About This Career Path
Set up and operate digital, letterpress, lithographic, flexographic, gravure, or other printing machines. Includes short-run offset printing presses.
Arts, Audio/Video Technology & Communications
Set up and operate digital, letterpress, lithographic, flexographic, gravure, or other printing machines.
Printing Press Operators
Average
$38,650
ANNUAL
$18.58
HOURLY
Entry Level
$29,000
ANNUAL
$13.94
HOURLY
Mid Level
$37,530
ANNUAL
$18.04
HOURLY
Expert Level
$48,640
ANNUAL
$23.39
HOURLY
Printing Press Operators
2,770
Projected job openings through 2032
Printing Press Operators
Supporting Programs
Printing Press Operators
Printing Press Operators
01
Start presses and pull proofs to check for ink coverage and density, alignment, and registration.
02
Examine job orders to determine quantities to be printed, stock specifications, colors, or special printing instructions.
03
Adjust ink fountain flow rates.
04
Verify that paper and ink meet the specifications for a given job.
05
Collect and inspect random samples during print runs to identify any necessary adjustments.
06
Feed paper through press cylinders and adjust feed and tension controls.
07
Monitor automated press operation systems and respond to fault, error, or alert messages.
08
Load presses with paper and make necessary adjustments, according to paper size.
09
Secure printing plates to printing units and adjust tolerances.
10
Download or scan files to be printed, using printing production software.
Printing Press Operators
Common knowledge, skills & abilities needed to get a foot in the door.
KNOWLEDGE
Mechanical
KNOWLEDGE
Production and Processing
KNOWLEDGE
Customer and Personal Service
KNOWLEDGE
English Language
KNOWLEDGE
Computers and Electronics
SKILL
Quality Control Analysis
SKILL
Operations Monitoring
SKILL
Monitoring
SKILL
Operation and Control
SKILL
Active Listening
ABILITY
Near Vision
ABILITY
Control Precision
ABILITY
Problem Sensitivity
ABILITY
Arm-Hand Steadiness
ABILITY
Manual Dexterity
Arts, Audio/Video Technology & Communications
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