Canning and Preserving Industry Workers

Employers

There are 371,600 packaging and filling machine operators and tenders, including canning and preserving workers, employed in the United States. Canning and preserving work is available in a variety of manufacturing plants. The types of products to be canned or preserved depend in part on what grows, grazes, or swims in a particular area. Coastal areas may have fish-processing plants, with Alaska famous for its salmon canneries; while, the Midwest has more meat packaging and processing plants. Farm regions may have plants that process products grown nearby. However, because of refrigeration and other technology, factors such as shipping routes and access to workers may determine where plants are located. Manufacturers may be small companies or multinational organizations.

Starting Out

Applying to canneries, freezing plants, and other food-processing plants is the most direct method of finding work in this area. Employers may advertise openings on their Web sites, in employment Web sites and newspaper want ads, or with the state employment service. Those interested in processing fish and seafood may find year-round work in canneries and processing ships in Alaska or follow the fishing seasons along the West and East Coasts.

Employment opportunities for food processing operators, including food batchmakers, will vary depending on the industry and type of food. Occupations with higher than average turnover may provide good opportunities even during periods of slow employment growth. Job prospects should be best in rural areas or near small cities where large food processing facilities are located.