Print Binding and Finishing Workers
Production Occupations- O*NET-SOC code
- 51-5113.00
Bind books and other publications or finish printed products by hand or machine. May set up binding and finishing machines.
- Data source: BLSPublished: 2026-08
Low· relative
LowFour relative bandsVery highGroup-level value
Scale, basis and source
Four relative bands (Low / Moderate / High / Very high)
831 detailed occupations in the BLS Employment Projections table. Assigned per National Employment Matrix (NEM) code, so occupations sharing a NEM code carry the same band
- Data source: AnthropicPublished: 2026-03
0.000
0.000Range of values carried here0.745Scale, basis and source
Observed exposure index, 0–1 as published
Mapped onto O*NET tasks
Published per SOC 2018 occupation; every O*NET occupation with the same SOC 2018 code carries this value
- Data source: ILOPublished: 2025
0.22
0.09Range of values carried here0.70Group-level value
Scale, basis and source
Generative AI exposure index, 0–1 as published
Published per ISCO-08 unit group. Linked to this occupation, wholly or in part, by applying U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (ISCO-08 to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to 2018 SOC) as published
What kind of figure this source publishes
The BLS category is a relative rank, not an absolute level, and it is not a first-hand measurement: it groups an occupation's percentile ranks across several published studies into four bands. It is not an employment or wage forecast, not a probability of adoption, and it does not separate automation from augmentation.
Task-level exposure
Show 23 hidden tasks26 rated tasks · 3 tasks with β ≥ 0.5 (11.5%)
β = direct exposure (E1) + 0.5 × exposure when tools are available (E2), per the source repository's definition.
- Source unit: O*NET 27.2 tasks → O*NET 31.0 occupation code
- 1 rated task is not in the O*NET 31.0 task list; its score is kept as published for O*NET 27.2.
- Source
- OpenAI "GPTs are GPTs" exposure rubric
- Release
- gh-main-0471612
- License
- MIT License, Copyright (c) 2024 OpenAI
Values in this tab are predicted labels, not observations. Eloundou et al. (2023) published two rating regimes — human raters and GPT-4 — and the β shown here is derived from the GPT-4 rater basis alone; the same task can take a different value under the other regime. The unit and the meaning differ from the observed shares (%) in the other tabs, so do not place them on the same axis.
| Task (O*NET 27.2) | βE1 + 0.5 × E2 |
|---|---|
Maintain records, such as daily production records, using specified forms.O*NET Task ID 19448 | 1.0 |
Design original or special bindings for limited editions or other custom binding projects.O*NET Task ID 19444 | 0.5 |
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.O*NET Task ID 19460 | 0.5 |
β = E1 + 0.5 × E2 · E1 = tasks where direct LLM access alone cuts time by at least 50%, E2 = tasks where software built on top of an LLM cuts time by at least 50%. Values take only 0 / 0.5 / 1.0.
Data sources & licenses — O*NET®, Eloundou et al. (2023): see full notices on the Credits page
All O*NET 31.0 task statements (25)
All O*NET 31.0 task statements for this occupation (English, as published; task type core or supplemental). Exposure values are not listed here; they are in the table above, next to each task statement as worded in the O*NET version each source used.
| Task (O*NET 31.0) | Type |
|---|---|
| Maintain records, such as daily production records, using specified forms. | Core |
| Monitor machine operations to detect malfunctions or to determine whether adjustments are needed. | Core |
| Read work orders to determine instructions and specifications for machine set-up. | Core |
| Set up or operate bindery machines, such as coil binders, thermal or tape binders, plastic comb binders, or specialty binders. | Core |
| Set up or operate glue machines by filling glue reservoirs, turning switches to activate heating elements, or adjusting glue flow or conveyor speed. | Core |
| Set up or operate machines that perform binding operations, such as pressing, folding, or trimming. | Core |
| Stitch or glue endpapers, bindings, backings, or signatures, using sewing machines, glue machines, or glue and brushes. | Core |
| Trim edges of books to size, using cutting machines, book trimming machines, or hand cutters. | Core |
| 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. | Core |
| 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. | Core |
| Lubricate, clean, or make minor repairs to machine parts to keep machines in working condition. | Core |
| Prepare finished books for shipping by wrapping or packing books and stacking boxes on pallets. | Core |
| Train workers to set up, operate, and use automatic bindery machines. | Core |
| Bind new books, using hand tools such as bone folders, knives, hammers, or brass binding tools. | Supplemental |
| Compress sewed or glued signatures, using hand presses or smashing machines. | Supplemental |
| Cut binder boards to specified dimensions, using board shears, hand cutters, or cutting machines. | Supplemental |
| Cut cover material to specified dimensions, fitting and gluing material to binder boards by hand or machine. | Supplemental |
| Design original or special bindings for limited editions or other custom binding projects. | Supplemental |
| Form book bodies by folding and sewing printed sheets to form signatures and assembling signatures in numerical order. | Supplemental |
| Imprint or emboss lettering, designs, or numbers on book covers, using gold, silver, or colored foil, and stamping machines. | Supplemental |
| Insert book bodies in devices that form back edges of books into convex shapes and produce grooves that facilitate cover attachment. | Supplemental |
| Meet with clients, printers, or designers to discuss job requirements or binding plans. | Supplemental |
| Perform highly skilled hand finishing binding operations, such as grooving or lettering. | Supplemental |
| Punch holes in and fasten paper sheets, signatures, or other material, using hand or machine punches and staplers. | Supplemental |
| Repair, restore, or rebind old, rare, or damaged books, using hand tools. | Supplemental |
1.05/ 3· Robot exposure index
Scale, basis and source
Each physical task is graded 0–3 by the setting in which robots that have been deployed, sold or demonstrated could do it (0 none · 1 purpose-built robot settings such as a fenced machine cell or a bottling line · 2 structured facilities such as a hospital pharmacy or a container port · 3 unstructured settings such as a private home or a construction site), and the grades are averaged by share of working time
Physical tasks among this occupation's O*NET 29.3 tasks
Anthropic estimated the grades and time shares with Claude Opus 5 using web search, as of 2026.
The robot exposure index is a different measure from the AI exposure figures on this site and cannot be added to or compared with them. It does not measure actual adoption or cost, and 0 also covers occupations with no physical tasks.
Tier of each physical task
Robot environment tiers (E0–E3)
E0 noneDetails
Rated not doable by robots that have been deployed, sold or demonstrated, even in a purpose-built setting
E1 purpose-built robot settingsDetails
Rated doable in a setting built around the machine, such as a fenced machine cell or a bottling line
E2 structured facilitiesDetails
Rated doable in a human work facility that an institution keeps to a working standard, such as a hospital pharmacy or a container port
E3 unstructured settingsDetails
Rated doable in a setting that no institution keeps to a working standard, such as a private home or a construction site
Only tasks classified as physical are listed; other tasks have no tier in the source.
| Task (O*NET 29.3) | Robot environment tier |
|---|---|
| Monitor machine operations to detect malfunctions or to determine whether adjustments are needed. | E2 structured facilities |
| Set up or operate bindery machines, such as coil binders, thermal or tape binders, plastic comb binders, or specialty binders. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Set up or operate glue machines by filling glue reservoirs, turning switches to activate heating elements, or adjusting glue flow or conveyor speed. | E2 structured facilities |
| Set up or operate machines that perform binding operations, such as pressing, folding, or trimming. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Stitch or glue endpapers, bindings, backings, or signatures, using sewing machines, glue machines, or glue and brushes. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Trim edges of books to size, using cutting machines, book trimming machines, or hand cutters. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| 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. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| 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. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Lubricate, clean, or make minor repairs to machine parts to keep machines in working condition. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Prepare finished books for shipping by wrapping or packing books and stacking boxes on pallets. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Bind new books, using hand tools such as bone folders, knives, hammers, or brass binding tools. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Compress sewed or glued signatures, using hand presses or smashing machines. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Cut binder boards to specified dimensions, using board shears, hand cutters, or cutting machines. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Cut cover material to specified dimensions, fitting and gluing material to binder boards by hand or machine. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Form book bodies by folding and sewing printed sheets to form signatures and assembling signatures in numerical order. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Imprint or emboss lettering, designs, or numbers on book covers, using gold, silver, or colored foil, and stamping machines. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Insert book bodies in devices that form back edges of books into convex shapes and produce grooves that facilitate cover attachment. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Perform highly skilled hand finishing binding operations, such as grooving or lettering. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Punch holes in and fasten paper sheets, signatures, or other material, using hand or machine punches and staplers. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Repair, restore, or rebind old, rare, or damaged books, using hand tools. | E0 none |
Occupation information
Employment outlook (BLS)
- Employment, 2025
- 32K
- Projected employment, 2035
- 27K
- Change (2025–35)
- -17.5%
- Median annual wage, 2025
- $42,290
- Typical education needed for entry
- High school diploma or equivalent
Korea classification links (KSCO)
Links from the current release of the Korea Occupation Direct Crosswalk v1.1, made by AI Changing Work. Relation values are read from the O*NET-SOC occupation side.
| KSCO code | KSCO title | Relation | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 89210 | 인쇄 관련 기계 조작원 | This occupation is narrower | confirmed |
Relation and status definitions(kr-direct v1.1)
ILO occupational description
AI Changing Work links the ISCO-08 unit groups below to this occupation by applying the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (2018 SOC to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to ISCO-08) as published, without case-by-case selection; each link may be whole or partial.
- ISCO-08 7323Print Finishing and Binding Workers
Sources: ILO ISCO-08 — details: Credits
ESCO occupational vocabulary
Each entry below is matched to this occupation in the published ESCO-O*NET Crosswalk (version 1, 2022). The match types are that crosswalk's; the wording is AI Changing Work's.
- bindery operatorESCO 7323.1This occupation is broader
Bindery operators tend machines that bind printed or unprinted paper into volumes using staples, twine, glue or other binding technologies.
- book-sewing machine operatorESCO 7323.2This occupation is broader
Book-sewing machine operators tend a machine that stitches paper together to form a volume. They check that signatures are inserted the right way and the machine does not jam.
- paper stationery machine operatorESCO 8171.7Overlapping, not the same
Paper stationery machine operators work with machines that perform one or more operations on paper to make it suitable for specific markets, such as punching holes, perforating, creasing, and collating with a carbon coated sheet.
Source: European Commission, DG EMPL — ESCO API 2026-08-08 (bridge v1.2.1)
License: CC BY 4.0 (EU Reuse Notice)
ESCO reuse terms and the modification notice are in Credits.
France classification links (ROME)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and ROME 4.0 job profiles, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side. Links marked “provisional” were adopted on the judgments of two judges from the same model family (Claude) alone, or by an operator rule applied to their judgments, so they rest on weaker evidence than confirmed links.
| ROME code | ROME title (French) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| B1402 | Relieur / Relieuse d'art | This occupation is broader |
| E1302 | Conducteur / Conductrice de machines de façonnage routage | This occupation is broader |
| E1311 | Régleur / Régleuse de machines de façonnage routage | This occupation is broader |
| E1315 | Conducteur / Conductrice de machines de reliure automatique | This occupation is broader |
| E1314 | Conducteur / Conductrice de machines à pelliculer | This occupation is broaderprovisional |
| E1304 | Agent / Agente de façonnage et routage | Overlapping, not the same |
| E1309 | Responsable d'atelier de façonnage routage | Related, not a matchprovisional |
Source: France Travail — Répertoire Opérationnel des Métiers et des Emplois (ROME 4.0), version 61, last updated 15 June 2026 (https://www.data.gouv.fr/datasets/repertoire-operationnel-des-metiers-et-des-emplois-rome). Licence Ouverte 2.0.
ROME codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET-SOC occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a France Travail correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: fr-direct v1)
Spain classification links (CNO-11)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and CNO-11 occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| CNO-11 code | CNO-11 title (Spanish) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 7623 | Trabajadores de procesos de encuadernación | Same scopeprovisional |
Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE), National Classification of Occupations 2011 (CNO-11, Royal Decree 1591/2010) — www.ine.es · Licensed CC BY 4.0. CNO-11 codes and Spanish titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not an INE correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: es-direct v1)
Germany classification links (KldB)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and KldB occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| KldB code | KldB title (German) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 23422 | Berufe in der Buchbinderei und Druckweiterverarbeitung - fachlich ausgerichtete Tätigkeiten | Same scope |
| 23411 | Berufe in der Drucktechnik - Helfer-/Anlerntätigkeiten | Related, not a match |
| 23423 | Berufe in der Buchbinderei und Druckweiterverarbeitung - komplexe Spezialistentätigkeiten | Related, not a matchprovisional |
Source: © Statistik der Bundesagentur für Arbeit — Klassifikation der Berufe 2010 – überarbeitete Fassung 2020, https://statistik.arbeitsagentur.de. KldB codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own mapping (eigene Zuordnung) and are not a Bundesagentur für Arbeit correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: de-direct v1)
Japan classification links (JSCO)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and JSCO occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| JSCO code | JSCO title (Japanese) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 537 | 印刷・製本従事者 | This occupation is narrower |
| 507 | 印刷・製本設備制御・監視員 | Related, not a match |
| 536 | 木・紙製品製造従事者 | Related, not a match |
Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), Japan Standard Occupational Classification (Dec. 2009, MIC Notification No. 555). JSCO codes and Japanese titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a MIC correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: jp-direct v1)
Sources, licenses and AI Changing Work's modification and translation notices for this page: Credits & sources