Also called: Packaging Designer, Packaging Scientist
Designs boxes and packaging that protect products in shipping while using less material and cost.
You drop-test a box with a laptop inside from different heights, then redesign the inserts so it survives. You also figure out how to fit more boxes on each pallet and cut plastic waste.
Estimated.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in packaging science (offered at Michigan State, Clemson, RIT, and others) or engineering.
Ways in: 4-year college. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Packaging Science, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design.
Growing about average. Steady, with more e-commerce and sustainability work.
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. AI and simulation speed design and drop-test modeling; testing real boxes and working with suppliers stay human.
Classes: Physics, Art or design, Chemistry.
Official data: O*NET occupation 17-2199.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.