Will AI replace print binding and finishing workers?AI replacement risk 39% and how the work is changing

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$42,290
25th–75th pct. $36,910–$49,130
Top pay (est.)
$76,900
Top 10% $59,150
Pay in 5 years
$47,300est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$53,000est.
$45,600–$61,500
Outlook score
26/100
★☆☆☆☆ Weak
AI replacement risk
39%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
−17.5%
2,300 openings / yr

Will AI replace Print Binding and Finishing Workers? AI replacement risk

39%
Low
Ranked #363 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 Print Binding and Finishing Workers

Key skills

Operation and Control
3.1
Equipment Maintenance
3.1
Operations Monitoring
3.1
Monitoring
3.0
Critical Thinking
3.0
Complex Problem Solving
2.9
Reading Comprehension
2.9
Quality Control Analysis
2.9

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mechanical
3.2
Production and Processing
3.1
Administration and Management
3.0
Mathematics
2.9
Customer and Personal Service
2.8
English Language
2.7
Education and Training
2.5
Administrative
2.4

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkGetting InformationPerforming General Physical ActivitiesRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment

Important abilities

Near VisionOral ComprehensionVisualizationOral ExpressionReaction TimeFinger Dexterity

Education of workers

High school diploma
88%
Less than high school
4%
Post-secondary certificate
4%
Associate's degree
3%
Some college
1%

Training before entry

6–12 months
38%
3–6 months
24%
None / short demo
11%
1–2 years
11%
Up to 1 month
9%
2–4 years
4%
1–3 months
3%

Related work experience

2–4 years
41%
6–12 months
24%
1–2 years
16%
None
16%
1–3 months
2%
Up to 1 month
1%

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

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (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.