Printing Press Operators

At a Glance

Run machines that print newspapers, magazines, and other items
Work alone much of the time
May work overtime to meet job deadlines
May work evening or night shifts
Train on the job

Career summary

Printing press operators set up, operate, and maintain printing presses.

Printing press operators may also be called printing machine operators, offset duplicating machine operators, or offset press operators.

Press operators run paper through printing presses to print newspapers, magazines, and other items. To prepare presses for printing, press operators read work orders to choose the type of ink and print material.

Operators may also type or input instructions into programmable machines that do many tasks automatically.

In many cases, operators look at sample sheets, called "proofs," to see if any adjustments need to be made to the color, clarity, or to correct errors. Once any changes have been made, operators run the job.

While the presses are running, operators monitor their operation. They make adjustments to correct uneven ink distribution and speed. If the paper jams or tears, operators make repairs. They also keep the paper feeders full. During the run, operators periodically pull printed sheets to check their quality.

Once the run is complete, they may pack and label the print job. They record what products they used and also how much they printed.

Many press operators perform maintenance on the machines between jobs. They oil and clean the presses as well as make minor repairs.

Duties of printing press operators vary based on the type of press they operate. Types of presses include:

Offset lithography
Gravure
Flexography
Letterpress

Duties also vary by the size of the print shop. In small shops, operators generally use small presses. These press operators are more likely to work with customers. They may take job orders, estimate the cost of the project, and accept payments.

In larger print shops with larger presses, several press operators and assistants may work together. Some press operators direct apprentices and packing workers.

Related careers

This career is part of the Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communications cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

Military careers

Printing Specialists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to printing press operators.

Read work orders, checking for special instructions from customers or staff.
Examine proofs to see if there are errors or if any adjustments need to be made.
Determine ink, type of paper, and equipment needed for the job.
Select and install printing plates, rollers, or cylinders.
Set up, check, and adjust controls or equipment based on job requirements.
Accept orders, calculate and quote prices, and receive payment from customers.
Mix colors or ink and fill reservoirs.
Load paper or other printing materials.
Push buttons to start printing presses.
Monitor feeding and printing operations.
Make adjustments to presses or stop presses when print quality is bad.
Pack and label finished products.
Clean and repair equipment or plates after printing.
Fill out production log sheets. Document the amount and type of supplies used.
Direct and monitor work of apprentices or other workers.
May type or input instructions into automated machinery.

Common work activities

Printing press operators perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Control machines and processes
Make decisions and solve problems
Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
Identify objects, actions, and events
Get information needed to do the job
Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
Document and record information
Handle and move objects
Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
Organize, plan, and prioritize work
Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
Perform activities that use the whole body
Update and use job-related knowledge
Process information
Judge the value of objects, services, or people
Analyze data or information
Think creatively
Use computers

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, printing press operators:

Interpersonal relationships

Have a medium level of contact with others. They work alone much of the time, but also talk to other press workers as well as clients.
Are somewhat responsible for the work done by others.
Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of others.
Usually communicate by face-to-face discussions. They may write to others, using e-mail, letters, and memos.
Often work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

Always work indoors.
Are regularly exposed to contaminants, such as odorous inks.
Are often exposed to sounds that are unpleasant or distracting.
May wear safety gear such as glasses or earplugs.
Are regularly exposed to hazardous conditions and equipment, such as press machinery.
May occasionally get into awkward positions to reach cramped spaces.
Often work physically close to others, such as when sharing work spaces.

Work performance

Must be highly accurate in their work. Errors could lose customers or cost the company money.
Repeat the same physical activities throughout the day.
Must keep pace with the machines they are operating.
Regularly make decisions that greatly impact customers and their employer's reputation. They often act independently, but may also seek feedback from others before deciding a course of action.
Set some of their daily tasks and goals without speaking to a supervisor first.
Must constantly meet strict daily deadlines.

Hours/travel

Usually work 40 hours a week.
May work overtime to meet job deadlines.
May work evening and night shifts.

Physical demands

Printing press operators frequently:

Stand for long periods of time.
Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
Walk or run for long periods of time.

It is important for printing press operators to be able to:

See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
Understand the speech of another person.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for printing press operators to be able to:

Determine the distance between objects.
Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
Move arms and legs quickly.
Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.

Skills and abilities

Printing press operators need to:

Communicate

Understand spoken information.
Read and understand work-related materials.
Understand written information.
Listen to others and ask questions.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

Reason and problem solve

Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
Recognize the nature of a problem.
Develop rules that group items in various ways.
Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

Check how well one is learning or doing something.
Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Work with things

Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.
Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operate and control equipment.
Maintain equipment on a routine basis. Determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.

Perceive and visualize

Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

Printing Technologies

Other programs of study to consider

Graphic Design

Training

To work as a printing press operator, you typically need to:

have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Some printing press operators complete formal training programs. Professional-technical schools and two-year colleges offer printing technology programs. Some programs are two years in length and award an associate degree. Other programs are one year or less and award a certificate. These programs teach printing press operations, automation, and computer skills.

On-the-job training

Most printing press operators learn their skills on the job. Either an experienced worker leads your training or you attend an employer-sponsored training program. You usually begin as a helper and do basic tasks, such as load and unload machines. As you get more experience, you learn to operate one-color, sheet-fed presses. Later you learn to operate multicolor presses. Training can last from one month to one year.

Military training

The military trains people to become printing specialists. Training lasts from eight to 20 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate. You should consider taking Algebra and Geometry as your math courses and Chemistry and Physics as your science courses.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

Computer Fundamentals
Equipment Maintenance and Repair
Physical Education

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers require press operators to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Advances in printing technology are changing what employers look for in employees. More employers are requiring operators to have basic computer skills.

Employers look for applicants who have good oral and written communication skills. In smaller shops, employers may look for people who work well with customers. This is most important for operators who take customers' orders. Operators also need good mechanical skills, because they repair and adjust presses.

Employers look for applicants who have good math skills. Operators often compute percentages, weights, and measures. In addition, they calculate the amount of ink and paper needed to run a job.

Employers also look for workers who are dependable and can pay attention to detail.

Tips

Most commercial printers look for experienced applicants. Technical school graduates can gain experience at small or quick printers.

Costs to workers

Many workers join unions and must pay an initiation fee and dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

Job Printers

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website (external link) .

Wages

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Printing press operators (SOC 51-5112)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$12.24	$15.16	$18.90	$24.20	$30.09
	Monthly	$2,121	$2,627	$3,275	$4,194	$5,215
	Yearly	$25,460	$31,540	$39,310	$50,340	$62,580
Bellingham	Hourly	$12.27	$13.21	$15.89	$20.11	$26.08
	Monthly	$2,126	$2,289	$2,754	$3,485	$4,520
	Yearly	$25,521	$27,489	$33,069	$41,817	$54,249
Bremerton-Silverdale	Hourly	$12.38	$13.42	$15.25	$20.29	$24.05
	Monthly	$2,145	$2,326	$2,643	$3,516	$4,168
	Yearly	$25,739	$27,911	$31,727	$42,207	$50,025
Kennewick-Richland	Hourly	$12.76	$13.65	$15.15	$21.67	$25.61
	Monthly	$2,211	$2,366	$2,625	$3,755	$4,438
	Yearly	$26,551	$28,401	$31,511	$45,082	$53,279
Mount Vernon-Anacortes	Hourly	$16.51	$18.23	$20.59	$22.96	$24.39
	Monthly	$2,861	$3,159	$3,568	$3,979	$4,227
	Yearly	$34,340	$37,905	$42,821	$47,758	$50,745
Olympia-Tumwater	Hourly	$13.07	$16.19	$20.31	$24.51	$31.41
	Monthly	$2,265	$2,806	$3,520	$4,248	$5,443
	Yearly	$27,187	$33,679	$42,244	$50,979	$65,344
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	$12.70	$16.17	$19.98	$26.56	$32.92
	Monthly	$2,201	$2,802	$3,463	$4,603	$5,705
	Yearly	$26,429	$33,631	$41,542	$55,257	$68,484
Spokane-Spokane Valley	Hourly	$11.96	$12.28	$17.32	$22.16	$26.98
	Monthly	$2,073	$2,128	$3,002	$3,840	$4,676
	Yearly	$24,879	$25,552	$36,010	$46,100	$56,120
Vancouver	Hourly	$12.54	$15.62	$18.70	$23.36	$28.34
	Monthly	$2,173	$2,707	$3,241	$4,048	$4,911
	Yearly	$26,075	$32,492	$38,887	$48,592	$58,949
Walla Walla	Hourly	$11.92	$12.14	$16.21	$18.84	$21.95
	Monthly	$2,066	$2,104	$2,809	$3,265	$3,804
	Yearly	$24,794	$25,256	$33,727	$39,196	$45,653
Wenatchee	Hourly	$15.52	$18.16	$21.39	$23.83	$25.30
	Monthly	$2,690	$3,147	$3,707	$4,130	$4,384
	Yearly	$32,268	$37,755	$44,488	$49,579	$52,633
Yakima	Hourly	$15.00	$16.23	$18.11	$21.12	$23.83
	Monthly	$2,600	$2,813	$3,138	$3,660	$4,130
	Yearly	$31,210	$33,772	$37,673	$43,926	$49,566
United States	Hourly	$10.91	$13.47	$17.41	$22.58	$28.23
	Monthly	$1,891	$2,334	$3,017	$3,913	$4,892
	Yearly	$22,690	$28,010	$36,220	$46,980	$58,710

Pay varies with the type of press that is operated. Pay also varies by area of the country. Workers covered by union contracts usually have higher earnings.

Full-time printing press operators generally receive benefits. Typical benefits include health insurance, paid vacation, and sick leave. Some employers also provide a retirement plan.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Printing press operators (SOC 51-5112)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	2,877	-14.2%	16.1%	193
Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties	62	-14.5%	13.4%	4
Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties	36	-16.7%	8.6%	2
Benton and Franklin Counties	67	-4.5%	15.0%	6
Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties	59	-22.0%	11.9%	3
Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties	188	-4.8%	15.2%	17
Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties	111	-15.3%	14.1%	7
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties	79	-6.3%	14.6%	7
King County	1,196	-18.7%	19.6%	64
Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties	218	0.0%	13.8%	23
Pierce County	255	-14.5%	15.2%	17
Snohomish County	377	-14.1%	12.4%	26
Spokane County	234	-11.1%	13.9%	18
United States	175,700	-11.8%	5.2%	15,800

National employment

Printing jobs can be found in all regions of the country. However, most jobs are in large printing centers, such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, and Washington, DC.

Major employers:

Commercial printing and business form companies
Recycled paper manufacturers
Newspaper, magazine, and book publishers

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is declining. There has been a decline in printed newspapers and magazines. More media is moving to online digital formats.

Despite the decline in jobs, openings will occur as current workers retire or leave this occupation for other reasons. Opportunities should be best for workers with computer experience and good customer service skills.

Other resources

Graphic Communications Conference
25 Louisiana Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20001
202.624.6800

Pacific Printing Industries Association
PO Box 23575
Portland, OR 97281-3575
503.221.3944

Printing Industries of America
301 Brush Creek Road
Warrrendale, PA 15086-7529
800.910.4283
412.741.6860

References

Career cluster

Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communications

Career path

Realistic (Technical)

O*Net occupation

Printing Press Operators (51-5112.00)

O*Net job zone

Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.