Office Machine Operators, Except Computer: Salary, Outlook, and How to Get Started (2025)
The median salary for office machine operators, except computer, is $40,960 per year, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. That works out to roughly $20 an hour. Most operators earn between $31,750 (10th percentile) and $57,960 (90th percentile).
How much Office Machine Operators, Except Computer earn
The national mean annual wage is $43,220. Pay varies widely by experience and location. The bottom 10% of operators earn about $31,750, while the top 10% take home over $57,960.
- Median annual wage: $40,960
- Mean hourly wage: $20.78
- Typical range (10th–90th percentile): $31,750–$57,960
Pay by state
Where you work makes a big difference. Alaska pays the highest average salary for this occupation: $56,010. Vermont ($48,380), Massachusetts ($47,470), California ($47,150), and Colorado ($46,860) round out the top five. On the lower end, South Carolina ($33,870), New Hampshire ($32,590), and Arizona ($32,060) offer the lowest average wages.
How to become Office Machine Operators, Except Computer
Most positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. On-the-job training is the typical path to learning the specific machines, such as photocopiers, binding equipment, or sorters. No formal certification is required, but employers may prefer candidates with basic computer skills. Community colleges sometimes offer short certificates in office equipment operation.
- High school diploma or GED
- On-the-job training (typically a few weeks to months)
- Basic computer literacy is helpful
- No state license needed
Job outlook
The BLS projects a 15.2% decline in employment from 2024 to 2034, losing about 3,800 jobs over the decade. That's much faster than the average for all occupations. Automation and digitization are reducing the need for machine operators. Still, about 2,800 openings are expected each year, mostly to replace workers who retire or leave the field.
Frequently asked questions
What does an office machine operator do?
They operate machines that copy, collate, staple, bind, address, or sort documents and other materials. Common machines include photocopiers, folding machines, and binding equipment.
Is office machine operator a good career?
It offers a stable median wage of about $41,000 without requiring a college degree, but the occupation is shrinking. It can be a good stepping stone to administrative roles, but growth opportunities are limited.
How many office machine operators are there in the US?
As of 2024, there were about 25,130 office machine operators employed nationally. That number is expected to decline by about 15% over the next decade.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Office Machine Operators, Except Computer data.