Print binding and finishing workers
SOC Code: 51-5113
Print binding and finishing workers carries a 25% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $39,820 and -16.1% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 35,800 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Print binding and finishing workers (SOC 51-5113) carries an AI exposure score of 25%, placing it in the Medium 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 below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 35,800 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -16.1% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $39,820, 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 Print binding and finishing workers. 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. Examine stitched, collated, bound, or unbound product samples for defects, such as imperfect bindings, ink spots, torn pages, loose pages, or loose or uncut threads.
- 2. Read work orders to determine instructions and specifications for machine set-up.
- 3. Install or adjust bindery machine devices, such as knives, guides, rollers, rounding forms, creasing rams, or clamps, to accommodate sheets, signatures, or books of specified sizes.
- 4. Trim edges of books to size, using cutting machines, book trimming machines, or hand cutters.
- 5. Stitch or glue endpapers, bindings, backings, or signatures, using sewing machines, glue machines, or glue and brushes.
- 6. Monitor machine operations to detect malfunctions or to determine whether adjustments are needed.
- 7. Insert book bodies in devices that form back edges of books into convex shapes and produce grooves that facilitate cover attachment.
- 8. Maintain records, such as daily production records, using specified forms.
- 9. Lubricate, clean, or make minor repairs to machine parts to keep machines in working condition.
- 10. Set up or operate bindery machines, such as coil binders, thermal or tape binders, plastic comb binders, or specialty binders.
Key Skills Required
- Operations Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Monitoring
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Speaking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Quality Control Analysis
- Active Listening
- Coordination
Knowledge Areas
- Administration and Management
- Production and Processing
- Mechanical
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Administrative
- Education and Training
- Computers and Electronics
- Sales and Marketing
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Print binding and finishing workers?
Print binding and finishing workers has an AI exposure score of 25%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Print binding and finishing workers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Print binding and finishing workers is projected to decline by 16.1% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 35,800 workers.
What skills are needed for Print binding and finishing workers?
Key skills for Print binding and finishing workers include Operations Monitoring, Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Print binding and finishing workers earn?
The median annual wage for Print binding and finishing workers is $39,820, 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 Print binding and finishing workers?
The typical entry-level education for Print binding and finishing workers is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Print binding and finishing workers?
Print binding and finishing workers 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
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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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).