Packers and Packagers, Hand Salary in St. Louis, MO-IL

In St. Louis, MO-IL, the typical worker employed as a packer and packager earns a median annual salary of $36,880, or approximately $17.73 per hour. This is slightly higher than the national median for this occupation, which stands at $35,580 annually. When compared to the local area's median household income of $78,225, it becomes evident that individual earnings from this role represent a smaller proportion of the typical family’s total income in the region. Given the estimated employment of 3,360 individuals in this field and the relatively low local unemployment rate of 3.70%, packers and packagers constitute an essential part of the workforce, though their income levels reflect modest earning potential relative to broader economic standards in the area.

When examining salary ranges within this occupation, entry-level workers often earn closer to the lower end of the spectrum, with earnings around the 10th percentile at $30,540 annually. Conversely, more experienced workers who have progressed beyond initial positions can reach or exceed the 75th percentile, earning up to $39,650 per year. Some highly skilled and seasoned professionals might even achieve salaries near the 90th percentile, which is approximately $49,020. The disparity in earnings between entry-level and experienced workers is driven by factors such as skill acquisition, efficiency improvements, increased responsibility, and tenure within a company. As workers gain experience and demonstrate proficiency, they often become eligible for higher pay rates and additional responsibilities, contributing to the overall salary variation observed within this occupation.