Copy Machine Operators

Career summary

#breakout from 1439 Office machine operators.

#check 3/20/19 lh

Copy machine operators usually receive a work order detailing the items to be copied. In some cases they talk directly to the customer or coworker who places the order, and fill out the work order for them. They may estimate price. If operators work in a public copy shop, they may handle customers' payments for copies.

Operators first select the best paper for the job. They select paper for size, color, and weight, as requested in the work order. They load the paper into the copy machine, and load the items to be copied into the feeder. Some items are too large, small, or thick to go in the feeder. Operators position these items on the copy area one at a time.

Next, they set the controls for number of copies and paper size. They may also program the machine to enlarge or darken the copies.

When the job is done, copy machine operators check it to be sure it is correct. They also record the number of copies made. They may finish the order by cutting copies apart or stapling them. Sometimes they may use machines that collate, straighten, cut, fold, or perforate paper.

Copy machine operators remove jammed paper from the machine. They may also fix small mechanical problems as they occur. In some offices, operators are in charge of maintaining the equipment.

Related careers

This career is part of the Business Management and Administration cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• General Office Clerks
• Mail Clerks
• Photograph Processing Workers
• Production and Planning Clerks
• Production Helpers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to copy machine operators.

• Read work orders or talk to customers about orders.
• Compute and estimate prices for services. Handle payment or provide billing information to supervisors.
• Select paper for size, color, and weight, and load into copy machines.
• Load items to be copied into feeder, or position individual items over copy area.
• Set controls for number of copies, paper size, darkness, and other options.
• Check completed orders for correctness. Finish orders by cutting or stapling.
• Record number of copies and return orders to customers or coworkers.
• Operate machines such as collators, pad and tablet making machines, and paper folding, cutting, or perforating machines.
• Remove jammed paper or handle minor mechanical problems as they occur.
• May maintain copy machines.
• Maintain stock of supplies. Order replacements.

Common work activities

Copy machine operators perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Use computers
• Get information needed to do the job
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Control machines and processes
• Process information
• Think creatively
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Handle and move objects
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Perform administrative tasks

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, copy machine operators:

Interpersonal relationships

• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by others operators.
• Have a high level of social contact. They interact with customers throughout the day.
• Communicate with others primarily by face-to-face discussions, e-mail, and telephone.
• Are often placed in conflict situations in which customers may be rude or impatient.
• Usually work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Nearly always work indoors.
• Are exposed to distracting and loud sounds and noise levels on a weekly basis.
• May share office and work space with other operators and customers.

Work performance

• Set their work pace according to the speed of the copiers.
• Must be sure all details are done and their work is exact. Errors could cause customers to have incomplete orders.
• Repeat the same physical activities.
• May make some minor work decisions independently.
• Determine some of their daily tasks and goals independently, but often seek direction from a supervisor.
• Must meet constant deadlines throughout the day.

Hours/travel

• May work part time or full time.
• May work nights or weekends if employed by 24-hour copy shops.

Physical demands

Copy machine operators frequently:

• Stand for long periods of time.

It is important for copy machine operators to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for copy machine operators to be able to:

• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.

Skills and abilities

Copy machine operators need to:

Communicate

• Understand written information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Listen to others and ask questions.

Reason and problem solve

• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with things

• Operate and control equipment.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Office Support

Other programs of study to consider

• Medical Office Support

Training

To work as a copy machine operator, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete short-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

No formal education is required for this occupation beyond high school.

On-the-job training

Copy machine operators learn their skills on the job. An experienced operator trains you on the operation and maintenance of the copier. Training usually lasts up to one month. Operators continually learn new skills depending on the type of job a customer requests.

Manufacturers also provide training on new copiers.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Computer Fundamentals
• Equipment Maintenance and Repair
• Office Procedures

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers prefer applicants who have a high school diploma or equivalent. They may also prefer applicants who have experience. Applicants with experience maintaining copy machines may have the best chances.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Office Machine Operators, Except Computer 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. Wages may also vary depending on the worker's level of responsibility.

Full-time copy machine operators may receive benefits. Common benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Copy machine operators often work for copy shops or large organizations that have their own copy departments.

Major employers:

• Collection agencies
• Banks, savings institutions, and credit unions
• Wholesale equipment sales companies

National outlook

The decline in jobs for copy machine operators is due to technological advancements in copy office machines. As copy machines get faster, they produce more copies. Therefore, fewer machines and fewer operators are needed. In addition, newer copy machines tend to jam less than older machines, which also reduces the number of operators needed to tend them.

Other resources

Washington Business Week 
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

References

Career cluster

• Business Management and Administration

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Office Machine Operators, Except Computer (43-9071.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Braille-duplicating-machine Operator (207.685-010) 
• Duplicating-machine Operator I (207.682-010) 
• Duplicating-machine Operator II (207.682-014) 
• Offset-duplicating-machine Operator (207.682-018) 
• Photocopying-machine Operator (207.685-014) 
• Photographic-machine Operator (207.685-018) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Enterprising

COPSystem

• Clerical