Print binding and finishing workers
SOC Code: 51-5113Also known as:
Bander, Binder, Binder Operator, Bindery Associate, Bindery Cutter
Median Annual Salary
$39,820
-16.1% growth (2024-2034)
3K
Openings/Year
36K
Current Jobs
What Print binding and finishing workers Do
Bind books and other publications or finish printed products by hand or machine. May set up binding and finishing machines.
💰 Salary
$39,820
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-16.1%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
3K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
35,800
Projected Employment (2034)
30,000
Related Careers
Sewing machine operators
$36,000 •
-10.8% growth
Textile cutting machine setters, operators, and tenders
$37,940 •
-11.7% growth
Cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders
$45,700 •
-2.3% growth
Adhesive bonding machine operators and tenders
$45,210 •
+1.0% growth
Paper goods machine setters, operators, and tenders
$49,390 •
-6.3% growth
Top Skills Required
Operations Monitoring
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Monitoring
Judgment and Decision Making
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Examine stitched, collated, bound, or unbound product samples for defects, such as imperfect bindings, ink spots, torn pages, loose pages, or loose or uncut threads.
- Read work orders to determine instructions and specifications for machine set-up.
- Install or adjust bindery machine devices, such as knives, guides, rollers, rounding forms, creasing rams, or clamps, to accommodate sheets, signatures, or books of specified sizes.
- Trim edges of books to size, using cutting machines, book trimming machines, or hand cutters.
- Stitch or glue endpapers, bindings, backings, or signatures, using sewing machines, glue machines, or glue and brushes.
- Monitor machine operations to detect malfunctions or to determine whether adjustments are needed.
- Maintain records, such as daily production records, using specified forms.
- Lubricate, clean, or make minor repairs to machine parts to keep machines in working condition.
- Set up or operate bindery machines, such as coil binders, thermal or tape binders, plastic comb binders, or specialty binders.
- Set up or operate machines that perform binding operations, such as pressing, folding, or trimming.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
College rankings for this career path are being calculated. Check back soon!
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do print binding and finishing workers make?
The median annual salary for print binding and finishing workers is $39,820.
What education do print binding and finishing workers need?
Most print binding and finishing workers positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Is becoming print binding and finishing workers a good career choice?
Print binding and finishing workers is projected to see -16.1% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 2,800 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for print binding and finishing workers?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to print binding and finishing workers?
Print binding and finishing workers may also be known as: Bander, Binder, Binder Operator, Bindery Associate, Bindery Cutter, Bindery Cutter Operator, Bindery Folder Operator, Bindery Machine Operator, Bindery Machine Set-Up Operator, Bindery Machine Setter, Bindery Machine Tender, Bindery Operator, Bindery Specialist, Bindery Technician, Bindery Worker, Book Binder, Book Coverer, Book Cutter, Book Finisher, Book Mender.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.