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Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Production (51-9196)

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.

At a Glance

Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders earns a median of $49,390/yr with -6.3% projected growth. Typical entry: High school diploma or equivalent. Top skills: Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Excel, Adobe Photoshop.

Median Annual Wage

$49,390/yr

Projected Growth (2024-34)

-6.3%

Annual Openings

8

Typical Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Skills & Requirements

Skills (2)

Operations Monitoring

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

3.6
Operation and Control

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

3.3

Knowledge (3)

Production and Processing

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

3.7
Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

3.6
Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

3.5

Abilities (4)

Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

3.4
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.

3.3
Control Precision

The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

3.3
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 that there is a problem.

3.3

Technology (7)

Microsoft Office software

Category: Office suite software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Excel

Category: Spreadsheet software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Adobe Photoshop

Category: Graphics or photo imaging software | Hot Technology

4.5
Adobe InDesign

Category: Desktop publishing software | Hot Technology

4.5
Adobe Illustrator

Category: Graphics or photo imaging software | Hot Technology

4.5
Adobe Acrobat

Category: Document management software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Word

Category: Word processing software | Hot Technology

4.5

Work Activities (18)

Controlling Machines and Processes

Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

4.4
Handling and Moving Objects

Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

4.3
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

4.2
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

4.2
Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

4.0
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

4.0
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

3.8
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

3.7
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People

Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

3.7
Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

3.7
Performing General Physical Activities

Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

3.6
Documenting/Recording Information

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

3.6
Training and Teaching Others

Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

3.5
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

3.5
Developing and Building Teams

Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

3.5
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.

3.3
Assisting and Caring for Others

Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

3.3
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.

3.3

Careers with Overlapping Skills

These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.

Explore Key Skills

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