# 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.
- **Entity Type:** role
- **Schema Version:** role.v1
- **Soc Code:** 51-9196.00
- **Summary:** 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.

## Aliases

- Cup Room Technician
- Folder Machine Operator
- Paper Machine Backtender
- Paper Machine Operator
- Corrugator Operator
- Gluer Operator
- Paper Cutter Operator
- Stitching Machine Operator
- Bag Machine Operator
- Bag Machine Tender
- Bag Maker
- Bag Presser

## Tasks

| Text | Type | Iwa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Examine completed work to detect defects and verify conformance to work orders, and adjust machinery as necessary to correct production problems. | Core | 4.A.1.b.2.f |
| Observe operation of various machines to detect and correct machine malfunctions such as improper forming, glue flow, or pasteboard tension. | Core | 4.A.1.a.2.a |
| Install attachments to machines for gluing, folding, printing, or cutting. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.f |
| Cut products to specified dimensions, using hand or power cutters. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.l |
| Place rolls of paper or cardboard on machine feed tracks, and thread paper through gluing, coating, and slitting rollers. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.1.f |
| Monitor finished cartons as they drop from forming machines into rotating hoppers and into gravity feed chutes to prevent jamming. | Supplemental | 4.A.1.a.2.a |
| Adjust guide assemblies, forming bars, and folding mechanisms according to specifications, using hand tools. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.at |
| 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. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.i |
| Measure, space, and set saw blades, cutters, and perforators, according to product specifications. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.f |
| Fill glue and paraffin reservoirs, and position rollers to dispense glue onto paperboard. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.1.f |
| Disassemble machines to maintain, repair, or replace broken or worn parts, using hand or power tools. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.s |
| Stamp products with information such as dates, using hand stamps or automatic stamping devices. | Supplemental | 4.A.1.b.1.a |

## Emerging Tasks


## Activities

| Name | Iwa |
| --- | --- |
| Inspect finished products to locate flaws. | 4.A.1.b.2.f |
| Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance. | 4.A.3.a.2.i |
| Adjust temperature controls of ovens or other heating equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.i |
| Set equipment guides, stops, spacers, or other fixtures. | 4.A.3.a.2.at |
| Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.f |
| Set equipment controls to meet cutting specifications. | 4.A.3.a.2.i |
| Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions. | 4.A.1.a.2.a |
| Mark products, workpieces, or equipment with identifying information. | 4.A.1.b.1.a |
| Load materials into production equipment. | 4.A.3.a.1.f |
| Feed materials or products into or through equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.f |
| Cut industrial materials in preparation for fabrication or processing. | 4.A.3.a.2.l |
| Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair. | 4.A.3.a.2.s |
| Stack finished items for further processing or shipment. | 4.A.3.a.1.f |
| Remove products or workpieces from production equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.an |

## Capabilities

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Production and Processing | knowledge | 3.69 |
| Operations Monitoring | transferable_skill | 3.62 |
| Mechanical | knowledge | 3.61 |
| Mathematics | knowledge | 3.52 |
| Near Vision | ability | 3.38 |
| Operation and Control | transferable_skill | 3.25 |
| Problem Sensitivity | ability | 3.25 |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | ability | 3.25 |
| Control Precision | ability | 3.25 |
| Customer and Personal Service | knowledge | 3.23 |
| English Language | knowledge | 3.23 |
| Quality Control Analysis | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Information Ordering | ability | 3.12 |
| Selective Attention | ability | 3.12 |
| Manual Dexterity | ability | 3.12 |
| Finger Dexterity | ability | 3.12 |
| Active Listening | essential_skill | 3 |
| Speaking | essential_skill | 3 |
| Critical Thinking | essential_skill | 3 |
| Monitoring | essential_skill | 3 |
| Time Management | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Oral Comprehension | ability | 3 |
| Oral Expression | ability | 3 |
| Deductive Reasoning | ability | 3 |
| Rate Control | ability | 3 |
| Reaction Time | ability | 3 |
| Active Learning | essential_skill | 2.88 |
| Social Perceptiveness | transferable_skill | 2.88 |
| Coordination | transferable_skill | 2.88 |
| Complex Problem Solving | transferable_skill | 2.88 |
| Equipment Maintenance | transferable_skill | 2.88 |
| Inductive Reasoning | ability | 2.88 |
| Category Flexibility | ability | 2.88 |
| Flexibility of Closure | ability | 2.88 |
| Trunk Strength | ability | 2.88 |
| Extent Flexibility | ability | 2.88 |
| Hearing Sensitivity | ability | 2.88 |
| Auditory Attention | ability | 2.88 |
| Speech Recognition | ability | 2.88 |
| Reading Comprehension | essential_skill | 2.75 |

## Skills

| Name | Type |
| --- | --- |
| Mathematics | Common Skill |
| English Language | Common Skill |
| Information Ordering | Specialized Skill |
| Finger Dexterity | Common Skill |
| Time Management | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Word | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Excel | Common Skill |
| Deductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Critical Thinking | Common Skill |
| Adobe Photoshop | Specialized Skill |
| Adobe InDesign | Specialized Skill |
| Adobe Illustrator | Specialized Skill |
| Adobe Acrobat | Specialized Skill |
| Active Listening | Common Skill |
| Speech Recognition | Specialized Skill |
| Social Perceptiveness | Common Skill |
| Inductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Equipment Maintenance | Specialized Skill |
| Complex Problem Solving | Common Skill |
| Active Learning | Common Skill |
| Visualization | Specialized Skill |
| Reading Comprehension | Common Skill |
| Depth Perception | Common Skill |
| Writing | Common Skill |
| Systems Analysis | Specialized Skill |
| Negotiation | Common Skill |
| Equipment Selection | Specialized Skill |
| Instructing | Specialized Skill |
| Learning Strategies | Specialized Skill |
| Chemistry | Specialized Skill |
| Physics | Specialized Skill |
| Psychology | Specialized Skill |
| Telecommunications | Specialized Skill |
| Installation | Specialized Skill |
| Foreign Language | Common Skill |
| Geography | Specialized Skill |
| Biology | Specialized Skill |

## Tools

| Example | Category | Hot | In Demand |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Adobe Acrobat | Document management software | yes | no |
| Adobe Illustrator | Graphics or photo imaging software | yes | no |
| Adobe InDesign | Desktop publishing software | yes | no |
| Adobe Photoshop | Graphics or photo imaging software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Office software | Office suite software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software | yes | no |
| Objectif Lune PrintShop Mail | Electronic mail software | no | no |
| Quark enterprise publishing software | Desktop publishing software | no | no |
| Virtual Systems Mail-Shop | Customer relationship management CRM software | no | no |

## Work Context

| Name | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable | 4.89 |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | 4.78 |
| Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams | 4.72 |
| Spend Time Standing | 4.68 |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | 4.65 |
| Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team | 4.52 |
| Contact With Others | 4.43 |
| Frequency of Decision Making | 4.42 |
| Health and Safety of Other Workers | 4.33 |
| Time Pressure | 4.27 |
| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | 4.13 |
| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | 4.12 |
| Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment | 4.11 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Equipment | 3.94 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | 3.93 |
| Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | 3.62 |
| Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled | 3.54 |
| Level of Competition | 3.53 |
| Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities | 3.52 |
| Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body | 3.51 |
| Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers | 3.48 |
| Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings | 3.44 |
| Freedom to Make Decisions | 3.43 |
| Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | 3.43 |
| Physical Proximity | 3.42 |
| Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures | 3.38 |
| Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions | 3.22 |
| Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals | 3.17 |
| Indoors, Environmentally Controlled | 3 |
| Spend Time Walking or Running | 3 |
| Consequence of Error | 2.94 |
| Conflict Situations | 2.91 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Conditions | 2.75 |
| Public Speaking | 2.66 |
| Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions | 2.54 |
| Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People | 2.5 |
| Written Letters and Memos | 2.46 |
| Degree of Automation | 2.36 |
| Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling | 2.34 |
| Deal With External Customers or the Public in General | 2.2 |

## Preparation

- **Job Zone:** 2
- **Job Zone Name:** Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- **Education:** Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- **Experience:** Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- **Svp Range:** (Below 6.0)

### Education Distribution

| Label | Percentage |
| --- | --- |
| High School Diploma | 69.35 |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 20.15 |
| Some College Courses | 9.39 |
| Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 0.61 |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 0.51 |

## Person Fit

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Realistic | career_interest_type | 6.53 |
| Mechanics/Electronics | specific_interest_area | 4.73 |
| Conventional | career_interest_type | 4.55 |
| Physical/Manual Labor | specific_interest_area | 3.23 |
| Engineering | specific_interest_area | 2.3 |
| Attention to Detail | work_style | 2.19 |
| Transportation/Machine Operation | specific_interest_area | 2.14 |
| Dependability | work_style | 2.14 |
| Construction/Woodwork | specific_interest_area | 1.92 |
| Cautiousness | work_style | 1.76 |
| Investigative | career_interest_type | 1.72 |
| Mathematics/Statistics | specific_interest_area | 1.56 |
| Enterprising | career_interest_type | 1.45 |
| Artistic | career_interest_type | 1.26 |
| Management/Administration | specific_interest_area | 1.23 |
| Information Technology | specific_interest_area | 1.19 |

## Related Roles

| Soc Code | Slug | Title | Tier |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 51-9191.00 | role-51-9191-00 | Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders | Primary-Short |
| 51-9032.00 | role-51-9032-00 | Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | Primary-Short |
| 51-6062.00 | role-51-6062-00 | Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | Primary-Short |
| 51-6091.00 | role-51-6091-00 | Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers | Primary-Short |
| 53-7063.00 | role-53-7063-00 | Machine Feeders and Offbearers | Primary-Short |
| 51-9041.00 | role-51-9041-00 | Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | Primary-Long |
| 51-4031.00 | role-51-4031-00 | Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Primary-Long |
| 51-7042.00 | role-51-7042-00 | Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing | Primary-Long |
| 51-4023.00 | role-51-4023-00 | Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Primary-Long |
| 49-9041.00 | role-49-9041-00 | Industrial Machinery Mechanics | Primary-Long |
| 51-9111.00 | role-51-9111-00 | Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders | Supplemental |
| 51-4081.00 | role-51-4081-00 | Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Supplemental |

## Career Clusters

| Cluster | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Advanced Manufacturing | advanced-manufacturing |

## Education Level

- **Category:** High school diploma or equivalent

## Study Programs


## Market

- **Median Wage:** 49390
- **Mean Wage:** 51750
- **Pct10Wage:** 36610
- **Pct25Wage:** 43520
- **Pct75Wage:** 59220
- **Pct90Wage:** 68640
- **Employment:** 96950
- **Area Title:** U.S.

## Industries


### Top

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Median Wage | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 92900 | 49570 | 11.58 |
| 42 | 42 | Wholesale Trade | Sector | 1770 | 46610 | 0.47 |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 1580 | 32280 | 0.28 |
| 561320 | 561320 | Temporary Help Services | National industry | 1330 | 33090 | 0.8 |
| 11 | 11 | Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting | Sector | 320 | 36760 | 1.2 |
| 48-49 | 48-49 | Transportation and Warehousing | Sector | 200 | 40380 | 0.04 |
| 54 | 54 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | Sector | 110 | 38980 | 0.02 |

### Concentrated

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 92900 | 11.58 |
| 11 | 11 | Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting | Sector | 320 | 1.2 |
| 561320 | 561320 | Temporary Help Services | National industry | 1330 | 0.8 |
| 42 | 42 | Wholesale Trade | Sector | 1770 | 0.47 |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 1580 | 0.28 |
| 48-49 | 48-49 | Transportation and Warehousing | Sector | 200 | 0.04 |
| 54 | 54 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | Sector | 110 | 0.02 |
- **Count:** 7

## Ai Signals

| Source | Label | Score | Scale | Release |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| frey_osborne | Computerization probability | 0.67 | 0-1 probability | 2013-baseline-2016-employment-snapshot |
| felten_aioe | AI occupational exposure | -0.8740445 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_image_generation_aioe | Image generation occupational exposure | -0.8366433 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_language_modeling_aioe | Language modeling occupational exposure | -0.9174437 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |

## Ai Outlook


### Index

- **Value:** 17
- **Percentile:** 14
- **Band:** Low
- **Version:** ai-exposure-index-v1

#### Components

| Percentile | Source |
| --- | --- |
| 22 | felten_aioe |
| 3 | openai_gpts_are_gpts |
| 27 | microsoft_working_with_ai |
- **Component Count:** 3

### Exposure

| Source | Label | Value | Percentile | Band | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| felten_aioe | Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.) | -0.8740445 | 22 | Low | How much this job's abilities overlap with what AI systems can do, across many AI capabilities. A relative research score, not a forecast of job loss. |
| eloundou_gamma | LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) | 0 | 3 | Low | Share of this job's tasks where a large language model plus simple tools could cut the time to do them by at least half. γ is capped at 1.0 and many jobs reach that ceiling, so treat a top score as 'in the top group', not a precise rank. |
| microsoft_applicability | AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) | 0.09088825729113043 | 27 | Low | How applicable today's AI assistants are to this job's activities, measured from real Microsoft Copilot conversations. Applicability is not the same as replacement. |

### Frey Historical

- **Source:** frey
- **Label:** Computerization probability (Frey & Osborne, 2013)
- **Value:** 0.67
- **Percentile:** 56
- **Band:** Moderate
- **Note:** A pre-LLM (2013) estimate of how automatable this job is by computerization and robotics. Shown for historical context only — it is not part of any current AI ranking.
- **Teleworkable:** no

### Eloundou

- **Alpha:** 0
- **Beta:** 0
- **Gamma:** 0

### Usage Tasks


### Bls

- **Growth Percent:** -6.3
- **Growth Percentile:** 10
- **Direction:** Declining
- **Annual Openings Thousands:** 8.1
- **Annual Openings Percentile:** 58
- **Employment2024Thousands:** 97.5
- **Employment2034Thousands:** 91.4

### Sources

| Source | Version |
| --- | --- |
| bls_employment_projections | 2024-2034 |
| dingel_neiman | dingel-neiman-workathome |
| felten_aioe | felten-raj-seamans-aioe |
| frey_osborne | frey-osborne-automation |
| microsoft_working_with_ai | working-with-ai |
| openai_gpts_are_gpts | gpts-are-gpts |

## Counts

- **Tasks:** 14
- **Skills:** 37
- **Capabilities:** 120
- **Tools:** 10
- **Related Roles:** 20

## Source

- **Dataset:** gold.onet_role_starter_surface
- **Version:** 30.3
- **Generated At:** 2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00
- **Content Hash:** cc2a7bdb30d55b98