Background: workers in paper and pulp factories are continuously exposed to paper dust.rnExcessive exposure to paper dust can cause respiratory disease. The prevalence of chronicrnrespiratory symptoms and dust exposure level among workers in paper and pulp factoriesrnwere not available in Ethiopia. rnObjective: To assess personal dust exposure level, prevalence of chronic respiratoryrnsymptoms and their associated factors among workers of paper factories in Ethiopia, 2020. rnMethods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2020 tornOctober 2020. A total of 40 dust measurements was carried out on 20 randomly selectedrnproduction workers from two paper factories. To assess chronic respiratory symptoms andrnassociated factor a total of 448 workers from paper factories and control were interviewedrnusing standard questionnaire adapted from American Thoracic Society (ATS). For data entryrnand analysis, Epi-Info Version.7.2 and SPSS Version.20 statistical software were usedrnrespectively. Gravimetric analysis of the filters were done by using a standard microbalance.rnThe total dust concentration was described in mg/mrn3rn and compared with OccupationalrnExposure Limit Value (OEL). The descriptive statistics were described using tables. Poissonrnregression was performed for comparing prevalence of the two groups. Bivariate andrnmultivariable analyses were used for association factor. rnResult: The arithmetic mean (AM) and geometric mean (GM) of dust exposure level amongrnpaper factories workers were 11.3 (Â±7.7) and 10.2 (Â±1.4) mg/mrn3rn respectively. About 35% ofrnworkers exposure level exceeded the threshold limit value recommended for total dust (10rnmg/mrn3rn). The prevalence ratio of developing chronic respiratory symptoms among paperrnfactory workers was 5.6 times (PR = 5.6, 95% CL: 3.58 - 8.77) higher than control. Chronicrnrespiratory symptoms were significantly associated with factors such as educational statusrnless than grade 9, nearly all work sections of paper factories, work experience 5 years andrnabove, more than 8 working hour per day, past history of occupation and respiratory illnesses. rnConclusion and recommendation: The prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms amongrnpaper factory workers as compared to control was high. This was more common andrndeterminant factors among less educational status, all work section of paper factories exceptrnpulp and recycle paper milling, longer work experience and working hours per day, havingrnpast history of occupational and respiratory illness. MoLSA should be give supportivernsupervision and solution to mitigate exposure and improve working environment.