Packaging Machine Operator
Run machines that fill, seal, label and package products.
- $43,220
- A few weeks to months on the job
Mechanics, Maintenance & Manufacturing career
Paper Machine Operator
Also called: Paper Goods Machine Operator · Converting Machine Operator · Corrugator Operator · Box Machine Operator
What paper machine operators do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a paper machine operator do?
Paper goods machine setters, operators and tenders set up, operate or tend paper goods machines that perform a variety of functions such as converting, sawing, corrugating, banding, wrapping, boxing, stitching, forming or sealing paper. The median pay is $50,270 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about A few months on the job, and employment is projected to grow -3.6% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$50,270$24.17/hour · May 2025
- Job growth-3.6%2025–35, a projected decline
- Openings per year9,000Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationHigh school diploma or equivalentBLS classification
- Time to trainA few months on the jobTypical program length
- U.S. jobs96,100Employment, 2025
What paper machine operators do
Paper machine operators make paper products. They set up and run corrugators, box makers, bag machines, cup formers and converting lines, adjust for size and quality, fix jams and keep lines running.
A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical. BLS projects slight decline, though packaging demand is strong.
Typical duties
- Set up machines
- Run converting lines
- Adjust for size
- Inspect products
- Fix jams
- Change rolls
- Record production
Work environment and schedule
Operators work in packaging and paper converting plants.
Schedule: Full time, often rotating shifts.
A day in the life
- Shift handoff.
- Set up the box maker.
- Run cases.
- Check dimensions.
See a full day in the life of a paper machine operator →
Paper Machine Operator salary
Half of paper machine operators earned more than $50,270 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $37,300 for the lowest 10% to $70,320 for the top 10%.
Full paper machine operator pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a paper machine operator
- Finish high school
- Get hired
- Learn the machine
- Run lines
- Advance
A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a paper machine operator →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Machine setup
- Converting
- Quality checks
- Jam clearing
- Roll handling
People skills
- Attention to detail
- Teamwork
- Reliability
- Problem-solving
All paper machine operator skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Packaging demand
- No degree needed
- Good plant pay
- Overtime
Cons
- Noise
- Shift work
- Paper dust
- Pinch hazards
Certifications and licenses
- Machine training: Employer.
- TAPPI training: Paper industry.
- OSHA 10: Safety.
- Forklift certification: Helpful.
Career path
- Helper: Entry.
- Operator: Run.
- Lead Operator: Lead.
- Supervisor: Lead.
Learn the job before day one
Our Paper Machine Operator training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as fix warped corrugated board and set up a folder-gluer, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Printing Press Operator
Run printing presses that produce packaging, labels, books and marketing materials.
- $45,780
- A few months to years on the job
Slicing Machine Operator
Run machines that cut and slice food, paper, film and other materials.
- $46,570
- A few months on the job
Adhesive Machine Operator
Run machines that glue, laminate and bond materials together.
- $46,460
- A few months on the job
Compare: Paper Machine Operator vs. Packaging Machine Operator · Paper Machine Operator vs. Printing Press Operator · Paper Machine Operator vs. Slicing Machine Operator · Paper Machine Operator vs. Adhesive Machine Operator
Paper Machine Operator FAQ
Do I need a degree?
No.
Is packaging growing?
Packaging demand is strong though BLS projects slight decline for this job.
Are shifts long?
Often 12 hours.
How much does a paper machine operator make?
The median annual wage for paper machine operators was $50,270 ($24.17 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $37,300 and the highest 10% earned more than $70,320.
How long does it take to become a paper machine operator?
Most people need about A few months on the job of training. A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.
Do you need a degree to be a paper machine operator?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
More paper machine operator questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 51-9196 (Paper goods machine setters, operators, and tenders).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Paper goods machine setters, operators, and tenders (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.