Overview
Binding and finishing machine operators set up, operate or oversee the operation of machines, equipment or computerized units that bind and finish printed material. Workers who perform finishing operations in the paper, carton and packaging industries, as well as those who encode and stamp plastic cards, are included in this unit group. They are employed by binderies, commercial printing companies, newspapers, magazines, and other publishing companies, and establishments in both the public and private sectors that have in-house printing, binding and finishing departments.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Set up and operate specialized equipment and machines that cut, fold, gather and bind or finish brochures, pamphlets, business forms, magazines, books and other printed material
Set up and operate specialized equipment and machines that die cut, emboss, imprint, laminate, heat stamp and perform other finishing operations on printed material
Perform pre-production runs of binding or finishing jobs to verify output and to ensure that product specifications are met
Operate automatic and semi-automatic equipment and machines to bind or finish print material according to specifications
Pack, weigh and stack bound and finished products on pallet for shipment
May repair and rebind damaged or worn books.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$36,289
$43,485
$56,103
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
51expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of secondary school is usually required.
Completion of a college program in graphic arts technology or a combination of on-the-job training and specialized college, industry or other courses may be required.
Additional information
There is some mobility among various types of binding and finishing machine operator occupations in this group.
Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
Certification requirements
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
No post-secondary education required
No post-secondary education required. You can work in this career without post-secondary education. Some on the job training may be provided. With additional training or experience, you may be able to progress into higher level, supervisory or management positions.