Printing press operators
SOC Code: 51-5112Also known as:
Aniline Press Worker, Back Up Machine Operator, Backer, Bag Press Operator, Bag Printer
Median Annual Salary
$45,160
-8.1% growth (2024-2034)
14K
Openings/Year
150K
Current Jobs
What Printing press operators Do
Set up and operate digital, letterpress, lithographic, flexographic, gravure, or other printing machines. Includes short-run offset printing presses.
💰 Salary
$45,160
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-8.1%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
14K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
150,200
Projected Employment (2034)
138,000
Related Careers
Prepress technicians and workers
$47,300 •
-14.6% growth
Print binding and finishing workers
$39,820 •
-16.1% growth
Photographic process workers and processing machine operators
$40,100 •
-2.6% growth
Adhesive bonding machine operators and tenders
$45,210 •
+1.0% growth
Paper goods machine setters, operators, and tenders
$49,390 •
-6.3% growth
Top Skills Required
Quality Control Analysis
Operations Monitoring
Monitoring
Operation and Control
Reading Comprehension
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Start presses and pull proofs to check for ink coverage and density, alignment, and registration.
- Examine job orders to determine quantities to be printed, stock specifications, colors, or special printing instructions.
- Adjust ink fountain flow rates.
- Verify that paper and ink meet the specifications for a given job.
- Collect and inspect random samples during print runs to identify any necessary adjustments.
- Feed paper through press cylinders and adjust feed and tension controls.
- Monitor automated press operation systems and respond to fault, error, or alert messages.
- Load presses with paper and make necessary adjustments, according to paper size.
- Secure printing plates to printing units and adjust tolerances.
- Clean ink fountains, plates, or printing unit cylinders when press runs are completed.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Printing press operators
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a printing press operators:
Graphic and Printing Equipment Operator, General Production
314 degrees awarded •
20 colleges offer this program
Graphic Communications, Other
157 degrees awarded •
10 colleges offer this program
Printing Management
59 degrees awarded •
3 colleges offer this program
Printing Press Operator
12 degrees awarded •
2 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Printing press operators
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become printing press operators.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do printing press operators make?
The median annual salary for printing press operators is $45,160.
What education do printing press operators need?
Most printing press operators positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Graphic and Printing Equipment Operator, General Production, Graphic Communications, Other, Printing Management.
Is becoming printing press operators a good career choice?
Printing press operators is projected to see -8.1% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 13,700 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for printing press operators?
Top colleges for aspiring printing press operators include
Southwest College for the Deaf, Alpena Community College, Pittsburg State University, Bowling Green State University-Main Campus, Middlesex College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to printing press operators?
Printing press operators may also be known as: Aniline Press Worker, Back Up Machine Operator, Backer, Bag Press Operator, Bag Printer, Balloon Design Printer, Bander and Liner Operator, Ben-Day Artist, Binding Printer, Block Printer, Box Press Operator, Box Printer, Calico Printer, Carton Stamper, Cellophane Press Operator, Cloth Printer, Cloth Printing Back Tender, Collating Machine Operator, Collator, Collator Operator.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.