Description

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

Interests

Conventional
Realistic

Learn More about Interests

Work Values

Support
Achievement
Independence

Learn More about Work Values

Work Styles

Attention to Detail
Dependability
Independence
Integrity
Stress Tolerance

Learn More about Work Styles

Tasks

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.

Work Activities

Controlling Machines and Processes
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Getting Information
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Scheduling Work and Activities

Detailed Work Activities

Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Technology Skills

Graphics or photo imaging software
Desktop publishing software
Document management software
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Electronic mail software

Abilities

Near Vision
Control Precision
Problem Sensitivity
Arm-Hand Steadiness
Manual Dexterity

Skills

Quality Control Analysis
Operations Monitoring
Monitoring
Operation and Control
Active Listening

Knowledge

Mechanical
Production and Processing

Most Common Education Level

The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.

Certificates

These are the certification(s) applicable to Printing Press Operators:

Certificate name

PrePress Operator Certification

Certifying Organization

Flexographic Technical Association

Type

Advanced

Certificate name

Press Operator Certification

Certifying Organization

Flexographic Technical Association

Type

Core

Certificate name

Implementation Specialist Certification

Certifying Organization

Flexographic Technical Association

Type

Advanced

Certificate name

Certified Graphics Communications Manager

Certifying Organization

In-Plant Printing and Mailing Association

Type

Advanced

Certificate name

National Certification for Flexographic Press Operators

Certifying Organization

The National Council for Skill Standards in Graphic Communications

Type

Core

Certificate name	Certifying Organization	Type
PrePress Operator Certification	Flexographic Technical Association	Advanced
Press Operator Certification	Flexographic Technical Association	Core
Implementation Specialist Certification	Flexographic Technical Association	Advanced
Certified Graphics Communications Manager	In-Plant Printing and Mailing Association	Advanced
National Certification for Flexographic Press Operators	The National Council for Skill Standards in Graphic Communications	Core

Income Percentile

The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.

Income Percentile	Annual Income
Low (10%)	$36,421
Median (50%)	$42,631
High (90%)	$52,225

Income by Experience

This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).

Experience	Income
Entry Level	$43,526
Mid Level	$49,130
Senior Level	$51,757
Expert Level	N/A

Employability

There are currently 156,200 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to decrease to 141,300 positions, reflecting a projected decline of -10%.

The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.

Projected Job Growth of -10%

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The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.