How To Become A Bindery Operator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a bindery operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

As the name suggests, a bindery operator is in charge of operating bindery machines that put books and magazines together. Specifically, their job duties are to set up bindery machines, place printed pages, troubleshoot problems in the binding process, and conduct basic maintenance on bindery machines.

Apart from these main tasks, a bindery operator's day may also involve maintaining necessary records, creating specialty designs for one-time projects, and monitoring inventory. Some bindery operators also operate routing machines, printers, shrink-wrap machines, and other types of machinery in the facility.

The most important skills for this role are problem-solving, attention to detail, and time management. A bindery operator must also have the physical strength, stamina, and manual dexterity to perform their duties accurately and safely. A high school diploma or GED is enough for this role and many employers don't require experience as they provide training on the job.

Bindery operators work in fast-paced environments and typically have to stay on their feet for long periods. In exchange, they make $29,000 a year, on average, with the potential to earn higher with more experience.

ScoreBindery OperatorUS Average

Salary

2.9

Avg. Salary $36,599

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

5.8

Growth rate 7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.52%

Asian 8.93%

Black or African American 7.75%

Hispanic or Latino 16.68%

Unknown 4.19%

White 61.93%

Gender

female 27.34%

male 72.66%

Age - 53

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 53

Stress level

5.8

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.4

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.9

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a bindery operator

Explore bindery operator education requirements

Most common bindery operator degrees

High School Diploma

43.6 %

Associate

22.1 %

Bachelor's

15.9 %

Start to develop specific bindery operator skills

Skills	Percentages
Machine Operation	19.99%
Collating	17.80%
Hand Tools	15.19%
Control Surfaces	6.68%
Bindery Equipment	6.04%

Complete relevant bindery operator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New bindery operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a bindery operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real bindery operator resumes.

Research bindery operator duties and responsibilities

Manage mail heads, stackers and print pockets and train crew members on same.
Set up and run InkJet labeler to label newspapers and magazines.
Perform repairs and preventative maintenance on bindery machines, including cleaning, adjusting and oiling.
Require math and measuring skills.

Prepare your bindery operator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your bindery operator resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a bindery operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable bindery operator resume templates

Build a professional bindery operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your bindery operator resume.