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Production & Manufacturing · Tennessee

How to Become a Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Tennessee

Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Tennessee earn a median salary of $48,060/year, which is 3% below the national average. Tennessee has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a paper goods machine setters, operators, and tenders takes home approximately $1,976/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.

$48K
Median salary in Tennessee
-3%
vs. national average
None
State income tax
3,130
Employed in Tennessee

What a paper goods machine setters, operators, and tenders can afford in Tennessee

Gross annual salary$48,060
Est. monthly take-home (no state tax)$3,388/mo
Median 2BR rent (Tennessee)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home41.7% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$48,060/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,976/mo

Becoming a paper goods machine setters, operators, and tenders in Tennessee

1

Meet education requirements

Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders positions in Tennessee typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Tennessee. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many paper goods machine setters, operators, and tenders positions in Tennessee require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Tennessee licensure or certification

Tennessee may require specific licensing or professional certification for paper goods machine setters, operators, and tenderss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Tennessee Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Tennessee

Tennessee employs 3,130 paper goods machine setters, operators, and tenders. The highest concentrations are in Knoxville and Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin.

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

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Knoxville$51K$24.49/hr430
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin$50K$24.09/hr470
Memphis$50K$23.81/hr420
Chattanooga$48K$23.13/hr480
Clarksville$47K$22.61/hr100
Jackson$46K$22.07/hr360

Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders salary range in Tennessee

10th percentile (entry)
$36K
25th percentile
$40K
Median (50th)
$48K
75th percentile
$52K
90th percentile (senior)
$64K
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a paper goods machine setters, operators, and tenders make in Tennessee?

The median paper goods machine setters, operators, and tenders salary in Tennessee is $48,060 per year ($23.11/hr). This is 3% below the national median of $49,390. Salaries range from $36,050 to $63,650.

What are the requirements to become a paper goods machine setters, operators, and tenders in Tennessee?

Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders positions in Tennessee typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Tennessee may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Tennessee licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a paper goods machine setters, operators, and tenders afford to live in Tennessee?

At the median salary of $48,060, a paper goods machine setters, operators, and tenders in Tennessee would take home approximately $3,388/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 41.7% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for paper goods machine setters, operators, and tenders in Tennessee?

The highest paying metro areas for paper goods machine setters, operators, and tenders in Tennessee are Knoxville ($50,940), Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin ($50,110), Memphis ($49,530). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Tennessee have state income tax for paper goods machine setters, operators, and tenders?

No, Tennessee does not have a state income tax. This means paper goods machine setters, operators, and tenders keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax — a significant advantage for affordability.