Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Median salary, education path, job outlook, and related careers — based on U.S. labor data.

What a Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders does

You'll operate machinery that produces paper products like boxes, bags, or cardboard, managing production speeds and monitoring for defects. This role keeps essential packaging materials flowing through the supply chain.

Education & path

The typical entry point is a high school diploma. No degree required — short-term training or on-the-job learning.

Estimated cost of that path: No degree cost. Estimates only — actual cost varies widely by school and financial aid; payback assumes ~20% of income applied.

Related careers

• First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers — $74,450/yr
• Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers — $48,570/yr
• Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers — $53,750/yr
• Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders — $43,220/yr
• Machinists — $58,750/yr