Office Machine Operators
Overview
Office Machine Operators work with a variety of high-tech office equipment like advanced photocopiers, digital scanners, industrial printers, and specialized binding machines. You'll set up machines, adjust settings for different projects, monitor operations, and troubleshoot when things go wrong. This hands-on job requires technical skills and attention to detail as you handle everything from loading materials to quality-checking finished products. Many operators work in print shops, corporate offices, or service centers where they collaborate with teams and often interact directly with customers.
Did you know?
Employment opportunities for office machine operators are decreasing in the U.S. due to digital transformation and automation of traditional office processes.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$39,362.04 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Writing
Key Responsibilities
- File and store completed documents.
- Load machines with materials such as blank paper or film.
- Operate auxiliary machines such as collators, pad and tablet making machines, staplers, and paper punching, folding, cutting, and perforating machines.
- Maintain stock of supplies, and requisition any needed items.
- Deliver completed work.
- Move heat units and clamping frames over screen beds to form Braille impressions on pages, raising frames to release individual copies.
- Cut copies apart and write identifying information, such as page numbers or titles, on copies.
- Compute prices for services and receive payment, or provide supervisors with billing information.
- Clean machines, perform minor repairs, and report major repair needs.
- Complete records of production, including work volumes and outputs, materials used, and any backlogs.
- Sort, assemble, and proof completed work.
- Prepare and process papers for use in scanning, microfilming, and microfiche.
- Clean and file master copies or plates.
- Operate office machines such as high speed business photocopiers, readers, scanners, addressing machines, stencil-cutting machines, microfilm readers or printers, folding and inserting machines, bursters, and binder machines.
- Place original copies in feed trays, feed originals into feed rolls, or position originals on tables beneath camera lenses.
- Monitor machine operation, and make adjustments as necessary to ensure proper operation.
- Read job orders to determine the type of work to be done, the quantities to be produced, and the materials needed.
- Set up and adjust machines, regulating factors such as speed, ink flow, focus, and number of copies.
Career Considerations
Declining Job Market
Employment opportunities for office machine operators are decreasing in the U.S. due to digital transformation and automation of traditional office processes.
Skill Diversification Necessity
Workers should develop additional technical skills in computer operations, digital equipment maintenance, or administrative support to remain competitive.
Career Transition Opportunities
Experience with office machinery can serve as a foundation for transitioning into roles like administrative assistant, equipment technician, or print production specialist.