Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Set up, operate, or tend paper goods machines that perform a variety of functions, such as converting, sawing, corrugating, banding, wrapping, boxing, stitching, forming, or sealing paper or paperboard sheets into products.

SOC: 51-9196.00

Common Job Titles

Cup Room TechnicianFolder Machine OperatorPaper Machine BacktenderPaper Machine Operator
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

96,950

Wage Distribution by Percentile

MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$36,610
10% of workers earn the following or more$68,640
Workers on average earn$51,750

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Production and Processing3.7/5
  • Mechanical3.6/5
  • Mathematics3.5/5
  • English Language3.2/5
  • Customer and Personal Service3.2/5
Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

Adobe AcrobatAdobe IllustratorAdobe InDesignAdobe PhotoshopMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Word

Technology Skills

Objectif Lune PrintShop MailQuark enterprise publishing softwareVirtual Systems Mail-Shop

Tools & Equipment

Automatic stamping machinesAutomatic stapling machinesBlack and white laser printersBook stitchersCase making machinesCollator gatherersColor laser printersCombining machines