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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 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in controlling computerized units to start, stop and regulate machines and equipment
Interest in copying to perform work according to production specifications
Interest in making adjustments to machines and equipment
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Interest in controlling computerized units to start, stop and regulate machines and equipment throughout various finishing operations
Interest in copying to perform work according to production specifications
Interest in applying decorations and lettering to bound books, and in making adjustments to machines and equipment
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
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 Jun 10, 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 |
| Hand-eye co-ordination | 12 |
| Work under pressure | 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 short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta 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.
