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Packaging technologist

Alternative titles for this job include

Packaging technologists design and develop packaging for different products.

Average salary (a year)

£23,000 Starter

to

£40,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 42 a week

You could work

days / nights / weekends flexibly

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Packaging technologist

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You could do a foundation degree, a higher national diploma or a degree in packaging technology or packaging design.

Employers may also accept subjects like:

  • materials science
  • food technology
  • 3D design
  • chemistry

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

Apprenticeship

You can apply for a Packaging Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

This can take 4 years to complete and is a mix of on-the-job training and off-site study.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

More Information

Work

You could start as an assistant technologist or designer and do further training on the job to become a professional packaging technologist.

More Information

Further information

You can learn more about working in packaging technology and design from the Packaging Group.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • design skills and knowledge
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • analytical thinking skills
  • persistence and determination
  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a packaging technologist you could:

  • produce sample packaging to test different materials and designs
  • run production trials
  • make sure packaging meets quality standards and is safe
  • work closely with product designers and production engineers
  • research ways to make packaging more environmentally friendly
  • write technical reports

We've identified this as a potential green job

For a packaging technologist to be a green job, you could:

  • design packaging that can be reused many times
  • reduce the amount of product packaging to cut down on waste
  • create clear labelling to help customers understand what can be recycled

Find out more about green careers

Working environment

You could work in a laboratory, in a factory or in an office.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could move into:

  • product design
  • brand design
  • project management
  • marketing and sales

You could also work freelance as a packaging consultant.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Level 6 R&D Packaging Degree Apprenticeship Programme - Colworth, Bedfordshire

  • Wage: £23,600 a year Annually
  • Location: Colworth Laboratory, Sharnbrook, Bedford

Level 6 R&D Packaging Degree Apprenticeship Programme - Colworth, Bedfordshire

  • Wage: £23,600 a year Annually
  • Location: Colworth Laboratory, Sharnbrook, Bedford
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Applied Science (Analytical Chemistry) - Foundation Degree

  • Provider: BLACKPOOL AND THE FYLDE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Blackpool

Foundation Degree Applied Chemistry (HE Route)

  • Provider: LAKES COLLEGE WEST CUMBRIA
  • Start date: 01 February 2025
  • Location: Workington
Find courses near you

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