Also called: Bindery Operator, Finishing Operator
Folds, cuts, binds and finishes printed pieces into books, brochures and boxes.
You run a folder and a stitcher that turn stacks of printed sheets into magazines, then hand-bind a special-edition book with leather and gold lettering. Some bookbinders specialize in repairing rare old books for libraries.
Hand bookbinders in conservation work can earn more.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. High-school diploma; learned on the job or by apprenticeship.
Ways in: On-the-job training, Apprenticeship. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Shrinking (about -12% over 10 years). BLS projects decline.
High risk for 10 years. Automated binding and finishing lines handle most volume; hand binding survives only as a small craft.
Age 18+. One way to start: Apply at print shops and binderies or through a staffing agency; new hires are trained on the job
Classes: Art, Shop class.
Official data: O*NET occupation 51-5113.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.