Bindery operator
Also known as: bindery technician, binding machine tender, binder specialist, printing stitcher operator, bookbinder, binder machine tender
About this occupation
Bindery operators tend machines that bind printed or unprinted paper into volumes using staples, twine, glue or other binding technologies.
Essential skills and knowledge
- set up machine controls
- operate binder machine
- monitor automated machines
- observe machine feed
- supply machine
- quality standards
- binding technologies
- ensure equipment availability
- work safely with machines
- adjust properties of cut
- inspect binding work
- perform test run
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service (O*NET 43-9051.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Lift and unload containers of mail or parcels onto equipment for transportation to sortation stations.
- Verify that items are addressed correctly, marked with the proper postage, and in suitable condition for processing.
- Clear jams in sortation equipment.
- Place incoming or outgoing letters or packages into sacks or bins based on destination or type, and place identifying tags on sacks or bins.
- Release packages or letters to customers upon presentation of written notices or other identification.
- Remove containers of sorted mail or parcels and transfer them to designated areas according to established procedures.
- Typical education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Preparation
- Job Zone 2 of 5
- Interests
- Conventional, Realistic, Enterprising
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Monitoring, Time Management, Active Listening
US median pay: US$39,280 a year (2025), 55,230 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.4)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Postal Service Clerks
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks
- Postal Service Mail Carriers
- Couriers and Messengers
- Data Entry Keyers
- Stockers and Order Fillers
- Office Machine Operators, Except Computer
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand
- Order Clerks
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.