Printing Press Operators Career Guide - Salary, Skills, Education & Job Outlook

What does a Printing Press Operators do?

Set up and operate digital, letterpress, lithographic, flexographic, gravure, or other printing machines. Includes short-run offset printing presses.

How much can you earn?

Entry Level

$31,450

10th percentile

Early Career

$36,970

25th percentile

Median

$45,160

50th percentile

Experienced

$54,340

75th percentile

Top Earners

$63,060

90th percentile

National Salary Distribution

10th

$31,450

25th

$36,970

Middle 50%

MEDIAN

$45,160

Mean: $46,620

75th

$54,340

90th

$63,060

Middle 50% of earners

Median salary

Mean (average)

Key Insights

•Salary range spans $31,610 from entry level to top earners
•Middle 50% earn between $36,970 and $54,340
•Salary spread is 38.5% around the median, showing moderate variation
•Total national employment: 145,110 professionals

What's the job outlook?

What skills do you need?

Top 10 Most Important Skills

#1

Quality Control Analysis

100%

#2

Operations Monitoring

94%

#3

Operation and Control

86%

#4

Monitoring

80%

#5

Judgment and Decision Making

74%

#6

Reading Comprehension

66%

#7

Troubleshooting

60%

#8

Active Listening

54%

#9

Repairing

46%

#10

Critical Thinking

40%

Skills Overview

Quality Control Analysis

advanced5.0

100%

Operations Monitoring

advanced4.7

94%

Operation and Control

intermediate4.3

86%

Monitoring

intermediate4.0

80%

Judgment and Decision Making

intermediate3.7

74%

Reading Comprehension

basic3.3

66%

Troubleshooting

intermediate3.0

60%

Active Listening

basic2.7

54%

Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.

Filter:

Sort by:

Quality Control Analysis

advanced

Importance100%

skills

5.0/5.0

Operations Monitoring

advanced

Importance94%

skills

4.7/5.0

Operation and Control

intermediate

Importance86%

abilities

4.3/5.0

Monitoring

intermediate

Importance80%

skills

4.0/5.0

Judgment and Decision Making

intermediate

Importance74%

abilities

3.7/5.0

Reading Comprehension

basic

Importance66%

abilities

3.3/5.0

Troubleshooting

intermediate

Importance60%

skills

3.0/5.0

Active Listening

basic

Importance54%

skills

2.7/5.0

Repairing

basic

Importance46%

abilities

2.3/5.0

Critical Thinking

basic

Importance40%

abilities

2.0/5.0

Highly Transferable Skills

These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:

Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders73%

5 shared skills

Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic73%

5 shared skills

Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders73%

5 shared skills

Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders67%

5 shared skills

Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians67%

5 shared skills

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics67%

5 shared skills

Skills by Career Stage

Entry Level

Must Have:

✓Monitoring

Learn on the Job:

→Troubleshooting
→Active Listening
→Reading Comprehension

Mid Career

Expected:

✓Quality Control Analysis
✓Operations Monitoring
✓Monitoring
✓Operation and Control

Senior Level

Mastery Required:

★Quality Control Analysis
★Operation and Control
★Judgment and Decision Making

Skill Development Tips

•Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
•Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
•Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
•Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time

What technology will you use?

Technology & Digital Skills

Essential technology proficiencies for Printing Press Operators

Technology Intensity

Very High

Digital Literacy Requirements

This career requires expert digital literacy

1

Basic

2

Intermediate

3

Advanced

4

Expert

Key Digital Competencies:

Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving

🔥

Hot Technologies in Demand

These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field

Adobe InDesign

🔥 Hot Tech

Adobe Acrobat

🔥 Hot Tech

Microsoft Outlook

🔥 Hot Tech

SAP software

🔥 Hot Tech

Adobe Illustrator

🔥 Hot Tech

Adobe Photoshop

🔥 Hot Tech

Microsoft Office software

🔥 Hot Tech

Microsoft Excel

🔥 Hot Tech

Microsoft Word

🔥 Hot Tech

Technology Stack

Technology Stack Overview

Key technologies used in this career

Adobe InDesign

Adobe Acrobat

Microsoft Outlook

SAP software

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Microsoft Office software

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

📚 Technology Learning Resources

Recommended Certifications

•Vendor-specific software certifications
•Industry-recognized technology credentials
•Professional development courses

Online Learning Platforms

•LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
•Coursera - University-level programs
•Udemy - Practical skills training

💡 Technology Skill Development Tips

•Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
•Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
•Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
•Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers

What's the work environment like?

🏢

Location

MOSTLY INDOOR

💪

Physical Demand

MODERATE

👥

Team Orientation

MOSTLY TEAM

🤝

Customer Interaction

OCCASIONAL

💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?

Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:

•Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
•Can you meet moderate physical demands?
•Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
•Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?

What are the key tasks?

Tasks & Responsibilities

21

Core Tasks

8

Daily Tasks

20

Work Activities

0

Emerging Tasks

Filter:

Sort by:

General Responsibilities (17)Training & Development (1)Management & Supervision (1)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)Operations & Execution (1)

1

Adjust digital files to alter print elements, such as fonts, graphics, or color separations.

🔴

Daily

Importance:

100%

General Responsibilities100% perform

2

Adjust ink fountain flow rates.

🔴

Daily

Importance:

98%

General Responsibilities97% perform

3

Change press plates, blankets, or cylinders, as required.

🔴

Daily

Importance:

96%

General Responsibilities94% perform

4

Clean ink fountains, plates, or printing unit cylinders when press runs are completed.

🔴

Daily

Importance:

94%

General Responsibilities91% perform

5

Clean or oil presses or make minor repairs, using hand tools.

🔴

Daily

Importance:

92%

General Responsibilities88% perform

6

Collect and inspect random samples during print runs to identify any necessary adjustments.

🔴

Daily

Importance:

90%

General Responsibilities85% perform

7

Download or scan files to be printed, using printing production software.

🔴

Daily

Importance:

88%

General Responsibilities82% perform

8

Examine job orders to determine quantities to be printed, stock specifications, colors, or special printing instructions.

🔴

Daily

Importance:

86%

Training & Development79% perform

9

Feed paper through press cylinders and adjust feed and tension controls.

🟡

Weekly

Importance:

84%

General Responsibilities76% perform

10

Input production job settings into workstation terminals that control automated printing systems.

🟡

Weekly

Importance:

82%

General Responsibilities73% perform

💡 Key Takeaways

•Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
•33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
•Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities

What career paths are available?

Career Pathways

0

Advancement Opportunities

0

Lateral Move Options

0%

Avg. Salary Increase

Compare Paths (select up to 3)

Advancement Opportunities

Typical career progression paths from Printing Press Operators

💡 Career Planning Tips

•Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
•Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
•Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
•Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves

Is this career right for you?

Personality & Values Fit

Is This Career Right for You?

Printing Press Operators professionals typically have a CRE Holland code and highly value support

CConventional

RRealistic

EEnterprising

Important Personality Traits

Work styles that contribute to success as a Printing Press Operators

Attention to Detail

Critical

Attention to Detail

Importance Level4.52

Dependability

Very Important

Dependability

Importance Level4.25

Independence

Important

Independence

Importance Level3.80

Integrity

Important

Integrity

Importance Level3.78

Stress Tolerance

Important

Stress Tolerance

Importance Level3.71

Initiative

Important

Initiative

Importance Level3.69

Complete Work Styles Profile

Attention to Detail

4.5

Dependability

4.3

Independence

3.8

Integrity

3.8

Stress Tolerance

3.7

Initiative

3.7

Cooperation

3.7

Persistence

3.5

Adaptability/Flexibility

3.5

💡 Tips for Career Fit Success

•While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
•Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
•Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
•Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career

What education is required?

Education Level

High school diploma or equivalent

Typical duration: High school diploma or GED

Preparation Level

Job Zone 2

Some Preparation Needed

Experience Needed

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful

📚 Education Requirement

Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent

These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.

Training:

Training of a few months to a year

💼 Experience Requirement

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful

Common pathways to gain experience:

• Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
• Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
• Industry certifications helpful

2

Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed

These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Explore educational programs that can help you become a Printing Press Operators.

Browse Training Programs →

📋 What does a Printing Press Operators do?

💰 How much can you earn?

National Salary Distribution

Key Insights

📊 What's the job outlook?

Job Market Intelligence

Current Employment

Top Industries

10-Year Outlook

Employment Projections

Geographic Salary & Employment Data

Understanding the Data

Key Growth Factors

💡 What skills do you need?

Top 10 Most Important Skills

Skills Overview

Quality Control Analysis

Operations Monitoring

Operation and Control

Monitoring

Judgment and Decision Making

Reading Comprehension

Troubleshooting

Active Listening

Repairing

Critical Thinking

Highly Transferable Skills

Skills by Career Stage

Entry Level

Mid Career

Senior Level

Skill Development Tips

💻 What technology will you use?

Technology & Digital Skills

Digital Literacy Requirements

Key Digital Competencies:

Hot Technologies in Demand

Adobe InDesign

Adobe Acrobat

Microsoft Outlook

SAP software

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Microsoft Office software

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Technology Stack

Technology Stack Overview

📚 Technology Learning Resources

Recommended Certifications

Online Learning Platforms

💡 Technology Skill Development Tips

🏗️ What's the work environment like?

Work Schedule

Safety & Health Considerations

Work Context Details

💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?

✅ What are the key tasks?

Tasks & Responsibilities

💡 Key Takeaways

🚀 What career paths are available?

Career Pathways

Advancement Opportunities

💡 Career Planning Tips

🎯 Is this career right for you?

Personality & Values Fit

Is This Career Right for You?

Important Personality Traits

Attention to Detail

Dependability

Independence

Integrity

Stress Tolerance

Initiative

Complete Work Styles Profile

💡 Tips for Career Fit Success

🎓 What education is required?

Education Level

Preparation Level

Experience Needed

What does a Printing Press Operators do?

How much can you earn?

What's the job outlook?

What skills do you need?

What technology will you use?

What's the work environment like?

What are the key tasks?

What career paths are available?

Is this career right for you?

What education is required?