Production Cook

As per the United States Department of Labor, the federal minimum wage for packing jobs is $7.25 per hour as of 2026, with overtime required at 1.5 times the regular rate after 40 hours in a workweek. Many warehouse packing positions in states like California pay at least $16.50 per hour under state laws effective January 1, 2026.

As per the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, temporary non-agricultural packing jobs require an H-2B visa with employer-filed petitions due by the 2026 cap deadlines of January 1 and July 1. Applicants must also hold valid work authorization and pass background checks before starting employment.

As per the United States Department of Labor, packing jobs have no formal education requirement beyond a high school diploma or GED equivalent and provide on-the-job training with zero prior experience needed for most warehouse roles in 2026.

As per the United States Department of Labor, applicants need a valid photo ID, Social Security card or ITIN, and Form I-9 employment eligibility documents submitted directly to the employer by the 2026 start date. Background checks and drug screenings are completed before the first shift.