Salary Breakdown
Printing Press Operators
Average
$38,480
ANNUAL
$18.50
HOURLY
Entry Level
$24,080
ANNUAL
$11.58
HOURLY
Mid Level
$37,100
ANNUAL
$17.84
HOURLY
Expert Level
$50,020
ANNUAL
$24.05
HOURLY
Projected Jobs
Printing Press Operators
4,050
Projected job openings through 2030
Sample Career Roadmap
Printing Press Operators
Degree Recommendations
Top Expected Tasks
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.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
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
Equipment Maintenance
ABILITY
Near Vision
ABILITY
Control Precision
ABILITY
Problem Sensitivity
ABILITY
Arm-Hand Steadiness
ABILITY
Manual Dexterity
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