Office Machine Operator: Job Description, Pay & Outlook

What does an office machine operator do?

Office machine operators, except computer, operate machines such as photocopying, duplicating and binding equipment. The median pay is $40,960 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about A few weeks on the job, and employment is projected to grow -14.9% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$40,960
$19.69/hour · May 2025
Job growth
-14.9%
2025–35, a projected decline
Openings per year
2,100
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS classification
Time to train
A few weeks on the job
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
25,800
Employment, 2025

What office machine operators do

Office machine operators produce printed materials. They run high-volume copiers and digital printers, bind, cut and fold documents, scan records, maintain machines and fill print orders for offices, schools and copy centers.

A high school diploma and short training are typical. BLS projects a steep decline as printing falls.

Typical duties

Run copiers and printers
Bind and finish documents
Cut and fold paper
Scan documents
Fill print orders
Maintain machines
Order supplies

Work environment and schedule

Operators work in copy centers, print rooms and office reprographics departments.

Schedule: Full-time daytime hours.

A day in the life

7:30 AMCheck the print queue.
8:00 AMRun a large copy job.
9:30 AMBind training manuals.
11:00 AMFix a paper jam.

See a full day in the life of an office machine operator →

Office Machine Operator salary

Half of office machine operators earned more than $40,960 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $31,750 for the lowest 10% to $57,960 for the top 10%.

$31,75010th$40,960Median$57,96090th

Full office machine operator pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become an office machine operator

Finish high school
Apply to a copy center
Learn machines
Learn finishing
Advance

A high school diploma and short-term on-the-job training are typical.

Step-by-step guide to becoming an office machine operator →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Copier operation
Digital printing
Binding
Paper cutting
Scanning

People skills

Accuracy
Reliability
Organization
Customer service

All office machine operator skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Short training
Hands-on work
Regular hours
Clear tasks

Cons

Steep decline
Standing
Noise
Low pay

Certifications and licenses

Equipment training: Manufacturer.
Print production certificate: Helpful.
Safety training: Employer.
Customer service training: Helpful.

Career path

Machine Operator: Entry.
Print Production Lead: Lead jobs.
Print Shop Supervisor: Lead team.
Print Services Manager: Run operations.

Learn the job before day one

Our Office Machine Operator training (8 hours, $74.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as run a large copy job without errors and clear a copier paper jam, safety and how to land your first job.

View Office Machine Operator training Is this career right for me?

Printing Press Operator

Run printing presses that produce packaging, labels, books and marketing materials.

$45,780
A few months to years on the job

Mail Clerk

Sort, process and deliver mail and packages inside an organization.

$39,280
A few weeks on the job

Office Clerk

Handle the everyday tasks that keep an office running.

$45,010
A few weeks on the job

Graphic Designer

Create logos, layouts and visuals that communicate ideas and build brands.

$62,960
4 years or portfolio-based training

Compare: Office Machine Operator vs. Printing Press Operator · Office Machine Operator vs. Mail Clerk · Office Machine Operator vs. Office Clerk · Office Machine Operator vs. Graphic Designer

Office Machine Operator FAQ

Is the job declining?

BLS projects a steep decline.

Do I need a degree?

No.

Where do operators work?

Copy centers, print rooms and offices.

How much does an office machine operator make?

The median annual wage for office machine operators was $40,960 ($19.69 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $31,750 and the highest 10% earned more than $57,960.

How long does it take to become an office machine operator?

Most people need about A few weeks on the job of training. A high school diploma and short-term on-the-job training are typical.

Do you need a degree to be an office machine operator?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.

More office machine operator questions →

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 43-9071 (Office machine operators, except computer).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Office machine operators, except computer (U.S. Department of Labor).
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

Office Machine Operator