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Career

Office Machine Operators, Except Computer

Typical education: High school diplomaLower pressure

What they do

Operate one or more of a variety of office machines, such as photocopying, photographic, and duplicating machines, or other office machines.

Kinds of work

  • Conventional: Organizing information, following clear procedures and working with data and details.
  • Realistic: Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals, often outdoors.

Lower pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $40,960 Median per year · $19.69/hr Most earn $31,750–$57,960

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • Place original copies in feed trays, feed originals into feed rolls, or position originals on tables beneath camera lenses.
  • Maintain stock of supplies, and requisition any needed items.
  • Monitor machine operation, and make adjustments as necessary to ensure proper operation.
  • Sort, assemble, and proof completed work.
  • Clean machines, perform minor repairs, and report major repair needs.
  • 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.

Job outlook

United States
15% fewer jobs by 2035, declining · about 2,100 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

  • Business support services16.2%
  • Computing infrastructure providers, data processing, web hosting, and related services8.4%
  • Professional and commercial equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers8.2%
  • Office administrative services4.2%
  • Legal services3.9%

Share of all workers in this career. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Employment Matrix.

Experience before this job: Up to 1 month

Some people start through an apprenticeship: paid training on the job, often with classes. Search apprenticeships on Apprenticeship.gov (opens in a new tab) ↗

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: High school diplomaExperience before this job: Up to 1 monthEntry-level

This is an entry-level job. Most people start with a high school diploma and learn the machines on the job in up to about a month, so you could be working in this field soon after graduating.

  1. High school diploma

    4 years

    Finishing high school gives you the basic reading, math, and computer skills employers look for. Typing and comfort with office equipment are helpful extras.

  2. Office Machine Operator

    Up to 1 month of on-the-job training

    You learn to run copiers, duplicators, and other office machines, usually by watching and practicing with an experienced coworker. This is the career itself.

Where it can lead

  1. Printing Press Operator

    2-4 years of experience first

    Printing press work involves running larger, more complex machines in a print shop, which usually takes more training and hands-on experience than a standard office copier.

  2. Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairer

    6 months to 1 year of experience first

    Repairers learn to diagnose and fix machines instead of only operating them. Many people build this skill through on-the-job training, and it can be a good fit if you enjoy taking things apart and troubleshooting.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take computer and keyboarding classesStrong typing and computer skills make it easier to learn office equipment and any software that goes with it.
  • Take shop or electronics classesHands-on classes help you get comfortable with how machines work, which is useful if you later want to move into repair.
  • Get a part-time or summer job in an office or storeWorking around copiers, printers, and customers builds real-world experience employers notice.
  • Volunteer at a school office, library, or community centerHelping run copiers, scanners, and printers for staff shows initiative and gives you a reference.
  • Join a business or computer clubClubs like these build teamwork, presentation, and tech skills that carry over to office work.

In college

  • Take office technology or business coursesCourses in office procedures, document management, or business software prepare you for office equipment work and related roles.
  • Get a campus job in an office, print center, or libraryCampus jobs often involve copiers, scanners, and printers, giving you hands-on practice that looks good on a résumé.
  • Learn basic equipment troubleshootingUnderstanding how machines work and how to fix common problems opens the door to repair roles later on.
  • Build your typing and Microsoft Office or Google Workspace skillsOffice software skills are widely required, and you can learn them through free school resources or practice at home.
  • Pursue a part-time or summer job in a print shop or office supply storeThis kind of work gives you practical experience with the same types of machines and customer service skills employers value.

Tips for getting started

  • Look for a part-time job or volunteer role that involves copiers, printers, or front-desk office work. Even a short stint shows employers you're comfortable with equipment.
  • Practice typing and basic computer skills. Many office roles still expect them, and they make it easier to learn new machines quickly.
  • Ask a teacher, coach, or employer for a reference now. Being reliable and on time often matters as much as technical skill for entry-level office jobs.

Related jobs a step up

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

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