CFChooseField
Production

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
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Median pay

$49,390
Median annual pay for Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

-6.3%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

8,100
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

97,500
Estimated U.S. employment for Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

-6,100
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Critical Thinking
  3. 3Monitoring
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Active Learning
  6. 6Reading Comprehension

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Production and Processing
  2. 2Mechanical
  3. 3Mathematics
  4. 4Customer and Personal Service
  5. 5English Language
  6. 6Education and Training

Abilities

  1. 1Near Vision
  2. 2Arm-Hand Steadiness
  3. 3Control Precision
  4. 4Problem Sensitivity
  5. 5Finger Dexterity
  6. 6Information Ordering

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Artistic
  6. 6Social

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Achievement Orientation
  5. 5Stress Tolerance
  6. 6Perseverance

Work activities

  1. 1Controlling Machines and Processes
  2. 2Handling and Moving Objects
  3. 3Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  4. 4Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  5. 5Getting Information
  6. 6Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Work context

  1. 1Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  2. 2Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  3. 3Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  4. 4Spend Time Standing
  5. 5Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  6. 6Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

Representative tasks

  • Examine completed work to detect defects and verify conformance to work orders, and adjust machinery as necessary to correct production problems.
  • Observe operation of various machines to detect and correct machine malfunctions such as improper forming, glue flow, or pasteboard tension.
  • Start machines and move controls to regulate tension on pressure rolls, to synchronize speed of machine components, and to adjust temperatures of glue or paraffin.
  • Disassemble machines to maintain, repair, or replace broken or worn parts, using hand or power tools.
  • Install attachments to machines for gluing, folding, printing, or cutting.
  • Cut products to specified dimensions, using hand or power cutters.
  • Place rolls of paper or cardboard on machine feed tracks, and thread paper through gluing, coating, and slitting rollers.
  • Monitor finished cartons as they drop from forming machines into rotating hoppers and into gravity feed chutes to prevent jamming.

Software and tools

Adobe Acrobat · hot technologyAdobe Illustrator · hot technologyAdobe InDesign · hot technologyAdobe Photoshop · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyObjectif Lune PrintShop MailQuark enterprise publishing softwareVirtual Systems Mail-Shop

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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