How much does a print binding and finishing worker make?
The median print binding and finishing worker in the United States earns $42,290 per year, about $20.33 an hour. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all print binding and finishing workers earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. SOC code 51-5113.
Print binding and finishing worker salary range
Pay for print binding and finishing workers spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $32,220 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $59,150. The average (mean) wage of $44,460 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $32,220 | $15.49 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $36,910 | $17.75 | |
| Median (50th) | $42,290 | $20.33 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $49,130 | $23.62 | |
| 90th percentile | $59,150 | $28.44 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for print binding and finishing workers (SOC 51-5113), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2025.
Print binding and finishing worker salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Print binding and finishing workers earn the most in District of Columbia at $108,080 a year, and the least in New Mexico at $29,380. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $108,080 | 200 |
| Mississippi | $91,850 | 110 |
| Alaska | $57,200 | 30 |
| Vermont | $48,930 | 80 |
| New Hampshire | $48,850 | 140 |
| North Dakota | $48,760 | 80 |
| Minnesota | $48,390 | 1,710 |
| Maine | $48,230 | 180 |
| Illinois | $47,880 | 1,540 |
| Connecticut | $47,750 | 490 |
| Massachusetts | $46,630 | 750 |
| New Jersey | $46,600 | 1,640 |
| Oregon | $46,240 | 240 |
| Colorado | $45,780 | 370 |
| California | $45,390 | 1,590 |
| Washington | $45,300 | 460 |
| Maryland | $45,170 | 560 |
| Rhode Island | $45,050 | 40 |
| New York | $44,210 | 1,150 |
| Ohio | $43,680 | 1,700 |
| Wisconsin | $43,400 | 3,560 |
| Pennsylvania | $43,010 | 1,640 |
| Virginia | $42,780 | 980 |
| South Dakota | $41,350 | 110 |
| West Virginia | $41,340 | 280 |
| Hawaii | $41,050 | 80 |
| Arkansas | $41,040 | 200 |
| South Carolina | $40,820 | 340 |
| Michigan | $40,460 | 1,320 |
| Idaho | $40,200 | 30 |
| Nevada | $40,200 | 350 |
| Delaware | $40,080 | 40 |
| Arizona | $39,740 | 240 |
| Kentucky | $39,620 | 410 |
| North Carolina | $39,580 | 1,070 |
| Utah | $39,570 | 690 |
| Georgia | $39,310 | 790 |
| Alabama | $39,270 | 440 |
| Iowa | $38,790 | 330 |
| Florida | $38,730 | 1,320 |
| Indiana | $38,730 | 970 |
| Missouri | $38,570 | 1,010 |
| Oklahoma | $37,770 | 140 |
| Kansas | $37,470 | 660 |
| Texas | $37,310 | 1,820 |
| Tennessee | $36,960 | 730 |
| Nebraska | $36,800 | 210 |
| Louisiana | $36,230 | 180 |
| Montana | $36,220 | 90 |
| New Mexico | $29,380 | 80 |
State median wages for print binding and finishing workers (SOC 51-5113), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2025. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for print binding and finishing workers
The BLS projects employment of print binding and finishing workers to shrink from 2025 to 2035 (down 17.5%). That is a decline, against 3.5% average growth for all occupations. That works out to roughly 32,300 jobs in 2025 moving toward 26,600 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 2,300 openings a year for print binding and finishing workers. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become a print binding and finishing worker
The typical entry-level education for print binding and finishing workers is a high school diploma or equivalent, according to the BLS. New hires typically complete moderate-term on-the-job training to reach full competency.
A four-year college degree is usually not required to start, which makes this one of the jobs you can enter without a bachelor's degree. See more high paying jobs without a degree .
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much a print binding and finishing worker earns
Industry, shift, certifications, and region drive pay, along with overtime. Skilled operators and workers in unionized plants sit near the top of the range.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (District of Columbia, $108,080) and the lowest (New Mexico, $29,380) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 33,180 people work as print binding and finishing workers in the United States. At $42,290 a year, the job pays below the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs.
Print binding and finishing worker salary FAQ
How much does a print binding and finishing worker make an hour?
The median hourly wage for a print binding and finishing worker is $20.33. The middle half of print binding and finishing workers earn between $17.75 and $23.62 per hour.
What is the highest print binding and finishing worker salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of print binding and finishing workers earn more than $59,150 per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does a print binding and finishing worker make a year?
The median annual salary for a print binding and finishing worker is $42,290. The average (mean) wage of $44,460 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
Is being a print binding and finishing worker a well paid job?
At $42,290 a year, a print binding and finishing worker earns below the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs. About 33,180 people work as print binding and finishing workers in the United States.
Which state pays print binding and finishing workers the most?
District of Columbia has the highest median salary for print binding and finishing workers at $108,080 a year. Mississippi ($91,850) and Alaska ($57,200) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2025.
Is being a print binding and finishing worker a good career?
Employment of print binding and finishing workers is projected to shrink 17.5% from 2025 to 2035, a decline, against 3.5% average growth for all occupations. The BLS projects about 2,300 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become a print binding and finishing worker?
No. The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for print binding and finishing workers as a high school diploma or equivalent, so a four-year degree is usually not required to start.
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