A machine feeder and offbearer loads materials into industrial machines and removes finished products or scrap. The work is hands-on, in demand, and you can start with a high school diploma. Here is what the work involves, what it takes, and how to get in.
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Machine feeders and offbearers keep production lines moving by loading raw materials into machines and unloading finished goods or waste. You monitor machines as they run, watching for problems and stopping them when needed. The work involves handling and moving objects, reading gauges and displays, listening to instructions, and inspecting materials for quality. You work in factories and manufacturing plants, often in teams. The job requires attention to detail, physical stamina, and the ability to follow safety rules in an industrial setting.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Machine Feeders and Offbearers earn a median of $41,220 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is softer here. Employment is projected to fall 13 percent from 2024 to 2034, though there are still about 4,700 openings a year from turnover.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
You need a high school diploma or equivalent to start. Most employers provide on-the-job training to teach you how to operate their specific machines and follow their safety procedures. The training typically covers production processes, mechanical basics, and workplace safety. Some employers may ask you to take a basic math or reading test. No special certification is required to begin, though you may pursue additional training as you advance. Starting as a machine feeder is a common entry point into manufacturing careers.
Most people enter this field directly from high school or through a manufacturing training program. If you are exploring whether this path fits your timeline and goals, Pathly can map the machine feeder and offbearer path that fits you and work through it with your counselor to build a clear plan.
You are hands-on and practical, comfortable working with machines and tools. You pay attention to detail, follow procedures, and work well in structured, physical environments.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
Start with a quick quiz and assessments that surface your personality, your EQ, and what really motivates you, so your next steps are built around who you actually are.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).