Printing Press Operator
Quick Facts
Median Salary$42,631
Most Common EducationHigh school or GED
Projected 10-Year Growth-18.01%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment
What They Do
A Printing Press Operator operates a printing press to create print materials like books, newspapers, and magazines.
Core 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.
- 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.
- Feed paper through press cylinders and adjust feed and tension controls.
- Load presses with paper and make necessary adjustments, according to paper size.
- Monitor automated press operation systems and respond to fault, error, or alert messages.
- Secure printing plates to printing units and adjust tolerances.
- Change press plates, blankets, or cylinders, as required.
- Clean ink fountains, plates, or printing unit cylinders when press runs are completed.
- Obtain or mix inks and fill ink fountains.
- Input production job settings into workstation terminals that control automated printing systems.
- Clean or oil presses or make minor repairs, using hand tools.
- Maintain time or production records.
- Monitor environmental factors, such as humidity and temperature, that may impact equipment performance and make necessary adjustments.
- Monitor inventory levels on a regular basis, ordering or requesting additional supplies, as necessary.
What to expect as a Printing Press Operator
1Earn a High school or GED Diploma
36% of people achieve this level of education.
2Gain skills and experience
See Printing Press Operator related courses on Tallo
3Land a job
730 openings for Printing Press Operators
Career Progression
in United States (Nation)
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