1st Shift Packer

1st Shift Packer

Chicago, United States

Company
Santa Monica Seafood
Location
Chicago, IL
Job Type
Full-time
Via
via Indeed

Job Description
Job Brief

As a packer, you are responsible for processing the highest quality of fresh fish to fulfill customer orders. Additionally, this individual is responsible for maintaining a clean, safe and efficient work area.

Pay range:

Santa Monica Seafood, as an 80-year-old privately owned company, is the largest specialty wholesale distribution and processor of fresh and frozen seafood in the Southwestern U.S. with over 200,000 SF of facilities in 12 locations In California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas. Santa Monica Seafood is also well known locally for its two retail stores and cafes in Santa Monica and Costa Mesa. Santa Monica Seafood was the first and still the only seafood company in the United States to achieve FSSC 22000 certification for food safety management systems, ISO 14001 certification for environmental management programs, and BAP certification of its main processing facility.

As a packer, you are responsible for processing the highest quality of fresh fish to fulfill customer orders. Additionally, this individual is responsible for maintaining a clean, safe and efficient work area.

Duties and Responsibilities:
• Packaging product with speed and accuracy.
• Putting Fish files and portions on belts and equipment
• Packing cases
• Understand and follow written and verbal instructions. Works cooperatively with others.
• Long term standing is required
• Must be able to lift, pull/push, carry up to 50lbs.for short distances.
• Walking, long term standing is required.
• Production area maintains a cold temperature, warm clothing is required

Qualifications:

Minimum of 1-year Warehouse-related experience preferred.

Work Environment:
• Work performed in a cold environment (35-40 degrees)
• Standing for long hours
• Fast Pace Environment

IND123
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Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Packing Jobs in United States

Q What is the typical hourly wage range for entry-level packing jobs in the US in 2026?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, hand packers and packagers earn a median hourly wage of $18.50 in 2026, with the 10th percentile at $13.50 per hour and the 90th percentile at $24.00 per hour. Annual median earnings are $38,480 based on full-time work. Entry-level positions in warehouses start at $15.00 per hour on average.
Q What is the federal minimum wage for packing jobs in the United States in 2026?
The U.S. Department of Labor sets the federal minimum wage at $7.25 per hour for nonexempt packing jobs as of 2026, unchanged since July 24, 2009. Overtime pay is required at 1.5 times the regular rate for hours over 40 per week. States like New York require $15.00 to $18.00 per hour depending on region.
Q What visa do international workers need for packing jobs in the US in 2026?
International workers need an H-2B visa for temporary non-agricultural packing jobs, with a FY2026 cap of 130,716 visas including supplements (66,358 for first half, 64,358 for second half). Employers must obtain labor certification from DOL and file Form I-129 with USCIS at least 75 days before start date. H-2B status is valid up to 12 months.
Q What are the eligibility requirements for packing jobs with no experience in the US?
No formal education beyond 9th grade is required, and high school diploma is preferred but not mandatory for hand packing roles. Short-term on-the-job training lasts less than 1 month with no prior experience needed for 75% of positions. Physical ability to lift 50 pounds is typically required.
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