Career Overview
Bind books and other publications or finish printed products by hand or machine. May set up binding and finishing machines.
Also Known As
- Binder Operator
- Bindery Operator
- Bindery Worker
- Book Binder
Alternate Job Titles
- Bander
- Binder
- Binder Operator
- Bindery Associate
- Bindery Cutter
- Bindery Cutter Operator
- Bindery Folder Operator
- Bindery Machine Operator
- Bindery Machine Set-Up Operator
- Bindery Machine Setter
- Bindery Machine Tender
- Bindery Operator
- Bindery Specialist
- Bindery Technician
- Bindery Worker
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Examine stitched, collated, bound, or unbound product samples for defects, such as imperfect bindings, ink spots, torn pages, loose pages, or loose or uncut threads.
- Read work orders to determine instructions and specifications for machine set-up.
- Install or adjust bindery machine devices, such as knives, guides, rollers, rounding forms, creasing rams, or clamps, to accommodate sheets, signatures, or books of specified sizes.
- Trim edges of books to size, using cutting machines, book trimming machines, or hand cutters.
- Stitch or glue endpapers, bindings, backings, or signatures, using sewing machines, glue machines, or glue and brushes.
- Monitor machine operations to detect malfunctions or to determine whether adjustments are needed.
- Maintain records, such as daily production records, using specified forms.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Administration and Management
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Near Vision
- Finger Dexterity
- Problem Sensitivity
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Manual Dexterity
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Visualization
- Speech Clarity
- Deductive Reasoning
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Perseverance
- Achievement Orientation
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Independence
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
- Recognition
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience Required: 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.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- Band nippers
- Bindery stackers
- Board shears
- Book binding rulers
- Book stitching equipment
- Bookbinding awls
- Bookbinding glue brushes
- Bookbinding jigs
- Bookbinding machine conveyors
- Bookbinding utility knives
- Buckle folders
- Case makers
- Coil binding machines
- Coil crimping pliers
- Corner rounders
Work Environment
- Spend Time Standing
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $31,110 |
| Median | $39,820 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $57,980 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 36,470
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $49,390
Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $45,700
Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $45,210
Sewing Machine Operators
Education: Less than a High School Diploma
Median Salary: $36,000
Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $37,940
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.