Day in the life
A Day in the Life of an Office Machine Operator
What office machine operators actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for an office machine operator?
Check the print queue. From there, the day usually includes run copiers and printers, bind and finish documents, and cut and fold paper. Full-time daytime hours.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for an office machine operator working full time.
- Check the print queue.
- Run a large copy job.
- Bind training manuals.
- Fix a paper jam.
- Scan old records.
- Cut and fold flyers.
- Deliver orders.
Where office machine operators work
Operators work in copy centers, print rooms and office reprographics departments.
Hours and schedule
Full-time daytime hours.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Run copiers and printers
- Bind and finish documents
- Cut and fold paper
- Scan documents
- Fill print orders
- Maintain machines
- Order supplies
Tools you’ll use every day
- Production copiers
- Digital presses
- Binding machines
- Paper cutters
- Scanners
- Folders
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Short training
- Hands-on work
- Regular hours
- Clear tasks
What’s hard
- Steep decline
- Standing
- Noise
- Low pay
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like machines
- I’m accurate
- I like hands-on work
- I don’t mind standing
- I want short training
- I like clear tasks
Not sure? Take the free Office Machine Operator fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Use paper cutter guards
- Keep hands clear of machines
- Lift paper safely
- Ventilate printing areas