Printing Press Operator

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  Career Profile

Printing Press Operator

What they do

Set up and operate digital, letterpress, lithographic, flexographic, gravure, or other printing machines. Includes short-run offset printing presses.

Also Called: Digital Press Operator, Flexographic Press Operator, Offset Press Operator, Offset Pressman, Press Operator, Pressman, Printer, Printing Press Operator, Printing Pressman, Web Press Operator, Digital Press Operator, Flexographic Press Operator, Offset Press Operator, Offset Pressman, Press Operator, Pressman, Printer, Printing Press Operator, Printing Pressman, Web Press Operator

$29,790
Starting Salary (2023)
$41,860
Median Salary (2023)
-8.5%
Projected Job Growth
151,450
Employment (2022)

Typical Tasks

Collect and inspect random samples during print runs to identify any necessary adjustments.
Verify that paper and ink meet the specifications for a given job.
Examine job orders to determine quantities to be printed, stock specifications, colors, or special printing instructions.
Start presses and pull proofs to check for ink coverage and density, alignment, and registration.
Clean or oil presses or make minor repairs, using hand tools.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Enterprising
Business based Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Attention to Detail
Dependability
Independence
Integrity
Stress Tolerance
Initiative

What key skills are needed for this job?

Quality Control Analysis
Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Monitoring
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening

Expected Knowledge

Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Common Activities

Controlling Machines and Processes
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

More Info

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