Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders Salary in Columbus, OH

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Columbus, OH

Median annual salary $42,500 +3.9% vs national
Median hourly $20.43
10th percentile $35,240
90th percentile $76,000
Employed locally 3,260
National median $40,900

Compare Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders salary & buying power

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Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders
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    In Columbus, Ohio, Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders earn a median annual salary of $42,500, which is slightly higher than the national median of $40,900. The typical hourly wage for this occupation in Columbus stands at $20.43. When compared to the local median household income of $79,847, it becomes evident that individuals working in this field generally earn around half of what a typical household earns, reflecting broader economic trends where individual wages do not always match up with household incomes due to factors like multiple earners per household or additional sources of income.

    Entry-level workers in this occupation in Columbus tend to earn near the 10th percentile, which is approximately $35,240 annually. In contrast, more experienced operators and tenders can earn significantly more, with those at the 75th percentile making around $51,790 per year, and those at the top 90th percentile earning upwards of $76,000. The variation in earnings is driven by several factors including experience, skill level, type of industry (e.g., food production versus pharmaceuticals), and specific job responsibilities. As workers gain more expertise and handle more complex machinery or supervisory roles, their compensation tends to increase accordingly.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $35,240
    25th
    $36,860
    50th (median)
    $42,500
    75th
    $51,790
    90th
    $76,000

    Columbus economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $79,847 2023 • Census ACS
    Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders salary vs area income 53% Median Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders salary is 47% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders make per hour in Columbus?

    The median hourly wage for Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders in Columbus, OH is $20.43, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $38.24 or more per hour.

    Is Columbus above or below average for Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders salaries?

    The median Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders salary in Columbus, OH is 3.9% above the national median of $40,900. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders in Columbus?

    Entry-level Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders (10th percentile) earn around $35,240 per year in Columbus, OH. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $36,860.