Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders
Adhesive bonding machine operators run equipment that uses glues and adhesives to join materials together. They work in manufacturing facilities processing items like plywood veneer sheets, paper products, rubber parts, plastics, and simulated leather. The work produces either partially finished goods for further processing or completed products ready for sale.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against adhesive bonding machine operators and tenders and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Operators load materials onto bonding machines, set application parameters like adhesive temperature and pressure, and monitor the joining process. They inspect bonded products for quality and proper adhesion, make adjustments to machine settings as needed, and remove finished pieces for packaging or transfer to next production stages. Work involves standing for extended periods, basic equipment maintenance, and keeping detailed records of production batches.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You are detail-oriented and comfortable following established procedures and specifications. You prefer hands-on work with machines and materials over abstract tasks, and you're reliable in maintaining consistent quality standards across repetitive production cycles.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utah | $41,600 | $65,500 | $65,500 | 100 |
| Oklahoma | $47,560 | $59,980 | $60,810 | 390 |
| New Jersey | $51,380 | $59,170 | $59,180 | — |
| Idaho | $37,340 | $57,670 | $57,670 | 140 |
| Washington | $48,830 | $56,580 | $104,010 | 320 |
| Minnesota | $49,680 | $56,540 | $62,480 | 120 |
| Pennsylvania | $53,320 | $53,320 | $54,310 | 500 |
| Kentucky | $43,950 | $52,140 | $60,490 | 110 |
| Wisconsin | $48,800 | $50,290 | $58,230 | 350 |
| Oregon | $44,080 | $50,050 | $54,250 | 900 |
| Colorado | $49,860 | $49,920 | $59,550 | 130 |
| Arkansas | $46,100 | $49,770 | $59,630 | 310 |
All 36 states
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against adhesive bonding machine operators and tenders and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 51-9191.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.