SOC 51-9196
Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Risk Score
⚠️54/100
Elevated
US Employment
👥96,950
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$49K
$37K – $69K
Projected Growth
📈-6.3%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖10/100
Low exposure
💡 Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders face a risk score of 54/100 — 10 points above the national average of 44. With only 10/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology →
💡 Workers in this field earn $49K ($3K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths →
🔍 AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 54/100, Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 96,950 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in coordinating workflow across diverse production teams and quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths →
⚠️ Top Risk Factors
Industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
AI quality inspection via computer vision systems
Predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles
🛡️ Tasks Safe from Automation
Coordinating workflow across diverse production teams
Quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection
Setup and calibration of custom production runs
Handling non-standard materials and configurations
📊 vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
🔄 Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers | 20 | $106K | 53% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 63% |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 33 | $68K | 72% |