10 Things the Next Generation Needs to Know About Careers in the Packaging Industry

By Danielle Ohl, Digital & Online Marketing Specialist. Viking Masek

As an older Millennial from the Midwest, a career in packaging never crossed my mind until I pretty much fell into it. I ended up in the industry entirely by accident. Anecdotally, many of my coworkers report the same thing. So why isn’t packaging considered as a first-choice career path, especially among the younger generation?

It’s largely a public perception and awareness issue. Because of its close association with manufacturing (which has seen elimination of jobs, stagnancy and outsourcing), packaging historically has not been viewed as a promising career path. And while packaging impacts pretty much every part of our lives, it has not gained traction as a top choice career path in high schools and colleges.

Today I’m here to dispel these myths. Not only is a career in the packaging industry a great choice, but it offers unique opportunities for folks with many different skillsets and educational backgrounds. So here are ten awesome things about packaging industry careers that I think the next generation should know:

1. The packaging industry is stable. Packaging is largely insulated from the ebbs and flows of macro forces like economics, politics and social conditions. Think about it: even in tough economic times, there is always a need for packaging. People still need to buy consumer goods, especially food, which needs packaging to keep it safe and extend shelf life. And when the economy is doing well, consumers have more disposable income, which enables them to spend more on convenient products with premium packaging.
2. The packaging industry provides a secure career path. According to the Institute of Packaging Professionals (IIOP) 2018 Salary Survey report, 86% of all packaging professionals surveyed reported no job change in the past year, with 70% of respondents reporting feeling secure in their jobs.
3. There is huge opportunity for career development. Positions in this industry are not static, dead-end jobs. In fact, because the industry is so dynamic, there is almost unlimited room for growth. And like many technology-related business sectors, packaging seeks to retain and foster tribal knowledge, so they love to promote from within. There are also many opportunities for internships, apprenticeships, certifications and advanced training.
4. Jobs in the packaging industry pay well. When you work in packaging, you can expect to make an above-average living. Michigan State University’s School of Packaging says that their grads report an average entry-level starting salary of $58,750. Not bad for a fresh college grad! The most recent IIOP Salary Survey reports that the average packaging professional in 2017 made $121,708, which is an 11% increase from 2014. Top earners worked in Corporate Management, consulting and sales/marketing. Eight out of ten survey respondents expect their wages to keep growing, and if history is any indicator, this will in fact be the case.
5. The packaging industry offers a wide breadth of careers. Packaging isn’t only design and fabrication. It’s an industry in itself with a strong need for salespeople, digital marketers, project managers, engineers, accountants and support services, just to name a few. In fact, a simple search of PMMI’s job board shows that the 87% of current open positions are in the sales, engineering and technical service career clusters. And these aren’t just entry-level jobs; many of these positions are manager or director level and many require a college degree. That brings me to my next point:
6. Packaging professionals are well-educated. According to the IOPP Salary Survey report, over 90% of all respondents are college graduates, with 49% holding an undergraduate degree and 31% holding a master’s degree. And even if your degree isn’t directly packaging-related, you are still needed! Many successful packaging professionals have degrees in Business Administration (like me) or graphic design, and even in education and social work! It takes all kinds.
7. Yes, there are college degrees in packaging! If you are passionate about packaging, degree programs in the field are offered nationwide and even online. For instance, Michigan State University School of Packaging offers a Bachelor of Science degree in packaging. They report that their grads have a 95% job placement rate after graduation. Many colleges and universities nationwide also offer packaging-focused programs.
8. Work environments are largely safe, clean and relaxed. This isn’t your grandfather’s dangerous, dirty manufacturing job. Most packaging companies, from design to materials to equipment, offer healthy, clean, and relaxed work environments. Safety is a top concern, as is employee wellness. Work-life balance is becoming high priority as many companies recognize that the younger generation considers it a top factor when deciding where to work.
9. The industry needs an abundance of diverse, creative packaging professionals. For much of history, packaging was predominantly a man’s world. But that’s changing! In 1976, only about 5% of packaging professionals were women. Today, that number is between 30–40% and growing. And it’s not only women that are advancing in this industry. Professionals from a variety of diverse backgrounds are needed to help close the skills gap and offer valuable demographic insights that will shape the future of the industry.
10. The future of packaging is exciting. If you prefer working for an industry that’s stagnant and slow-moving, don’t choose packaging. It’s a dynamic, ever-changing field. As lifestyles and consumer preferences change, so does packaging. Recent technological advances in environmentally-friendly materials, AI, robotics and intelligent packaging are being embraced by the industry, and this requires a vibrant, technology-savvy workforce.

Have I convinced you that a career in packaging might be worth checking out? If so, below are a few resources to get you started. Also consider contacting your college/high school counselor or local packaging-related businesses to find out about opportunities near you. The industry is truly packed with potential; come and join us!

Colleges offering packaging-related degrees
PMMI’s job board
Packaging-related certifications and training
Institute of Packaging Professionals