There are numerous job opportunities in the packaged food industry. It is one of the industries with the most available jobs and the lowest unemployment rate.
The packaged foods industry is rapidly growing and includes many industrial food sub-sectors. That is why the industry is expected to be worth $478.18 billion by 2028.
Officially, the industry has one of the highest average annual earnings in the United States. The yearly salary for this occupation is $59,946, with over 30,000 jobs available. No doubt about its direct economic impact on many nations.
If you’re a food lover, packaged foods is a good career path to venture into in 2023.
This article will look at some of the highest-paying jobs, how many jobs are available in packaged foods, and their earning potential.
Why Does Packaged Foods Stand Out as a Career Path?
Packaged Foods stands out as a career path because it offers a diverse range of jobs that connect farmers and others in agriculture with consumers.
This means you’ll be able to work with livestock, agriculture, or consumers, as well as quality control or quality assurance, to ensure your company complies with regulations.
Additionally, packaged foods can be an excellent career path for those aspiring to be bakers or chefs.
Culinary school is one option, but working in packaged foods can provide experience and education without requiring a degree.
Jobs in packaged foods can provide you with valuable skills and knowledge that you can apply as your career progresses.
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How Many Jobs are Available in Packaged Foods?
More than 30,000 jobs are available in the packaged foods industry. One of the industries with a low unemployment rate and a high number of job opportunities is packaged foods.
The packaged foods industry is an evergreen industry that is rapidly expanding and segmenting into various sub-sectors. The industry is in charge of manufacturing and producing packaged foods.
Below are the highest-paying jobs in Packaged Foods:
1. Packaging Technician
Average Salary:$43,555
Packaging technicians are those who are in charge of packaging foods for distribution.
They collaborate closely with the production team to ensure that the product is properly and safely packed for shipping and distribution. They might also be in charge of quality control.
2. Quality Control Specialist
Average Salary:$53,270
Quality control specialists ensure that raw materials are appropriately processed before they are shipped to stores.
They ensure that the right ingredients are used and that the food meets the company’s standards.
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3. Consumer Behavior Analyst
Average Salary:$77,609
Consumer behavior analysts are also in high demand in the packaged foods industry; they study consumers and make product decisions.
Consumer behavior analysts conduct market research to learn why a particular product is in high demand and how consumers react when purchasing it.
They assist the company in increasing its sales.
4. Refrigeration Engineer
Average Salary:$74,229
Refrigeration engineers design, build and maintain the company’s cooling systems. Refrigeration engineers can specialize in either air conditioning or mechanical ventilation.
They apply their engineering principles and knowledge to create innovative designs for air conditioning units and mechanical ventilation equipment.
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5. Production Supervisor
Average Salary:$60,292
Production supervisors are in charge of the manufacturing processes in the packaged foods industry. They are also in charge of supervising factory workers.
6. Food Scientist
Average Salary:$78,497
Food scientists study the chemical composition of foods, their nutritional value, and how they interact with our bodies. Conductingg food nutrition and safety research is one of their jobs.
Another job they do is; put recipes to the test, analyze ingredients, and create new products. They also create packaging, labels, and food descriptions.
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7. Food Safety Manager
Average Salary:$68,082
Food safety managers are in charge of ensuring that packaged food is safe and healthy to consume. They inspect facilities and equipment to ensure they meet sanitation standards.
They also monitor and control the food’s temperature.
8. Refrigeration Technician
Average Salary:$68,688
Refrigeration technicians are craftsmen in the company’s refrigeration system maintenance and repair. These systems include air conditioning units, freezers, ice machines, and water chillers.
A refrigeration technician collaborates with a refrigeration engineer to diagnose problems and recommend solutions to ensure proper operation and safety standards. So if yo are wondering how Many jobs are available in packaged foods, this might be a good pick for you.
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9. Flavorist
Average Salary:$115,511
The job of a florist is to create different tastes and smells to make a product appealing to consumers.
Flavorists work in restaurants, bakeries, candy companies, ice cream shops, and other food preparation and packaging establishments.
10. Food Inspector
Average Salary:$53,828
Food inspectors use their nutrition and ingredient knowledge to determine whether packaged food is safe to consume. Products may be tested for dangerous levels of bacteria, chemicals, or contaminants.
When inspecting food, the inspector looks for mold, dirt, insects, and other foreign objects.
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11. Factory Employee
Average Salary:$44,000
A factory worker performs a variety of tasks in a factory. Factory workers may use machinery to produce a variety of goods.
They may also sort, verify, and pack products and help with product assembly. In industrial settings, this role can be seen.
12. Packer
Average Salary:$36,000
Packers are in charge of packaging and shipping vendors’ goods. They usually work in warehouses, marking and preparing items for transport.
Packers are frequently tasked with inspecting products and shipping containers, such as weighing and measuring them.
They may also conduct regular storage and packing facilities inspections to ensure company quality.
Packing is an excellent entry-level option for those working in the packaging industry.
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13. Oven Operator
Average Salary:$50,000
An oven operator supervises baking during food manufacturing in commercial bakeries or factories.
As part of your job, you are responsible for configuring, monitoring, and modifying oven temperature and timing settings. You inspect the products both during and after baking to ensure product quality.
14. Packaging Designer
Average Salary:$48,000
A packaging engineer specializes in the design of adequate packaging for various applications, including those found in the shipping, food, and chemical industries.
Because these businesses require safe packaging that will last the product’s life, having an engineering design for the packaging is advantageous.
This can also ensure that the packing is as efficient as possible, resulting in less bulk and waste.
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15. Production Manager
Average Salary:$60,000
Production supervisors oversee manufacturing operations in the packaged goods industry. In addition, they are in charge of supervising production workers. So if yo are wondering how Many jobs are available in packaged foods, this might be a good pick for you.
16. Shipping Coordinator
Average Salary:$58,000
Shipping coordinators are responsible for gathering and documenting shipping information. They plan shipment schedules and select the best shipping method for each item.
A shipping coordinator may also delegate other employees to different areas of a warehouse or loading site to assist with the shipment process.
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17. Specialist in Quality Control
Average Salary:$56,000
Before raw materials are delivered to retailers, quality control specialists ensure they have been processed correctly.
They guarantee that the proper ingredients are used and that the meal meets the company’s standards.
18. Ammonia Refrigeration Technician
Average Salary:$56,255
The ammonia refrigeration technician works with ammonia refrigeration systems at every stage, from installation, to ensure proper operation and troubleshooting of any issues that may arise.
An ammonia refrigeration technician’s job is critical because an ammonia leak can be hazardous.
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19. Batch Maker
Average Salary:$33,791
Many batch makers require specific skills to carry out their responsibilities.
A high school diploma with a business major is the most common degree.
Typically, becoming a batch maker requires no prior experience. Batch makers who are certified in Forklift Safety and Inspectors earn more money.
20. Batch Mixer
Average Salary:$38,984
Many batch mixers must possess specific skills to carry out their duties.
One of the first things to consider if you want to become a batch mixer is how much education you’ll need.
When it comes to being a batch mixer, there is more to it than meets the eye.
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What Companies are in Packaged Foods?
Here is a list and ranking of the world’s most well-known packaged food companies.
Nestlé
The headquarters of the company is in Vevey, Switzerland. Among their most well-known brands are Nescafé, Nestlé Pure Life, Hot Pockets, Purina, Dreyer’s, Stouffer’s, Lean Cuisine, Perrier, and Nesquik. As of 2021, their annual revenue is $94.30 billion.
Pepsi
Pepsi’s headquarters are in New York, USA. Lay’s, Pepsi, Quaker, Lipton, Mountain Dew, Doritos, Ruffles, Tostitos, Fritos, Gatorade, Tropicana, Aquafina, and Starbucks are among their key brands. Pepsi’s annual revenue is expected to be $70.37 billion in 2021.
Anheuser-Busch I Bev
It is situated in the Belgian city of Leuven. Bud, Bud Lite, Stella Artois, Beck’s, Corona, Modelo Especially, and Michelob Ultra are their leading brands. As of 2021, their annual revenue is $52.33 billion.
JBS USA Holdings Inc.
Its headquarters are located in Greeley, Colorado, United States of America. Swift, Pilgrim’s Pride, and Cedar River Farms are among their most well-known brands. As of 2021, their annual revenue is $48.80 billion.
Tyson Foods
Springdale, Arkansas, in the United States. Tyson, Wright, Jimmy Dean, and Hillshire Farm are strong brands. As of 2021, their annual revenue is $42.40 billion.
Mars International
Mars International’s headquarters are located in McLean, Virginia. Their key brands include M&M’s, MilkyWay, Dove, Skittles, Whiskas, Uncle Ben’s, Pedigree, and Royal Canin. As of 2021, their annual revenue is $37.63 billion.
Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and its leading brands include Coca-Cola, Sprite, Powerade, Fanta, Dasani, Odwalla, Honest Tea, and Minute Maid. In 2021, annual revenue will be $37.27 billion.
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What do Packaged Foods Jobs Pay?
Packaged foods are a lucrative career path because packaged foods have grown into a large industry, employing over 500,000 people in the United States. It also pays competitive wages to its employees.
In the packaged foods industry, you can earn anywhere from $28,750 to $86,400 annually according to BLS.
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What is the Job Outlook for Packaged Foods Careers
Packaged goods make a significant contribution to the American economy. They generate substantial food sales and employ millions of people.
The packaged goods market is rapidly growing, and this sector has numerous opportunities.
Packaged foods include many businesses, from small mom-and-pop shops to large multinational corporations.
The possibilities vary depending on the type of packaged food product. There are several job opportunities in the food packaging industry, for example. There are also many job opportunities in the food manufacturing sector.
A degree in food science or a related discipline is required for success in the packaged foods industry.
Even if you lack a degree, there are plenty of opportunities if you have strong organizational skills and can work well under pressure. It also helps if you have prior experience working with computers and software programs.
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How to Find the Packaged Foods Jobs Near You
These popular job boards can assist you in your search for food packaging jobs near me. Enter your location into the search bar and choose the type of job you want.
- Indeed.com
- Zip Recruiter
- Simply Hired
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What are the Alternatives to a Career in Packaged Foods?
Here are some of the alternatives to a career in Packaged Foods:
- Food Product or Ingredient Development Scientist
- Sensory Scientist
- Food Microbiologist or Food Safety Expert
- Food Chemist
- Regulatory Affairs Specialist
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FAQs on How Many Jobs Are Available In Packaged Foods
Why Does Packaged Foods Stand Out as a Career Path?
How Many Jobs are Available in Packaged Foods?
What do Packaged Foods Jobs Pay?
What Companies are in Packaged Foods?
Conclusion
The article How Many Jobs Are Available in Packaged Foods is helpful for people who want to work in the packaged foods industry.
The most important thing you can take away from this article is that numerous career opportunities are available in the packaged food industry.
If you want to work in this industry, you should be extremely passionate about it and have the necessary skills and expertise.