Top 15 Best Paying Jobs in Containers/Packaging (Updated 2024)

Want to work in the container/packaging industry but are unsure if this is the right career choice for you? The good news is that it definitely is. Although a profession in packaging or containers is a relatively new field, it offers many opportunities to make a respectable living.

There are many different types of packaging jobs available, from entry-level positions to more specialized roles. With the right skills and experience, there is the potential to earn a good wage in this field. Here are some of the best-paid jobs in containers/packaging:

1. Director of Packaging: $130,000-$180,000
2. Senior Packaging Engineer: $110,000-$170,000
3. Packaging Manager: $100,000-$150,000
4. Packaging Engineer: $80,000-$120,000
5. Senior Designer: $70,000-$100,000
6. Design Manager: $60,000-$90,000
7. Brand Manager: $60,000-$85,000
8. Marketing Manager: $55,000-$80,000
9. Product Manager: $50,000-$75,000
10. Sales Manager: $45,500-$70,500
11. Business Development Manager: $40,500-$60,500 
12. Account Manager: $35,500-$55,500
13. Key Account Manager: $33,500-$53,500
14. Field Sales Representative: $32,000-$52,000     
15. National Accounts Representative: $30,000-$50,000

Packaging and container jobs can be both rewarding and lucrative. If you have the right skills and experience, you could be earn a very good salary in this field.

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Director of Packaging: $130,000-$180,000

The primary responsibility of containers/packaging directors is to oversee the packaging operations of their company. This includes managing staff, budgeting, and ensuring that packaging meets all regulatory requirements. 

They also work closely with other departments within their company to ensure that packaging meets the needs of customers and other stakeholders.

Why Are Containers/Packaging Directors Paid so Well?

There are several reasons why containers/packaging directors are among the highest-paid professionals in the field. First, they have a great deal of responsibility. They are responsible for overseeing an important part of the supply chain and ensuring that packaging meets all regulatory requirements. Second, they need to have a great deal of knowledge about packaging. 

They need to be able to understand the different types of materials used in packaging and how those materials can be used to create packaging that meets the needs of customers and other stakeholders. Finally, they need to have strong leadership skills. They need to be able to manage staff and budget effectively while also motivating their team to meet high standards.

Senior Packaging Engineer: $110,000-$170,000

A Senior Packaging Engineer designs, develops, and implements packaging processes and systems for manufactured products. They work with other engineers and team members to create packaging that meets the needs of the product and the customer. A Senior Packaging Engineer typically has a bachelor’s degree in engineering and 5 or more years of experience in packaging engineering.

What Does a Senior Packaging Engineer Do?

A Senior Packaging Engineer designs, develops, and implements packaging processes and systems for manufactured products. They work with other engineers and team members to create packaging that meets the needs of the product and the customer. A Senior Packaging Engineer typically has a bachelor’s degree in engineering and 5 or more years of experience in packaging engineering.

The duties of a Senior Packaging Engineer include:

• Designing packaging for new products
• Improving existing packaging designs
• Creating prototypes of packaging designs
• Testing packaging prototypes
• Creating and maintaining packaging specifications
• Working with suppliers to select materials and equipment for packaging processes
• Overseeing the installation of packaging equipment
• Training production workers on how to use packaging equipment
• Troubleshooting problems with packaging processes and equipment
• Performing cost analysis of packaging alternatives

Packaging Manager: $100,000-$150,000

The duties of a packaging manager vary depending on the size and type of company they work for. However, there are some common duties that all packaging managers perform. These include overseeing the packaging design process, coordinating with suppliers, Quality Assurance testing, and managing budgets.

In larger companies, packaging managers may also be responsible for developing marketing campaigns and working with sales teams to ensure that products are properly packaged and ready for market. They may also have to travel to trade shows and meet with clients to discuss their packaging needs.

Becoming a packaging manager requires at least a bachelor’s degree in Packaging Science or a related field. Many employers also prefer candidates who have experience working in the packaging industry, either in design or production. If you have these qualifications, then you should have no problem finding a well-paying job as a packaging manager.

Packaging Engineer: $80,000-$120,000

The duties of a packaging engineer include working with clients and other stakeholders to understand the product and the requirements for its packaging. They also research and test different materials and designs to find the best solution for the product.

Once a design is chosen, they oversee the production of the packaging to ensure that it meets all quality standards. In some cases, packaging engineers also help with marketing efforts by developing point-of-purchase displays or other marketing collateral.

Education and Training

Most packaging engineers have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, although some may have a degree in another field such as business or marketing. Many employers also prefer candidates who have experience in the food or beverage industry, as well as experience with computer-aided design (CAD) software. Some companies may require candidates to take additional training courses or earn certifications in order to qualify for a position.

Skills and Qualities

In addition to having strong technical skills, packaging engineers must be able to communicate effectively with clients and other stakeholders. They must be able to understand the needs of the customer and translate those needs into specific packaging requirements. They must also be able to work within deadlines and budget constraints. Other important skills and qualities include creative problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and project management skills.

Senior Designer: $70,000-$100,000

A containers/packaging senior designer is responsible for the design of packaging for products. They work with clients to determine their needs and then create a design that meets those needs. They also work with manufacturers to ensure that the packaging is made correctly and meets all safety standards.

Containers/packaging senior designers typically have a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, packaging design, or a related field. They must be able to use computer-aided design (CAD) software and have strong communication and problem-solving skills.

What Are the Duties of a Containers/Packaging Senior Designer?

The duties of a containers/packaging senior designer include meeting with clients to discuss their needs, researching trends in packaging design, creating prototypes of packaging designs, revising designs based on feedback, and overseeing the production of packaging. They may also be responsible for training junior designers and coordinating the work of other designers on their team.

Design Manager: $60,000-$90,000

A packaging design manager is responsible for the development and execution of packaging designs for their company’s products. They work closely with marketing, sales, and product development teams to ensure that the packaging meets the needs of the customer and the product. In addition, they are responsible for overseeing the work of packaging designers and ensuring that deadlines are met. 

The duties of a packaging design manager include researching trends in packaging design, developing concepts for new packaging designs, creating prototypes of new designs, presenting designs to clients or senior management, overseeing the production of packaging, and maintaining a knowledge of printing and production processes. They may also be responsible for managing a team of designers and coordinating with other departments within their company. 

Packaging design managers typically have a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field. They should have strong conceptual skills, creativity, attention to detail, project management skills, and excellent communication skills. 

If you are interested in a career in packaging design management, then you will need to have strong conceptual skills, creativity, attention to detail, project management skills, and excellent communication skills. A bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field is also required. 

Brand Manager: $60,000-$85,000

As a containers/packaging brand manager, your primary responsibility would be to develop and implement marketing plans for your company’s containers and packaging products. This would involve working closely with other departments within your company, such as product development, sales, and finance.

You would also be responsible for managing budgets, researching new products and technologies, and analyzing market trends. In addition, you would be expected to develop and maintain relationships with key clients and customers. 

The typical day-to-day duties of a containers/packaging brand manager might include:

• Meeting with other department heads to discuss marketing plans and objectives
• Developing budgets for marketing campaigns
• Researching new products and technologies
• Analyzing market trends
• Developing and maintaining relationships with key clients and customers

Marketing Manager: $55,000-$80,000

The primary responsibilities of a Marketing Manager are to develop and execute marketing plans that achieve objectives related to market share, revenue growth, profitability, and customer acquisition. In order to do this, they must have a strong understanding of the containers/packaging market landscape, trends, customers, and competitors.

They use this knowledge to identify opportunities and develop strategies that will allow their company to differentiate itself in the market. Additionally, Marketing Managers are responsible for managing budgets, setting KPIs, and ensuring campaigns are delivered on time and within budget.

Marketing managers typically report to a Director or Vice President of Marketing, but may also report to a General Manager or CEO. They typically have 5-10 years of marketing experience with at least 3 years in a management role. Additionally, they should have experience working in B2B environments and have a deep understanding of how to generate leads and drive sales through marketing initiatives.

What Skills Does a Marketing Manager Need?

In order to be successful in this role, a Marketing Manager must be an excellent communicator with superb writing skills. They must be able to clearly articulate their vision for campaigns and initiative to both internal and external stakeholders.

Additionally, they must be highly organized with strong project management skills to ensure campaigns are delivered on time and within budget. Finally, they must be analytical with the ability to use data to drive decision making.

Product Manager: $50,000-$75,000

The main responsibility of a containers/packaging product manager is to ensure that the products are meeting the needs of the customers. They do this by creating and maintaining packaging specifications, coordinating with suppliers, overseeing quality control, and managing packaging projects. A containers/packaging product manager also works closely with other departments such as marketing, sales, and manufacturing to make sure that the products are being packaged correctly and efficiently. 

The duties of a containers/packaging product manager can be divided into four main categories: creating and maintaining packaging specifications, coordinating with suppliers, overseeing quality control, and managing packaging projects. 

Creating and Maintaining Packaging Specifications

One of the most important duties of a containers/packaging product manager is to create and maintain packaging specifications. This involves working closely with the marketing and sales teams to understand the needs of the customers and then translating those needs into specific packaging requirements. 

The containers/packaging product manager is also responsible for ensuring that the packaging specifications are kept up-to-date as the needs of the customers change over time. 

Sales Manager: $45,500-$70,500

A packaging sales manager is responsible for overseeing the sales of packaging materials to customers. They work with clients to determine their needs and then develop a sales strategy that will meet those needs. In addition to overseeing sales, they also manage a team of sales representatives and provide them with support and guidance.

This includes training them on product knowledge and developing their selling skills. As the manager, they are also responsible for ensuring that the team meets its sales targets. To do this, they must have a deep understanding of the packaging industry and be able to identify trends and new opportunities.

The job requires excellent communication and people skills, as well as strong problem-solving abilities. It is also important to be able to work well under pressure and meet deadlines. The position offers a good salary and the opportunity to earn commission on sales. 

Business Development Manager: $40,500-$60,500 

Business development managers work in a variety of industries, overseeing the development of new business opportunities and managing the growth of existing accounts. In the containers and packaging industry, business development managers are responsible for identifying potential customers and partners, as well as developing strategies to market and sell products.

They also work closely with other departments within the company to ensure that all operational needs are met. Business development managers typically have a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field, and they must possess strong analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills.

Account Manager:$35,500-$55,500

A containers/packaging account manager is responsible for managing and developing relationships with clients in the containers and packaging industry. The account manager will work with clients to identify their specific needs and then recommend products and services that will meet those needs.

In addition, the account manager will negotiate contracts, manage project timelines, and ensure that client expectations are met. The account manager will also be responsible for developing new business opportunities and maintaining existing clients.

To be successful in this role, the account manager must have excellent communication and negotiation skills, as well as a thorough understanding of the containers and packaging industry.

Key Account Manager:$33,500-$53,500

A key account manager is responsible for managing and developing relationships with key accounts. Key account managers typically work in the sales or customer service departments of a company and report directly to the vice president of sales or the director of customer service.

The duties of a key account manager can vary depending on the size and type of company, but typically include developing and implementing strategies to increase sales, conducting market research, preparing sales reports, and managing budgets. Key account managers may also be responsible for training and mentoring new account managers.

What Does a Container/Packaging Key Account Manager Do?

A key account manager is responsible for managing and developing relationships with key accounts. Key account managers typically work in the sales or customer service departments of a company and report directly to the vice president of sales or the director of customer service.

The duties of a key account manager can vary depending on the size and type of company, but typically include developing and implementing strategies to increase sales, conducting market research, preparing sales reports, and managing budgets. Key account managers may also be responsible for training and mentoring new account managers.

Field Sales Representative :$32,000-$52,000

A sales representative in the containers/packaging field is responsible for promoting and selling packaging products to customers. They work with clients to determine their needs and then find the best products to meet those needs. In addition, sales representatives provide customer service, answer questions, and resolve any issues that may arise. They also keep up-to-date on the latest industry trends and developments in order to better serve their clients.

Sales representatives typically work Full-time hours and are paid a salary plus commission. Someentry-level positions may require only a high school diploma, but most employers prefer candidates with at least some college experience. Those with a background in business or marketing will have the best job prospects.

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National Accounts Representative :$30,000-$50,000

The job of a containers/packaging national accounts representative is to manage relationships with clients in order to maintain and grow sales. This involves developing new business opportunities, negotiating contracts, and ensuring that customer needs are met. In addition, national accounts representatives must keep up with industry trends and developments in order to provide their clients with the most up-to-date information.

The pay for this position is quite good, ranging from $30,000 to $50,000 per year. And, because this is a managerial position, there is potential for even more earnings through bonuses and commissions. 

The hours can be long and some travel may be required, but the job is ultimately very rewarding. If you’re looking for a challenging yet rewarding career in the containers/packaging industry, then this just might be the perfect fit for you.