Shigoto Zukan
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Will AI replace paper goods machine setters, operators, and tenders?AI replacement risk 29% and how the work is changing

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$50,270
25th–75th pct. $44,920–$60,180
Top pay (est.)
$91,400
Top 10% $70,320
Pay in 5 years
$57,600est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$66,100est.
$56,900–$76,800
Outlook score
40/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
29%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
−3.6%
9,000 openings / yr

Will AI replace Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders? AI replacement risk

29%
Low
Ranked #240 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Key skills

Operations Monitoring
3.1
Monitoring
3.0
Operation and Control
3.0
Critical Thinking
2.9
Active Listening
2.8
Speaking
2.8
Quality Control Analysis
2.8
Equipment Maintenance
2.8

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Production and Processing
3.3
Mechanical
3.3
Education and Training
2.9
Customer and Personal Service
2.7
Mathematics
2.6
English Language
2.5
Public Safety and Security
2.2
Administration and Management
1.9

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCoaching and Developing Others

Important abilities

Near VisionArm-Hand SteadinessSelective AttentionCategory FlexibilityReaction TimeTrunk Strength

Education of workers

High school diploma
69%
Less than high school
20%
Some college
9%

Training before entry

Up to 1 month
32%
None / short demo
22%
1–3 months
19%
6–12 months
10%
3–6 months
10%
2–4 years
6%

Related work experience

Up to 1 month
25%
3–6 months
23%
6–12 months
18%
1–2 years
10%
1–3 months
9%
None
7%
4–6 years
6%
2–4 years
2%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.