Print Binding and Finishing Workers Career Guide - Salary, Skills, Education & Job Outlook

What does a Print Binding and Finishing Workers do?

Bind books and other publications or finish printed products by hand or machine. May set up binding and finishing machines.

How much can you earn?

Entry Level

$31,110

10th percentile

Early Career

$36,070

25th percentile

Median

$39,820

50th percentile

Experienced

$48,240

75th percentile

Top Earners

$57,980

90th percentile

National Salary Distribution

10th

$31,110

25th

$36,070

Middle 50%

MEDIAN

$39,820

Mean: $43,040

75th

$48,240

90th

$57,980

Middle 50% of earners

Median salary

Mean (average)

Key Insights

•Salary range spans $26,870 from entry level to top earners
•Middle 50% earn between $36,070 and $48,240
•Salary spread is 30.6% around the median, showing moderate variation
•Total national employment: 36,470 professionals

What's the job outlook?

What skills do you need?

Top 10 Most Important Skills

#1

Operations Monitoring

100%

#2

Critical Thinking

92%

#3

Reading Comprehension

82%

#4

Monitoring

74%

#5

Judgment and Decision Making

66%

#6

Speaking

58%

#7

Complex Problem Solving

48%

#8

Quality Control Analysis

40%

Skills Overview

Operations Monitoring

advanced5.0

100%

Critical Thinking

advanced4.6

92%

Reading Comprehension

basic4.1

82%

Monitoring

intermediate3.7

74%

Judgment and Decision Making

intermediate3.3

66%

Speaking

basic2.9

58%

Complex Problem Solving

advanced2.4

48%

Quality Control Analysis

basic2.0

40%

Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.

Filter:

Sort by:

Operations Monitoring

advanced

Importance100%

skills

5.0/5.0

Critical Thinking

advanced

Importance92%

abilities

4.6/5.0

Reading Comprehension

basic

Importance82%

abilities

4.1/5.0

Monitoring

intermediate

Importance74%

skills

3.7/5.0

Judgment and Decision Making

intermediate

Importance66%

abilities

3.3/5.0

Speaking

basic

Importance58%

skills

2.9/5.0

Complex Problem Solving

advanced

Importance48%

abilities

2.4/5.0

Quality Control Analysis

basic

Importance40%

skills

2.0/5.0

Highly Transferable Skills

These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:

Agricultural Inspectors80%

5 shared skills

Power Plant Operators80%

5 shared skills

Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic78%

5 shared skills

Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic70%

5 shared skills

Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders70%

5 shared skills

Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic70%

5 shared skills

Skills by Career Stage

Entry Level

Learn on the Job:

→Speaking
→Judgment and Decision Making

Mid Career

Expected:

✓Operations Monitoring
✓Critical Thinking
✓Reading Comprehension

Senior Level

Mastery Required:

★Critical Thinking
★Reading Comprehension

Skill Development Tips

•Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
•Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
•Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
•Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time

What technology will you use?

Technology & Digital Skills

Essential technology proficiencies for Print Binding and Finishing Workers

Technology Intensity

High

Digital Literacy Requirements

This career requires advanced digital literacy

1

Basic

2

Intermediate

3

Advanced

4

Expert

Key Digital Competencies:

Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration

🔥

Hot Technologies in Demand

These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field

Microsoft Outlook

🔥 Hot Tech

Microsoft Office software

🔥 Hot Tech

Microsoft Excel

🔥 Hot Tech

Microsoft Word

🔥 Hot Tech

Technology Stack

Technology Stack Overview

Key technologies used in this career

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Office software

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

📚 Technology Learning Resources

Recommended Certifications

•Vendor-specific software certifications
•Industry-recognized technology credentials
•Professional development courses

Online Learning Platforms

•LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
•Coursera - University-level programs
•Udemy - Practical skills training

💡 Technology Skill Development Tips

•Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
•Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
•Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
•Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers

What's the work environment like?

🏢

Location

MOSTLY INDOOR

💪

Physical Demand

MODERATE

👥

Team Orientation

CONSTANT TEAM

🤝

Customer Interaction

OCCASIONAL

💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?

Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:

•Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
•Can you meet moderate physical demands?
•Do you enjoy constant team team environments?
•Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?

What are the key tasks?

Tasks & Responsibilities

21

Core Tasks

8

Daily Tasks

20

Work Activities

0

Emerging Tasks

Filter:

Sort by:

General Responsibilities (12)Planning & Development (3)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)Operations & Execution (4)Training & Development (1)

1

Bind new books, using hand tools such as bone folders, knives, hammers, or brass binding tools.

🔴

Daily

Importance:

100%

General Responsibilities100% perform

2

Compress sewed or glued signatures, using hand presses or smashing machines.

🔴

Daily

Importance:

98%

General Responsibilities97% perform

3

Cut binder boards to specified dimensions, using board shears, hand cutters, or cutting machines.

🔴

Daily

Importance:

96%

General Responsibilities94% perform

4

Cut cover material to specified dimensions, fitting and gluing material to binder boards by hand or machine.

🔴

Daily

Importance:

94%

General Responsibilities91% perform

5

Design original or special bindings for limited editions or other custom binding projects.

🔴

Daily

Importance:

92%

Planning & Development88% perform

6

Form book bodies by folding and sewing printed sheets to form signatures and assembling signatures in numerical order.

🔴

Daily

Importance:

90%

General Responsibilities85% perform

7

Imprint or emboss lettering, designs, or numbers on book covers, using gold, silver, or colored foil, and stamping machines.

🔴

Daily

Importance:

88%

Planning & Development82% perform

8

Insert book bodies in devices that form back edges of books into convex shapes and produce grooves that facilitate cover attachment.

🔴

Daily

Importance:

86%

General Responsibilities79% perform

9

Maintain records, such as daily production records, using specified forms.

🟡

Weekly

Importance:

84%

Documentation & Record-Keeping76% perform

10

Meet with clients, printers, or designers to discuss job requirements or binding plans.

🟡

Weekly

Importance:

82%

Planning & Development73% perform

💡 Key Takeaways

•Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
•33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
•Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities

What career paths are available?

Career Pathways

0

Advancement Opportunities

0

Lateral Move Options

0%

Avg. Salary Increase

Compare Paths (select up to 3)

Advancement Opportunities

Typical career progression paths from Print Binding and Finishing Workers

💡 Career Planning Tips

•Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
•Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
•Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
•Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves

Is this career right for you?

Personality & Values Fit

Is This Career Right for You?

Print Binding and Finishing Workers professionals typically have a RCA Holland code and highly value support

RRealistic

CConventional

AArtistic

Important Personality Traits

Work styles that contribute to success as a Print Binding and Finishing Workers

Attention to Detail

Critical

Attention to Detail

Importance Level4.53

Integrity

Very Important

Integrity

Importance Level4.29

Independence

Very Important

Independence

Importance Level4.04

Dependability

Very Important

Dependability

Importance Level4.04

Self-Control

Important

Self-Control

Importance Level3.99

Adaptability/Flexibility

Important

Adaptability/Flexibility

Importance Level3.89

Complete Work Styles Profile

Attention to Detail

4.5

Integrity

4.3

Independence

4.0

Dependability

4.0

Self-Control

4.0

Adaptability/Flexibility

3.9

Cooperation

3.9

Stress Tolerance

3.8

Achievement/Effort

3.7

Persistence

3.6

💡 Tips for Career Fit Success

•While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
•Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
•Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
•Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career

What education is required?

Education Level

High school diploma or equivalent

Typical duration: High school diploma or GED

Preparation Level

Job Zone 2

Some Preparation Needed

Experience Needed

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful

📚 Education Requirement

Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent

These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.

Training:

Training of a few months to a year

💼 Experience Requirement

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful

Common pathways to gain experience:

• Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
• Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
• Industry certifications helpful

2

Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed

These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Explore educational programs that can help you become a Print Binding and Finishing Workers.

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📋 What does a Print Binding and Finishing Workers do?

💰 How much can you earn?

National Salary Distribution

Key Insights

📊 What's the job outlook?

Job Market Intelligence

Current Employment

Top Industries

10-Year Outlook

Employment Projections

Geographic Salary & Employment Data

Understanding the Data

Key Growth Factors

💡 What skills do you need?

Top 10 Most Important Skills

Skills Overview

Operations Monitoring

Critical Thinking

Reading Comprehension

Monitoring

Judgment and Decision Making

Speaking

Complex Problem Solving

Quality Control Analysis

Highly Transferable Skills

Skills by Career Stage

Entry Level

Mid Career

Senior Level

Skill Development Tips

💻 What technology will you use?

Technology & Digital Skills

Digital Literacy Requirements

Key Digital Competencies:

Hot Technologies in Demand

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Office software

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Technology Stack

Technology Stack Overview

📚 Technology Learning Resources

Recommended Certifications

Online Learning Platforms

💡 Technology Skill Development Tips

🏗️ What's the work environment like?

Work Schedule

Safety & Health Considerations

Work Context Details

💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?

✅ What are the key tasks?

Tasks & Responsibilities

💡 Key Takeaways

🚀 What career paths are available?

Career Pathways

Advancement Opportunities

💡 Career Planning Tips

🎯 Is this career right for you?

Personality & Values Fit

Is This Career Right for You?

Important Personality Traits

Attention to Detail

Integrity

Independence

Dependability

Self-Control

Adaptability/Flexibility

Complete Work Styles Profile

💡 Tips for Career Fit Success

🎓 What education is required?

Education Level

Preparation Level

Experience Needed

📚 Education Requirement

💼 Experience Requirement

Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed

Ready to Start Your Journey?

What does a Print Binding and Finishing Workers do?

How much can you earn?

What's the job outlook?

What skills do you need?

What technology will you use?

What's the work environment like?

What are the key tasks?

What career paths are available?

Is this career right for you?

What education is required?