Set up and operate digital, letterpress, lithographic, flexographic, gravure, or other printing machines. Includes short-run offset printing presses.
SOC: 51-5112.00
Common Job Titles
Press Operator
Pressman
Printer
Printing Press Operator
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
Hands-onOperate digital, offset, flexographic, and gravure printing presses in production environments following quality standards and job specifications.
Developing
KnowledgeAnalyze print quality defects and process deviations using densitometers and color measurement tools to maintain production standards.
Developing
Hands-onCalibrate press components including ink flow, registration, and plate alignment to achieve specified color accuracy and print consistency.
Developing
Hands-onPerform preventive maintenance and troubleshooting on printing equipment using hand tools and diagnostic procedures to minimize downtime.
Developing
KnowledgeInterpret job specifications, work orders, and digital files to determine press setup requirements and material selections.
Developing
KnowledgeApply color theory and ink mixing principles to match customer color specifications and achieve consistent results across print runs.
Developing
KnowledgeSchedule production workflows and job priorities under time constraints to meet customer deadlines and optimize press utilization.
Developing
Hands-onHandle printing substrates including paper, cardstock, and specialty materials using proper material handling techniques to prevent waste and damage.
Developing
KnowledgeEvaluate finished print products against quality standards and customer specifications using visual inspection and measurement instruments to ensure compliance.
Developing
MindsetEngage with team members and supervisors to coordinate production activities and communicate job status and technical issues.
Developing
KnowledgeApply desktop publishing software including Adobe Creative Suite to prepare files for print production and perform pre-flight checks.
Developing
MindsetParticipate in training and skill development programs to stay current with evolving printing technologies and production methods.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Printing Press Operators (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
145,110
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $31,450. 25th percentile: U.S. $36,970. 50th percentile: U.S. $45,160. 75th percentile: U.S. $54,340. 90th percentile: U.S. $63,060. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$31,450
10% of workers earn the following or more
$63,060
Workers on average earn
$46,620
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Mechanical3.8/5
Production and Processing3.7/5
Customer and Personal Service2.9/5
English Language2.8/5
Computers and Electronics2.8/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
