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.

Also called: Corrugator Operator, Cup Room Technician, Folder Machine Operator, Gluer Operator, Paper Cutter Operator, Paper Machine Backtender, Paper Machine Operator, Stitching Machine Operator, Bag Machine Operator, Bag Machine Tender, Bag Maker, Bag Presser, Bag Valver, Bender Machine Operator, Binder, Box Brander, Box Fabricator, Box Finisher, Box Folding Machine Operator, Box Liner, Box Machine Operator, Box Stamper, Bundler, Card Folder, Carton Folder, Carton Forming Machine Operator, Carton Maker, Carton Making Machine Operator, Cellophane Bag Machine Operator, Convolute Tube Winder, Corrugated Box Machine Operator, Corrugator, Corrugator Machine Operator, Crepe Machine Operator, Crepe Maker, Cylinder Machine Operator, Envelope Adjuster, Envelope Folding Machine Adjuster, Envelope Folding Machine Operator, Envelope Machine Operator, Envelope Maker, Feeder, Feeder Worker Power Unit Operator, Flange Machine Operator, Flexo Label Rewinder (Flexographic Label Rewinder), Folder, Folder Machine Adjuster, Folder Operator, Folding Machine Operator, Four Corner Former Machine Operator, Label Folder, Label Rewinder, Lace Paper Machine Operator, Lining Folder, Mat Gauger, Matchbook Maker, Napkin Machine Operator, Offset Label Rewinder, Paper Bag Machine Operator, Paper Bag Maker, Paper Cap Machine Operator, Paper Cone Machine Operator, Paper Cone Machine Tender, Paper Cup Machine Tender, Paper Feeder, Paper Folder, Paper Folding Machine Operator, Paper Goods Machine Set-Up Operator, Paper Machine Setup Operator, Paper Machine Tender, Paper Maker, Paper Making Machine Operator, Paper Plate Machine Tender, Paper Reclaiming Machine Operator, Paper Reel Operator, Paper Rewinder, Paper Roll Machine Operator, Paper Roller, Paper Ruler, Paper Tube Machine Operator, Paper Winder, Paperboard Box Maker, Parts Runner, Plate Worker, Platen Press Operator, Pleating Machine Operator, Production Corrugator, Quad Stayer, Reeler, Rewinder Operator, Ring Making Machine Operator, Roll Reclaimer, Rotoformer Backtender, Sack Maker, Shell Machine Operator, Side Seam Machine Operator, Slide Machine Tender, Spiral Tube Winder, Strap Folding Machine Operator, String Top Sealer, Tag Machine Operator, Valve Machine Operator, Valver

This is a career information profile, not an advertised job opening.

What the worker does

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.

Skills, machines and equipment

Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Quality Control Analysis
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Time Management
Active Learning
Social Perceptiveness
Coordination
Complex Problem Solving

Education and training

Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) (69.35% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

O*NET Job Zone 2: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training. 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. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships

Ask an employer or registered apprenticeship sponsor about current programs, eligibility, training and pay. A career profile does not confirm that a program is available.

Salary reference

44,920–60,180 USD per year · United States · 2025. Source: BLS OEWS via O*NET · 25th–75th percentiles · SOC 51-9196.

Occupational-group wage references are not guaranteed pay for this specialty or an employer's offer.

Career advancement

Develop reliable production, safety, quality, and equipment skills; explore additional processes, senior specialist, or team-lead responsibilities relevant to your workplace.
Ask employers which demonstrated skills, education, or credentials are needed for the next role. Related careers are exploration options, not automatic promotions.

How Do I Get This Job?

Review the skills and responsibilities above.
Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) (69.35% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
O*NET Job Zone 2: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training. 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. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.
Compare real openings and confirm requirements directly with the employer.

View available jobs — availability is not guaranteed; sample listings are not real openings.

Related career information

Sources and limitations

O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. ShopFloor adapted occupational grouping, selected manufacturing-relevant occupations, and retained seven legacy guide titles. Specialties and alternative titles are grouped under O*NET occupations; these occupations can also occur outside manufacturing. Source: https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html. No wage, vacancy, certification, or video data is implied. ShopFloor advancement suggestions are general editorial guidance, not O*NET findings or guaranteed career progression. BLS wage ranges, when available, are national 25th–75th percentiles for the source occupational grouping, across industries; they are not local, apprentice, entry-level, or specialty-specific offers.

Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders