirements
In Australia, there are no formal educational or training requirements to work as a packer, so the barrier to entry is low. However, most employers expect their packers to have completed at least Year 10 schooling. Most packers learn on the job when joining their first employer.
It may be advantageous to hire a packer who has opted to obtain a Certificate II in Warehousing Operations or a similar qualification through TAFE or another registered training provider to build their industry knowledge. Specialist skills such as a forklift licence are also something to look out for in candidates.
Packer salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a packer is $79,763 per year. This may vary depending on the employer, industry, location and the candidate’s experience.
Job description samples for similar positions
There are a few roles with similar duties to a packer. Take a look to see if you need to hire one of these workers in addition to or instead of a packer for your site:
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