Making sure the machine is clean before first use (and every four hours) and perform daily maintenance. Look at the schedule, see what needs to be printed, and when's the due date.
CAREER
Printing Press Operators
Overview
Salary Median (2023)
$41,860
Projected Job Growth (2023-2033)
-15.5% (decline)
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Printing Press Operators Do
Set up and operate digital, letterpress, lithographic, flexographic, gravure, or other printing machines. Includes short-run offset printing presses.
Other Job Titles Printing Press Operators May Have
Digital Press Operator, Flexographic Press Operator, Offset Press Operator, Offset Pressman, Press Operator, Pressman, Printer, Printing Press Operator, Printing Pressman, Web Press Operator
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- 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.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Printing Press Operators
Most common level of education among people in
this career: High school diploma or equivalent (73%)
High school diploma or equivalent
Post-secondary certificate
Some college, no degree
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
Certification / License
Certifications and training
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
Fast Learner, dedication, perseverance.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
Everyone
Be willing to learn wholeheartedly as this makes the job easier and more fun.
This page includes information from theO*NET 29.2 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
