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Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Salary in Tennessee

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders make in Tennessee?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$46,920
Median Annual Salary
▼ -2.4% vs 2024
$47,120
Mean Salary
$46,920
Median Salary
$22.56
Hourly Rate
3,490 people work as Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Tennessee

Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders salary by percentile in Tennessee

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders salary in Tennessee — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Tennessee.10thBottom 10% earn less than $31,550$31,55025th25% earn less than $37,070$37,070MedianHalf earn more than $46,920$46,92075th75% earn less than $56,060$56,06090thTop 10% earn more than $60,170$60,170

Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Tennessee earn a median salary of $46,920 per year ($3,910/month). This is 8.8% below the national average of $51,434. Tennessee ranks #39 out of 43 states for Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders pay. Approximately 3,490 people work in this occupation across Tennessee. Salaries decreased by 2.4% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Set up, operate, or tend paper goods machines that perform a variety of functions, such as converting, sawing, corrugating, banding, wrapping, boxing, stitching, forming, or sealing paper or paperboard sheets into products.

Top Skills

Operations Monitoring
3.62
Operation and Control
3.25
Quality Control Analysis
3.12
Active Listening
3.0
Speaking
3.0

Key Knowledge Areas

Production and Processing
3.69
Mechanical
3.61
Mathematics
3.52
Customer and Personal Service
3.23
English Language
3.23
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent (69.3% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Tennessee

Salaries for Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Tennessee range from $31,550 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $60,170 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $37,070 and $56,060.

Median $46,920
P10: $31,550 P25: $37,070 P75: $56,060 P90: $60,170
10th
$31,550
25th
$37,070
Median
$46,920
75th
$56,060
90th
$60,170
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $31,550 $15.17 $2,629
25th Percentile $37,070 $17.82 $3,089
Median (50th) $46,920 $22.56 $3,910
75th Percentile $56,060 $26.95 $4,671
90th Percentile (Experienced) $60,170 $28.93 $5,014

Note: The mean (average) salary of $47,120 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#39
Tennessee ranks #39 of 43 states
$51,434
National avg. for Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
-8.8%
vs. national average
Below Average

What does this salary really buy? See Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders salary in Tennessee adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders take-home pay in Tennessee after taxes →

Explore Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Data in Tennessee

Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Salary by State

Compare Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders make in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Tennessee is $46,920 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $47,120.
What is the salary range for a Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Tennessee?
Salaries for Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Tennessee range from $31,550 at the 10th percentile to $60,170 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $37,070 and $56,060.
What is the starting salary for a Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Tennessee?
Entry-level Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders positions in Tennessee typically start around $31,550 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $37,070 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Tennessee?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 3,490 people are employed as Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Tennessee.
What is the hourly rate for a Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Tennessee?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Tennessee is approximately $22.56 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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