Machine setter vs paper reel operator

The differences between machine setters and paper reel operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes Less than 1 month to become both a machine setter and a paper reel operator. Additionally, a machine setter has an average salary of $32,625, which is higher than the $31,714 average annual salary of a paper reel operator.

The top three skills for a machine setter include production schedules, CMM and oiling. The most important skills for a paper reel operator are customer specifications, , and .

Machine setter vs paper reel operator overview

	Machine Setter	Paper Reel Operator
Yearly salary	$32,625	$31,714
Hourly rate	$15.69	$15.25
Growth rate	-5%	-
Number of jobs	31,873	26,654
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 47%	High School Diploma, 50%
Average age	48	48
Years of experience	-	-

Machine setter vs paper reel operator salary

Machine setters and paper reel operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Machine Setter	Paper Reel Operator
Average salary	$32,625	$31,714
Salary range	Between $23,000 And $46,000	Between $22,000 And $44,000
Highest paying City	Los Angeles, CA	-
Highest paying state	Hawaii	-
Best paying company	Adecco	-
Best paying industry	Automotive	-

Differences between machine setter and paper reel operator education

There are a few differences between a machine setter and a paper reel operator in terms of educational background:

	Machine Setter	Paper Reel Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 47%	High School Diploma, 50%
Most common major	Business	Communication
Most common college	-	-

Machine setter vs paper reel operator demographics

Here are the differences between machine setters' and paper reel operators' demographics:

	Machine Setter	Paper Reel Operator
Average age	48	48
Gender ratio	Male, 89.4% Female, 10.6%	Male, 80.0% Female, 20.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 16.9% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 5.2% White, 54.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 3.5%	Black or African American, 14.2% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 2.5% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 3.7%
LGBT Percentage	8%	8%

Differences between machine setter and paper reel operator duties and responsibilities

Machine setter example responsibilities.

Control hoists to remove parts and products from work stations.
Change nozzle, nozzle tip, and/or any broken heater bands if need.
Complete assembly, inspect, install on test units and run to ensure proper operation in photocopy equipment.
Used Zoller precision measuring and computer programming.
Crew leader for dryer and wet feel changes.
Inspect and maintain weapons and ammunition parts machine.

Paper reel operator example responsibilities.

Thread paper into the machine make adjustments with the starch (glue) so all paper will stick together.
Train in MSDS lock and tag, confine spaces, and JSA.
Set slitters on winder to dimensions set forth on job orders.

Machine setter vs paper reel operator skills

Common machine setter skills

Production Schedules, 17%
CMM, 14%
Oiling, 13%
Cranes, 13%
Hand Tools, 7%
TPM, 7%

Common paper reel operator skills

Customer Specifications, 100%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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