Office machine operators, except computer
SOC Code: 43-9071
Office machine operators, except computer carries a 61% AI exposure score (Very High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $39,020 and -15.2% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 25,500 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 61% AI exposure, Office machine operators, except computer sits 24 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 95% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Office machine operators, except computer sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Office machine operators, except computer has ai exposure of 61%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Office machine operators, except computer vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Office machine operators, except computer is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Office machine operators, except computer (SOC 43-9071) carries an AI exposure score of 61%, placing it in the Very High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 25,500 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -15.2% change through 2034 - a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $39,020, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Office machine operators, except computer. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Read job orders to determine the type of work to be done, the quantities to be produced, and the materials needed.
- 2. Deliver completed work.
- 3. Place original copies in feed trays, feed originals into feed rolls, or position originals on tables beneath camera lenses.
- 4. Sort, assemble, and proof completed work.
- 5. 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.
- 6. Complete records of production, including work volumes and outputs, materials used, and any backlogs.
- 7. Compute prices for services and receive payment, or provide supervisors with billing information.
- 8. Set up and adjust machines, regulating factors such as speed, ink flow, focus, and number of copies.
- 9. Load machines with materials such as blank paper or film.
- 10. Monitor machine operation, and make adjustments as necessary to ensure proper operation.
Key Skills Required
- Operation and Control
- Reading Comprehension
- Operations Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Time Management
- Writing
Knowledge Areas
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Production and Processing
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- Administrative
- Communications and Media
- Mechanical
- Administration and Management
- Design
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Office machine operators, except computer?
Office machine operators, except computer has an AI exposure score of 61%, indicating a very high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Office machine operators, except computer?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Office machine operators, except computer is projected to decline by 15.2% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 25,500 workers.
What skills are needed for Office machine operators, except computer?
Key skills for Office machine operators, except computer include Operation and Control, Reading Comprehension, Operations Monitoring, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Office machine operators, except computer earn?
The median annual wage for Office machine operators, except computer is $39,020, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Office machine operators, except computer?
The typical entry-level education for Office machine operators, except computer is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Short-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Office machine operators, except computer?
Office machine operators, except computer roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Very High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A majority of tasks in this occupation are susceptible to AI automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
Explore More on PlainWorkforce
Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).