Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders pay in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin

In Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (IL), the median pay for paper goods machine setters, operators, and tenders is $28.38 an hour ($59,020 a year). About 4,320 people work in this job there.

$28.38Median hourly pay
$47,380–$59,950Middle half of workers, yearly
4,320People in this job in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (IL)

That is 17% higher than the U.S. median ($50,270). It is 5% higher than the Illinois median ($56,400).

Pay range for paper goods machine setters, operators, and tenders in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (IL)

Earns more thanHourlyYearly
10% of workers$19.14$39,800
25% of workers$22.78$47,380
Half of workers (median)$28.38$59,020
75% of workers$28.82$59,950
90% of workers$30.45$63,330

Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders pay in Illinois metro areas

Metro areaMedian yearly payPeople in this job
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (this page)$59,0204,320
Rockford$56,80090

Illinois unemployment rate: 4.7% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Education, experience and outlook for paper goods machine setters, operators, and tenders

  • Typical education to start: High school diploma or equivalent (BLS)
  • Related work experience most have: 3 to 6 months (O*NET)
  • Training on the job: Moderate-term on-the-job training (BLS)
  • Job outlook: -3.6% over ten years, declining · about 9,000 openings a year (BLS)

Related jobs in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (IL)

JobMedian yearly pay
Industrial Machinery Mechanics$75,800
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$50,770
Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$49,850
Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$49,730
Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$47,150
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers$48,230
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders$43,290
Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$50,230

Other job titles for this job

Envelope AdjusterCorrugator OperatorFolder OperatorStitching Machine OperatorFolder Machine OperatorPaper Cone Machine TenderPlate WorkerBag Machine TenderBag PresserBag ValverBox BranderBox Fabricator

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.