Updated 2020

Summary Report for:
51-9196.00 - 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.

Sample of reported job titles: Corrugator Operator, Cup Room Technician, Folder Machine Operator, Gluer Operator, Paper Cutter Operator, Paper Machine Backtender, Paper Machine Operator, Stitching Machine Operator, Winder Operator, Winderman

View report: Summary Details Custom

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.
Adjust guide assemblies, forming bars, and folding mechanisms according to specifications, using hand tools.
Measure, space, and set saw blades, cutters, and perforators, according to product specifications.
Fill glue and paraffin reservoirs, and position rollers to dispense glue onto paperboard.
Stamp products with information such as dates, using hand stamps or automatic stamping devices.
Remove finished cores, and stack or place them on conveyors for transfer to other work areas.
Lift tote boxes of finished cartons, and dump cartons into feed hoppers.

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Technology Skills

Customer relationship management CRM software — Virtual Systems Mail-Shop
Desktop publishing software — Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign ; Quark
Document management software — Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
Electronic mail software — Objectif Lune PrintShop Mail
Graphics or photo imaging software — Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator ; Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
Office suite software — Microsoft Office
Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel
Word processing software — Microsoft Word

Hot Technology — a technology requirement frequently included in employer job postings.

Tools Used

Automatic postal or mailing machine — Mailing machines
Book folding machines — Power folders
Book stitching machines — Book stitchers
Cutters — Power paper cutters; Programmable cutters
Hot stamp printer — Automatic stamping machines
Industrial shrink wrap equipment — Shrink wrap machines
Inkjet printer for commercial printing applications — Commercial inkjet printers
Laser printers — Black and white laser printers; Color laser printers
Mallets
Paper drilling machines — Paper drills
Paper machine — Corrugated paper machines
Paper press machine — Paper padding presses
Paper punching or binding machines — Combining machines; Fully automatic binding machines; Power speed binders
Personal computers
Printing collators or decollators — Collator gatherers; Printing collators
Printing guillotines — Guillotine paper cutters
Rubber stamping stamps — Hand stamps
Slitters — Paper slitter machines
Stapler units — Automatic stapling machines
Thermal book binding machines — Case making machines

Knowledge

Production and Processing — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Skills

Operation Monitoring — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operation and Control — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Quality Control Analysis — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Time Management — Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Abilities

Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Finger Dexterity — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Manual Dexterity — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Selective Attention — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Rate Control — The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Reaction Time — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.

Work Activities

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Detailed Work Activities

Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.
Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.
Cut industrial materials in preparation for fabrication or processing.
Load materials into production equipment.
Feed materials or products into or through equipment.
Set equipment guides, stops, spacers, or other fixtures.
Adjust temperature controls of ovens or other heating equipment.
Set equipment controls to meet cutting specifications.
Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair.
Mark products, workpieces, or equipment with identifying information.
Remove products or workpieces from production equipment.
Stack finished items for further processing or shipment.

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Work Context

Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable — 96% responded “Every day.”
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — 94% responded “Every day.”
Face-to-Face Discussions — 79% responded “Every day.”
Spend Time Standing
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
Work With Work Group or Team
Contact With Others — 71% responded “Constant contact with others.”
Frequency of Decision Making — 66% responded “Every day.”
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety — 47% responded “High responsibility.”
Time Pressure — 23% responded “Once a month or more but not every week.”
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 45% responded “Important results.”
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 42% responded “Very important.”
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment — 15% responded “Important.”
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment — 15% responded “Never.”
Exposed to Contaminants — 18% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions — 35% responded “Continually or almost continually.”
Duration of Typical Work Week — 70% responded “40 hours.”
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled — 63% responded “Every day.”
Coordinate or Lead Others — 24% responded “Very important.”
Level of Competition — 58% responded “Moderately competitive.”
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body — 24% responded “About half the time.”
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results — 39% responded “High responsibility.”
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings — 25% responded “Never.”
Freedom to Make Decisions — 36% responded “Limited freedom.”
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — 22% responded “Not important at all.”
Physical Proximity — 25% responded “Slightly close (e.g., shared office).”
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures — 36% responded “Every day.”
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions — 24% responded “Never.”
Structured versus Unstructured Work — 50% responded “Limited freedom.”
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
Spend Time Walking and Running — 28% responded “Less than half the time.”

Job Zone

Title	Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education	These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Related Experience	Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Job Training	Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Job Zone Examples	These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, and tellers.
SVP Range	(4.0 to < 6.0)

Education

Percentage of Respondents	Education Level Required
69	High school diploma or equivalent
20	Less than high school diploma
9	Some college, no degree

Credentials

Interests

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Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Work Styles

Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.
Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Independence — Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Self Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Leadership — Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.

Work Values

Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Related Occupations

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51-4023.00	Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
51-4031.00	Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Green
51-4081.00	Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
51-5113.00	Print Binding and Finishing Workers
51-7041.00	Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood
51-9032.00	Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
51-9041.00	Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
51-9121.00	Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
51-9191.00	Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders

Wages & Employment Trends

Median wages (2019)	$18.85 hourly, $39,210 annual
State wages
Local wages	ZIP Code:

Employment (2018)	98,900 employees
Projected growth (2018-2028)	Decline (-2% or lower)
Projected job openings (2018-2028)	9,300
State trends

Top industries (2018)	Manufacturing

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2019 wage data and 2018-2028 employment projections . "Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2018-2028). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.