GITNUXREPORT 2026

Hr In The Packaging Industry Statistics

The packaging industry's workforce is growing and changing, requiring stronger recruitment and training strategies.

Alexander Schmidt

Research Analyst specializing in technology and digital transformation trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

Average packaging salary is $48,000 annually

Statistic 2

Overtime pay averages 20% of total comp

Statistic 3

60% offer health insurance coverage

Statistic 4

Bonus structures in 45% of companies average 8%

Statistic 5

401(k) matching at 4% average

Statistic 6

Shift differentials add 10-15% to hourly

Statistic 7

PTO averages 15 days per year

Statistic 8

35% provide tuition reimbursement up to $5,250

Statistic 9

Total comp package worth $62,500 avg

Statistic 10

Gender pay gap at 12% in packaging

Statistic 11

55% have profit-sharing plans

Statistic 12

Minimum wage compliance 100%, avg $18/hr

Statistic 13

Stock options in 20% of public firms

Statistic 14

Dental/vision benefits cover 70%

Statistic 15

25% salary increase for promotions

Statistic 16

Life insurance 2x salary standard in 50%

Statistic 17

40% offer childcare assistance

Statistic 18

Commission for sales roles avg 7%

Statistic 19

Pay transparency policies in 30%

Statistic 20

65% annual merit increases avg 3.2%

Statistic 21

HSAs funded by 42% employers avg $500

Statistic 22

28% provide gym memberships or stipends

Statistic 23

Executive comp avg $250k base

Statistic 24

55% satisfaction with comp packages

Statistic 25

COLA adjustments in 35% contracts

Statistic 26

Severance avg 2 weeks per year service

Statistic 27

The packaging industry employs over 2.7 million workers in the US

Statistic 28

28% of packaging industry employees are women

Statistic 29

Average age of packaging workers is 42 years

Statistic 30

15% of packaging workforce has a bachelor's degree or higher

Statistic 31

Hispanic workers make up 25% of packaging industry labor

Statistic 32

35% of packaging employees are under 35 years old

Statistic 33

Black or African American workers represent 12% of the workforce

Statistic 34

40% of packaging jobs require high school diploma only

Statistic 35

Veterans comprise 7% of packaging industry employees

Statistic 36

22% growth in packaging workforce projected by 2030

Statistic 37

Asian workers are 5% of the packaging labor force

Statistic 38

18% of workers are part-time in packaging

Statistic 39

Union membership is 10% in packaging manufacturing

Statistic 40

55% of packaging workers are production operators

Statistic 41

Rural areas host 60% of packaging plants affecting demographics

Statistic 42

32% of new hires in packaging are Gen Z

Statistic 43

Female leadership roles are 20% in packaging HR

Statistic 44

45% of workforce has 10+ years experience

Statistic 45

Immigrants make up 18% of packaging labor

Statistic 46

Disability rate among workers is 8%

Statistic 47

LGBTQ+ representation is 4% self-identified

Statistic 48

50% of packaging workers live within 30 miles of plants

Statistic 49

Baby boomers retiring at 12% rate annually

Statistic 50

Millennial dominance at 38% of workforce

Statistic 51

Shift workers are 65% of total employees

Statistic 52

Entry-level positions filled by 25-34 age group at 28%

Statistic 53

14% of workers have vocational training background

Statistic 54

Packaging industry workforce diversity score is 72/100

Statistic 55

29% female in skilled trades within packaging

Statistic 56

Average tenure is 8.2 years

Statistic 57

65% of packaging HR managers report recruitment difficulties

Statistic 58

Time-to-hire averages 42 days in packaging

Statistic 59

70% use online job boards for hiring

Statistic 60

Cost per hire is $4,200 on average

Statistic 61

55% of hires come from referrals

Statistic 62

Applicant tracking systems used by 80% of firms

Statistic 63

40% shortage of skilled machine operators

Statistic 64

Social media sourcing yields 25% of candidates

Statistic 65

60% prioritize safety records in screening

Statistic 66

Entry-level turnover in first 90 days is 22%

Statistic 67

75% of companies partner with temp agencies

Statistic 68

Video interviews adopted by 50% of HR teams

Statistic 69

Diversity hiring goals met by 45% of firms

Statistic 70

35% use AI in resume screening

Statistic 71

Campus recruiting yields 15% of hires

Statistic 72

68% report skills mismatch in applicants

Statistic 73

Offer acceptance rate is 78%

Statistic 74

Background checks standard for 92% positions

Statistic 75

52% increased recruitment budgets in 2023

Statistic 76

Internal promotions fill 30% of vacancies

Statistic 77

Job fairs attract 20% more blue-collar applicants

Statistic 78

48% struggle with hourly wage competition

Statistic 79

Remote onboarding used by 12% despite factory roles

Statistic 80

62% target veterans for hiring

Statistic 81

Pre-employment testing in 70% of hires

Statistic 82

55% female candidates underrepresented in tech roles

Statistic 83

Recruitment ROI averages 1:3

Statistic 84

41% use LinkedIn for sourcing

Statistic 85

62% of packaging firms have voluntary turnover rate of 15%

Statistic 86

25% of employees leave within first year

Statistic 87

Engagement scores average 68/100

Statistic 88

Exit interviews reveal pay as top reason 40%

Statistic 89

Flexible scheduling retains 30% more workers

Statistic 90

50% cite career growth as retention factor

Statistic 91

Recognition programs boost retention by 23%

Statistic 92

35% involuntary turnover due to performance

Statistic 93

Stay interviews conducted by 45% HR teams

Statistic 94

60% offer retention bonuses

Statistic 95

Burnout cited in 28% exits

Statistic 96

72% retention rate after promotions

Statistic 97

Diversity initiatives improve retention by 19%

Statistic 98

40% turnover cost equals 1.5x salary

Statistic 99

Employee NPS scores average 45

Statistic 100

55% use pulse surveys for retention

Statistic 101

Remote work options retain 15% more

Statistic 102

65% report supervisor relationship key to stay

Statistic 103

Alumni programs rehire 12% of leavers

Statistic 104

30% reduction in turnover via wellness perks

Statistic 105

Succession planning covers 50% key roles

Statistic 106

48% turnover in high-stress shifts

Statistic 107

Feedback loops retain 25% better

Statistic 108

70% loyalty from long-service awards

Statistic 109

Mental health support cuts turnover 18%

Statistic 110

52% of firms track retention metrics monthly

Statistic 111

Gig economy poaches 10% annually

Statistic 112

28% of packaging employees receive annual training hours averaging 40

Statistic 113

75% of firms offer safety training mandatory

Statistic 114

Digital skills training up 60% post-pandemic

Statistic 115

45% participate in leadership development programs

Statistic 116

Average training budget per employee is $1,200 yearly

Statistic 117

65% use e-learning platforms for compliance

Statistic 118

Apprenticeships cover 20% of workforce development

Statistic 119

52% report skill gaps in automation

Statistic 120

Cross-training implemented in 70% of plants

Statistic 121

38% ROI on training investments measured

Statistic 122

Soft skills training prioritized by 55% HR leaders

Statistic 123

80% complete OSHA 10-hour certification

Statistic 124

Micro-credentials earned by 25% of operators

Statistic 125

60% of training is on-the-job

Statistic 126

VR training adopted by 15% for safety simulations

Statistic 127

42% increase in sustainability training modules

Statistic 128

Mentoring programs cover 35% of new hires

Statistic 129

70% train on lean manufacturing principles

Statistic 130

Certification rates for Six Sigma at 18%

Statistic 131

50% of HR budgets allocate to upskilling

Statistic 132

Gamification in training boosts retention by 90%

Statistic 133

65% provide language training for diverse workforce

Statistic 134

30% attend industry conferences annually

Statistic 135

AI ethics training introduced in 22% firms

Statistic 136

75% measure training effectiveness via quizzes

Statistic 137

Wellness training programs in 48% companies

Statistic 138

55% turnover reduction post-training

Statistic 139

Robotics training for 40% of operators

1/139

Sources

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Picture a massive industry of 2.7 million people—where the future is being shaped by a wave of Gen Z hires, a struggle to find skilled operators, and a surprising level of diversity—this is the human reality of HR in the packaging sector today.

Key Takeaways

The packaging industry employs over 2.7 million workers in the US
28% of packaging industry employees are women
Average age of packaging workers is 42 years
65% of packaging HR managers report recruitment difficulties
Time-to-hire averages 42 days in packaging
70% use online job boards for hiring
28% of packaging employees receive annual training hours averaging 40
75% of firms offer safety training mandatory
Digital skills training up 60% post-pandemic
62% of packaging firms have voluntary turnover rate of 15%
25% of employees leave within first year
Engagement scores average 68/100
Average packaging salary is $48,000 annually
Overtime pay averages 20% of total comp
60% offer health insurance coverage

The packaging industry's workforce is growing and changing, requiring stronger recruitment and training strategies.

Compensation

Average packaging salary is $48,000 annually
Overtime pay averages 20% of total comp
60% offer health insurance coverage
Bonus structures in 45% of companies average 8%
401(k) matching at 4% average
Shift differentials add 10-15% to hourly
PTO averages 15 days per year
35% provide tuition reimbursement up to $5,250
Total comp package worth $62,500 avg
Gender pay gap at 12% in packaging
55% have profit-sharing plans
Minimum wage compliance 100%, avg $18/hr
Stock options in 20% of public firms
Dental/vision benefits cover 70%
25% salary increase for promotions
Life insurance 2x salary standard in 50%
40% offer childcare assistance
Commission for sales roles avg 7%
Pay transparency policies in 30%
65% annual merit increases avg 3.2%
HSAs funded by 42% employers avg $500
28% provide gym memberships or stipends
Executive comp avg $250k base
55% satisfaction with comp packages
COLA adjustments in 35% contracts
Severance avg 2 weeks per year service

Compensation Interpretation

While the $62,500 total comp package shows some promising layers, the glaring 12% gender pay gap reveals the industry is still struggling to properly seal its own commitment to fairness.

Demographics

The packaging industry employs over 2.7 million workers in the US
28% of packaging industry employees are women
Average age of packaging workers is 42 years
15% of packaging workforce has a bachelor's degree or higher
Hispanic workers make up 25% of packaging industry labor
35% of packaging employees are under 35 years old
Black or African American workers represent 12% of the workforce
40% of packaging jobs require high school diploma only
Veterans comprise 7% of packaging industry employees
22% growth in packaging workforce projected by 2030
Asian workers are 5% of the packaging labor force
18% of workers are part-time in packaging
Union membership is 10% in packaging manufacturing
55% of packaging workers are production operators
Rural areas host 60% of packaging plants affecting demographics
32% of new hires in packaging are Gen Z
Female leadership roles are 20% in packaging HR
45% of workforce has 10+ years experience
Immigrants make up 18% of packaging labor
Disability rate among workers is 8%
LGBTQ+ representation is 4% self-identified
50% of packaging workers live within 30 miles of plants
Baby boomers retiring at 12% rate annually
Millennial dominance at 38% of workforce
Shift workers are 65% of total employees
Entry-level positions filled by 25-34 age group at 28%
14% of workers have vocational training background
Packaging industry workforce diversity score is 72/100
29% female in skilled trades within packaging
Average tenure is 8.2 years

Demographics Interpretation

The packaging industry is a surprising engine of modern American labor, projecting youthful growth while being steered by a deeply experienced, predominantly blue-collar workforce that is gradually—and necessarily—becoming more diverse.

Recruitment

65% of packaging HR managers report recruitment difficulties
Time-to-hire averages 42 days in packaging
70% use online job boards for hiring
Cost per hire is $4,200 on average
55% of hires come from referrals
Applicant tracking systems used by 80% of firms
40% shortage of skilled machine operators
Social media sourcing yields 25% of candidates
60% prioritize safety records in screening
Entry-level turnover in first 90 days is 22%
75% of companies partner with temp agencies
Video interviews adopted by 50% of HR teams
Diversity hiring goals met by 45% of firms
35% use AI in resume screening
Campus recruiting yields 15% of hires
68% report skills mismatch in applicants
Offer acceptance rate is 78%
Background checks standard for 92% positions
52% increased recruitment budgets in 2023
Internal promotions fill 30% of vacancies
Job fairs attract 20% more blue-collar applicants
48% struggle with hourly wage competition
Remote onboarding used by 12% despite factory roles
62% target veterans for hiring
Pre-employment testing in 70% of hires
55% female candidates underrepresented in tech roles
Recruitment ROI averages 1:3
41% use LinkedIn for sourcing

Recruitment Interpretation

Despite boasting a robust $4,200-per-hire budget and a 78% acceptance rate, packaging HR is stuck in a 42-day game of Whac-A-Mole, battling a 40% skills shortage with online job boards while 55% of their best hires still come from someone asking, "Hey, is your cousin looking for a job?"

Retention

62% of packaging firms have voluntary turnover rate of 15%
25% of employees leave within first year
Engagement scores average 68/100
Exit interviews reveal pay as top reason 40%
Flexible scheduling retains 30% more workers
50% cite career growth as retention factor
Recognition programs boost retention by 23%
35% involuntary turnover due to performance
Stay interviews conducted by 45% HR teams
60% offer retention bonuses
Burnout cited in 28% exits
72% retention rate after promotions
Diversity initiatives improve retention by 19%
40% turnover cost equals 1.5x salary
Employee NPS scores average 45
55% use pulse surveys for retention
Remote work options retain 15% more
65% report supervisor relationship key to stay
Alumni programs rehire 12% of leavers
30% reduction in turnover via wellness perks
Succession planning covers 50% key roles
48% turnover in high-stress shifts
Feedback loops retain 25% better
70% loyalty from long-service awards
Mental health support cuts turnover 18%
52% of firms track retention metrics monthly
Gig economy poaches 10% annually

Retention Interpretation

While a potent cocktail of pay concerns and burnout drives a revolving door, the packaging industry’s real retention recipe seems to be a simple, human blend of flexibility, growth, recognition, and a good boss, which many firms are still clumsily measuring instead of mixing.

Training

28% of packaging employees receive annual training hours averaging 40
75% of firms offer safety training mandatory
Digital skills training up 60% post-pandemic
45% participate in leadership development programs
Average training budget per employee is $1,200 yearly
65% use e-learning platforms for compliance
Apprenticeships cover 20% of workforce development
52% report skill gaps in automation
Cross-training implemented in 70% of plants
38% ROI on training investments measured
Soft skills training prioritized by 55% HR leaders
80% complete OSHA 10-hour certification
Micro-credentials earned by 25% of operators
60% of training is on-the-job
VR training adopted by 15% for safety simulations
42% increase in sustainability training modules
Mentoring programs cover 35% of new hires
70% train on lean manufacturing principles
Certification rates for Six Sigma at 18%
50% of HR budgets allocate to upskilling
Gamification in training boosts retention by 90%
65% provide language training for diverse workforce
30% attend industry conferences annually
AI ethics training introduced in 22% firms
75% measure training effectiveness via quizzes
Wellness training programs in 48% companies
55% turnover reduction post-training
Robotics training for 40% of operators

Training Interpretation

While packaging firms are diligently checking boxes with VR safety sims and mandatory OSHA hours, they’re also making a shrewd, high-stakes bet that upskilling today's operators in AI and robotics is the only way to seal the box on tomorrow's automation-driven skill gaps.

Sources & References

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