SOC 51-9196
Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ54/100
Elevated
US Employment
๐ฅ96,950
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$49K
$37K โ $69K
Projected Growth
๐-6.3%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค10/100
Low exposure
๐ก Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders face a risk score of 54/100 โ 10 points above the national average of 44. With only 10/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $49K ($3K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 54/100, Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 96,950 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in coordinating workflow across diverse production teams and quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
AI quality inspection via computer vision systems
Predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Coordinating workflow across diverse production teams
Quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection
Setup and calibration of custom production runs
Handling non-standard materials and configurations
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
Examine completed work to detect defects and verify conformance to work orders, and adjust machinery as necessary to correct production problems.
Observe operation of various machines to detect and correct machine malfunctions such as improper forming, glue flow, or pasteboard tension.
Start machines and move controls to regulate tension on pressure rolls, to synchronize speed of machine components, and to adjust temperatures of glue or paraffin.
Disassemble machines to maintain, repair, or replace broken or worn parts, using hand or power tools.
Install attachments to machines for gluing, folding, printing, or cutting.
๐ป Technology Skills
Document management software
Graphics or photo imaging software
Desktop publishing software
Spreadsheet software
Office suite software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Production and Processing
Mechanical
Mathematics
Customer and Personal Service
English Language
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers | 20 | $106K | 53% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 63% |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 33 | $68K | 72% |