Packaging Science: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Packaging Science is an interdisciplinary field that integrates scientific innovation, engineering precision, and strategic business insight to design, develop, and optimize packaging systems across the entire product lifecycle. This program equips students with the expertise to solve complex challenges in sustainability, functionality, safety, and market appeal within modern supply chains.
- Principles of Packaging: Explores the fundamental concepts governing package performance, including protection, preservation, convenience, and consumer communication, with emphasis on real-world application across industries.
- Materials Sciences: Investigates the properties, behaviors, and innovations of packaging materials—from bioplastics and composites to paper and metals—focusing on durability, environmental impact, and manufacturability.
- Distribution and Transportation: Examines the physical and logistical demands of moving packaged goods, including shock, vibration, temperature, and humidity resistance to ensure product integrity during transit.
- Engineering and Technology: Applies mechanical, chemical, and systems engineering to develop efficient, scalable, and sustainable packaging solutions using automation, digital modeling, and advanced manufacturing techniques.
- Graphic Design and Branding: Focuses on visual communication, user experience, and aesthetic design to create packaging that enhances brand identity, drives consumer engagement, and supports marketing objectives.
- Packaging Regulations and Compliance: Covers national and international standards, labeling requirements, safety protocols, and environmental laws that govern packaging design, production, and distribution.
- Business and Marketing Strategy: Integrates market analysis, consumer behavior, cost modeling, and lifecycle economics to align packaging decisions with broader business goals and competitive positioning.
Packaging Science Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Packaging Science Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Packaging Science degrees, including Architectural and Engineering Managers, Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary and Industrial Engineers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 920,080 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers 11-9041 | $167,740 | $111,450 - $239,200 | 210,340 | $80.64 |
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1032 | $106,120 | $59,790 - $200,650 | 39,910 | N/A |
| Industrial Engineers 17-2112 | $101,140 | $70,000 - $157,140 | 350,230 | $48.63 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers 27-1021 | $79,450 | $49,390 - $134,840 | 30,250 | $38.20 |
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other 25-1199 | $78,490 | $39,720 - $172,850 | 151,530 | N/A |
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other 17-3029 | $77,390 | $47,010 - $114,630 | 64,410 | $37.21 |
| Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians 17-3026 | $64,790 | $46,370 - $97,670 | 73,410 | $31.15 |
Packaging Science Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $83,353 in Florida to $118,558 in Hawaii—a 42% difference. The highest-paying states include Hawaii, California, and District of Columbia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 920,080 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Packaging Science by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 11 institutions offering Packaging Science programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Packaging Science is found at Michigan State University (MSU) (180 graduates), Clemson University (56 graduates), Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) (43 graduates), Pratt Institute, Main (28 graduates), and University of Wisconsin-Stout (26 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 391 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan State University (MSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
180 | East Lansing, Michigan | Public | msu.edu |
| Clemson University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
56 | Clemson, South Carolina | Public | clemson.edu |
| Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
43 | Rochester, New York | Private | rit.edu |
| Pratt Institute |
Master's
|
28 | Brooklyn, New York | Private | pratt.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Stout |
Bachelor's
|
26 | Menomonie, Wisconsin | Public | uwstout.edu |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) |
Bachelor's
|
17 | Blacksburg, Virginia | Public | vt.edu |
| California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) |
Master's
|
13 | San Luis Obispo, California | Public | calpoly.edu |
| San Jose State University (SJSU) |
Bachelor's
|
9 | San Jose, California | Public | sjsu.edu |
| Christian Brothers University (CBU) |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Memphis, Tennessee | Private | cbu.edu |
| Rutgers University |
Master's
|
6 | New Brunswick, New Jersey | Public | newbrunswick.rutgers.edu |
| Indiana State University (ISU) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Terre Haute, Indiana | Public | indstate.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Packaging Science programs
How much can I earn with a Packaging Science degree?
Salaries for Packaging Science graduates vary by role and location. Architectural and Engineering Managers earn a median of $167,740 annually, while Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $106,120. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Hawaii average $118,558 compared to $83,353 in Florida. Approximately 920,080 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Packaging Science programs?
Currently 11 accredited institutions offer Packaging Science degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Michigan State University (MSU) (180 graduates), Clemson University (56 graduates), and Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) (43 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Packaging Science growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 315 in 2010 to a peak of 429 in 2020, before declining slightly to 391 in 2023-24. This represents a 24% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Packaging Science degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Architectural and Engineering Managers, Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary, and Industrial Engineers. Related occupations employ approximately 920,080 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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