Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Salary 2025: $50,270 Median
Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders earn a median $50,270 per year, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. That works out to roughly $24 an hour. The middle half of workers earn between $37,300 and $70,320, with top earners pulling in over $70,000.
This is a hands-on manufacturing role that keeps production lines running for paper products like boxes, bags, and containers. The work is steady but the job market is shrinking, so knowing the numbers matters.
How much Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders earn
The national median salary for this occupation is $50,270, and the mean (average) wage is $52,840. Hourly, that's about $24 on average. Typical pay ranges from $37,300 at the 10th percentile to $70,320 at the 90th percentile. That means most experienced operators in high-paying areas can earn well above the median.
Pay by state
Pay varies significantly by location. The highest-paying state is Oklahoma, with an average annual wage of $63,640. Maine follows at $61,780, then Utah at $60,790, Washington at $59,410, and Louisiana at $58,230. On the lower end, Iowa pays $46,110, New Jersey $45,950, and Kansas $45,840. So location can swing your paycheck by nearly $18,000 a year.
How to become a Paper Goods Machine Setter, Operator, or Tender
Most workers enter this field with a high school diploma or equivalent. No college degree is required, but technical training or a certificate from a vocational school can help. Typical steps: - Earn a high school diploma or GED. - Complete on-the-job training, often lasting a few months. - Some employers prefer previous experience in manufacturing or machine operation. - Voluntary certifications (e.g., through the Institute of Packaging Professionals) may boost pay.
- High school diploma or GED
- On-the-job training (few months)
- Previous manufacturing experience a plus
- Optional certifications available
Job outlook
Employment for Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders is projected to decline 6.3% from 2024 to 2034. That's a loss of about 6,000 jobs over the decade, due to automation and efficiency improvements. Despite the decline, about 8,100 openings per year are expected, mostly from workers retiring or leaving the occupation. So job opportunities will still exist, but competition may increase. Current employment stands at 96,130 workers nationwide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for Paper Goods Machine Setters?
Entry-level workers at the 10th percentile earn about $37,300 per year. Starting pay varies by state and employer.
Do you need a degree to become a Paper Goods Machine Setter?
No, a high school diploma or GED is typically enough. Most training is on the job.
Is the job market growing for this occupation?
No, it's declining. The BLS projects a -6.3% change from 2024 to 2034, but still about 8,100 annual openings.
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 Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders data.