Also called: Box Plant Operator, Corrugated Machine Operator
Runs the giant machines that glue paper together into the wavy cardboard used for shipping boxes.
The corrugator is a machine as long as a city block, turning rolls of paper, steam and starch glue into sheets of cardboard. You watch for warped boards and glue problems while it runs at high speed. With online shopping, box plants run day and night.
Uses BLS paper goods machine operator wages; experienced lead operators earn more.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. High-school diploma; trained on the job.
Ways in: On-the-job training. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Shrinking (about -4% over 10 years). BLS projects a small decline for paper goods machine operators overall.
Medium risk for 10 years. Corrugators are computer-controlled, but crews still run, splice and troubleshoot these huge machines.
Age 18+. One way to start: Apply at box plants or through a staffing agency; new hires are trained on the job
Classes: Shop class, Algebra.
Official data: O*NET occupation 51-9196.
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.