Paper and Wood Processing Machine Operators
On-the-job / entry-level Declining · ANZSCO skill level 4 · occupation 7113
Paper and Wood Processing Machine Operators operate machines to manufacture paper packaging and other paper products, fibreboard stock, logs, plywood, particle board, solid laminate and similar timber products.
People employed5,100
Median pay$1,451per week, full-time
Projected growth-1.6%over 5 years (to 2030)
Recent growth-11.8%per year
Median age45
Female share10%
How do you get there?
Highest qualification held by people in this job: 5.3% university · 27.5% vet / tafe · 61.4% school / entry (ABS Census via JSA).
Where these jobs are
VIC 24.3% · NSW 22.7% · QLD 19.8% · SA 15.3% · WA 10.4% · TAS 4.2% · ACT 1.7% · NT 1.6%
Top industries
Manufacturing · Wholesale Trade.
Source: Jobs and Skills Australia — Occupation profiles (Feb 2026) + Employment Projections (May 2025–2035). © Commonwealth of Australia, CC BY 4.0. Figures are national estimates.