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Book Binder, Factory Worker, Finishing Machine Operator, Production Worker, Bindery Equipment Operator
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Books, magazines, pamphlets, and posters are examples of published materials. Creating them involves work by various individuals:
Printing transfers the texts and images onto paper that we can hold. Printing involves 3 stages:
Duties vary depending on the machine. But, in general, binding and finishing machine operators:
Binding and finishing machine operators may operate a wide variety of machines. These machines may:
Binding and finishing machine operators often work in large industrial plants. In smaller companies, they work in industrial bays. They may need to work shifts and overtime to meet print deadlines.
Binding and finishing machine operators often stand for long periods and do a lot of bending and reaching as well as duties that require repetitive movements. They may need to lift heavy packages of paper. Workplace hazards in larger shops include moving machinery, handling chemicals, tolerating noise, enduring repetitive strain, working around sharp cutting blades, and being exposed to solvent fumes. In smaller shops or those using digital equipment, there is no exposure to chemicals, but the other hazards remain. Binding and finishing machine operators must follow standard safety practices and be knowledgeable about occupational health and safety legislation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Click or tap a personality type for its description.
Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.
To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Binding and finishing machine operators
2023 OaSIS: 94152.00
The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.
The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.
The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.
To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.
Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.
This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:
Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.
This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:
Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance.
This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:
Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:
Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking.
This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:
Binding and finishing machine operators need:
They should enjoy working with computerized and mechanical equipment. They should be comfortable following routines, working with a team, and performing set tasks.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 23 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jun 08, 2022 and Oct 04, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Experience: Will train | 18 |
|---|---|
| Attention to detail | 14 |
| Tasks: Operate automatic and semi-automatic equipment and machines to bind or finish print material according to specifications | 13 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 12 |
| Work under pressure | 12 |
| Hand-eye co-ordination | 12 |
| Construction Specialization: Accurate | 11 |
| Manual dexterity | 10 |
| Tasks: Pack, weigh and stack bound and finished products on pallet for shipment | 10 |
| Tasks: Set up and operate various specialized finishing equipment and machines | 10 |
The printing and publishing industry is evolving. Machine operators must be prepared to learn new skills continuously. More and more, the equipment they use is computer controlled.
There are no standard education requirements for binding and finishing machine operators. However, employers prefer to hire graduates of related post-secondary programs or high school graduates with experience operating machines or equipment. A security clearance may be required if the operator will be working with sensitive materials. Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training is an asset.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Binding and finishing machine operators work for:
Many binderies have a small core staff and hire extra staff on a temporary basis to meet contract deadlines.
Newly hired machine operators usually start training on simpler or lighter equipment. As they gain experience, they train on more complex equipment. Machine operators with experience running a variety of machines may become supervisors.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Binding and finishing machine operators
2016 NOC: 9473
89.7% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $32.89 | $19.54 | $18.00 |
| Overall | $18.50 | $33.00 | $23.61 | $23.57 |
| Top | $23.00 | $37.50 | $30.81 | $30.00 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $46,840 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $46,840 |
Canadian Printing Industries Sector Council (CPISC) website: cpia-aci.ca
Printing and Graphics Industries Association of Alberta (PGIA) website: pgia.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2024. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
