Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz
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Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators And Tenders
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.
The Builder
What they do
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.- Examine completed work to detect defects and verify conformance to work orders, and adjust machinery as necessary to correct production problems.
- Observe the operation of various machines to detect and correct machine malfunctions such as improper forming, glue flow, or pasteboard tension.
- Install attachments to machines for gluing, folding, printing, or cutting.
- Cut products to specified dimensions, using hand or power cutters.
Typical day
On a daily basis, Paper Goods Machine Operators start machines and move controls to regulate tension on pressure rolls, synchronize the speed of machine components, and adjust temperatures of glue or paraffin. They examine completed work to detect defects and verify conformance to work orders and adjust machinery as necessary to correct production problems.
- Adjust guide assemblies, forming bars, and folding mechanisms according to specifications, using hand tools.
- Monitor finished cartons as they drop from forming machines into rotating hoppers and into gravity feed chutes to prevent jamming.
- 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.
Other responsibilities
Besides their typical day, Paper Goods Machine Operators also fill glue and paraffin reservoirs, and position rollers to dispense glue onto paperboard. They may also load automatic stapling mechanisms.
On a weekly to monthly basis, Paper Goods Machine Operators cut products to specified dimensions, using hand or power cutters. They might also disassemble machines to maintain, repair, or replace broken or worn parts, using hand or power tools.
In addition, they lift tote boxes of finished cartons and dump cartons into feed hoppers.
Although specific duties may vary, many of them measure, space, and set saw blades, cutters, and perforators, according to product specifications.
To some Paper Goods Machine Operators, it is also their responsibility to install attachments to machines for gluing, folding, printing, or cutting.
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What is the job like
61% said they were satisfied with their job and 46% said they found their job meaningful.
Pros
Suitable for people who like practical and hands-on work.
Suitable for people who want to work in a supportive work environment.
It is easy to get into this career. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required to get started.
Normal working hours (40 hours per week).
Cons
Not suitable for people who like to help and teach others.
One of the lowest paying jobs.
Demand for this career is declining.
Salary
Entry-level Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators And Tenders with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $26,150 to $31,320 per year or $13 to $15 per hour.
| Salary range | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Highest (Top 10%) | $30 | $61,510 |
| Senior (Top 25%) | $24 | $50,000 |
| Middle (Mid 50%) | $19 | $39,820 |
| Junior (Bottom 25%) | $15 | $31,320 |
| No experience (Bottom 10%) | $13 | $26,150 |
Working life
Working hours
Working schedule
Working environment
Office-style environment
Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition
Warehouse-style environment
Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse
Outdoors
Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions
Outdoors – Under Cover
Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)
Should you become one
People with this personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. You can read more about these career personality types here.
People who are suitable for this job tend to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.
Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.
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