Machine Feeders and Offbearers

Feed materials into or remove materials from machines or equipment that is automatic or tended by other workers.

From people doing the work

It's physically demanding work that requires constant attention to the machine's rhythm. You're on your feet all day, and the repetition can be tough, but there's a satisfaction in keeping the production line moving smoothly without any hiccups. Safety is always the top priority.

Drawn from r/manufacturing, IndustryWeek

Attribution: Composite

Composite · Synthesised from r/manufacturing and IndustryWeek

A day in the life of Machine Feeders and Offbearers

People interaction: Extensive
Team vs solo: 75% Team / 25% Solo
Client facing: Never
Impact visibility: Moderate
Travel: Minimal
Schedule flexibility: Rigid
Remote work: On-site Only
Typical work hours: 40-60
Stress level: Moderate

Machine Feeders and Offbearers salary, education and outlook at a glance

Median salary: $39,700
Entry-level: $30,000
Senior: $56,000
Growth by 2033: -13.0%
Demand: Declining
Freelance potential: Moderate
Salary growth potential: 87%
Typical student debt: Moderate

Skills you need as Machine Feeders and Offbearers

Hard skills

Production and Processing
Operations Monitoring
Mechanical

Soft skills

Social Perceptiveness
Coordination
Monitoring

Technical complexity: Low

Tools of the trade

Core tools

Hytrol Conveyor Systems (Hardware): Used to move materials to and from the machine automatically.
Crown PTH 50 Series Pallet Jack (Hardware): Used to transport heavy pallets of raw materials or finished goods.
3M Peltor Earmuffs (Hardware): Protects workers from high noise levels generated by industrial machinery.

Commonly used

Zebra DS3600 Series Barcode Scanner (Hardware): Used to track inventory and log materials entering or leaving the machine.
Gorbel Jib Cranes (Hardware): Assists in lifting and positioning heavy materials into the machine.

Specialist tools

Plex Smart Manufacturing Platform (Software): Logs production metrics and tracks the flow of materials through the line.

How to become Machine Feeders and Offbearers

Minimum education: High School Diploma
Licensing: No
Years to mid-career: 3-5
Years to senior: 10-15
Career switching: Easy

Where this career leads

How people arrive here

Packers and Packagers, Hand: A common entry-level role that transitions well into machine feeding.
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand: Provides the physical stamina and material handling experience needed.
Helpers--Production Workers: Offers foundational knowledge of production environments and safety protocols.

Where you can go from here

Industrial Machinery Mechanics: Workers often learn how the machines operate and transition into maintaining them.
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers: Experienced feeders can move into supervisory roles overseeing the production line.
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic: Transitioning from feeding machines to actually setting up and operating them.

Typical progression

Machine Feeders and Offbearers
Industrial Machinery Mechanics
or Packers and Packagers, Hand

Machine Feeders and Offbearers job outlook and future demand

Automation probability: Very High
AI disruption risk: Moderate
Demand trend: Declining

Job satisfaction as Machine Feeders and Offbearers

Overall satisfaction: 6/10
Meaning: 5.5/10
Work-life balance: 5/10
Prestige: 4.5/10
Social perception: Low

Where practitioners gather

Podcasts and media

IndustryWeek: A publication covering manufacturing news, operations, and workforce management.
Manufacturing.net: Provides news and insights on the manufacturing sector, including equipment and labor trends.

Reddit communities

r/manufacturing: A community for manufacturing professionals to discuss industry trends, equipment, and processes.
r/BlueCollarWomen: A supportive space for women working in blue-collar trades, including manufacturing and production.