Office Machine Operators, Except Computer
Office and Administrative Support
Job orders set the quantities, materials, and type of work before machines are set up for speed, ink flow, focus, and number of copies. Originals go into feed trays or under a camera lens; the operator then runs high-speed copiers, scanners, folders, inserters, binders, or similar equipment. Finished pieces are sorted, assembled, and proofed, then delivered, with a record of volume, materials used, and any backlog. Some jobs include figuring a price and taking payment. The work suits people who like tending machines, following a production order, and checking output for completeness.
Typical education: High School Diploma or GED
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$40'960
Median Wage Market Position
$40'960
What you might do
- Run photocopiers, scanners, and folding machines
- Set speed, ink flow, focus, and copy count
- Read orders for type, quantity, and materials
- Place originals in trays or under the lens
- Sort, assemble, and check finished copies
- Record output, materials used, and any backlog
Skills that matter
- Reading job orders for type and quantity
- Setting ink flow, speed, and copy counts
- Feeding originals into copiers and scanners
- Sorting and proofing finished copies
- Logging work volumes and material use
- Explaining charges and taking payment
AI & the future of this role
Much of this work is machine tending and document throughput that digital workflows can reduce or route around. Hands-on setup and troubleshooting still count on site, but overall need for dedicated operators may continue to fade.
Does Office Machine Operators, Except Computer fit your values?
Take the free LostInCareer assessment to see personalized matches based on your core values—not just a personality label.
Related careers
Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details