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Printing Press Operators

Also called: Press Operator, Pressman, Printer, 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.

On the job, you would:
  • 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.
On the job, you'll need:

Engineering and Technology

  • mechanical

Manufactured or Agricultural Goods

  • manufacture and distribution of products

Basic Skills

  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Hand and Finger Use

  • hold or move items with your hands
  • keep your arm or hand steady

Verbal

  • communicate by speaking
  • listen and understand what people say

Controlled Movement

  • quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
  • use your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down

Conventional

People interested in this work like activities that include data, detail, and regular routines.

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Independence
  • Integrity
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Cooperation

Graphics or photo imaging software

  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe Photoshop

Desktop publishing software

  • Adobe InDesign
  • QuarkXPress

Document management software

  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Adobe LifeCycle Production Print ES3

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Below Average.

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $39,350

Education

High school diploma/GED or certificate after high school is usually needed.

Explore More

See other careers in the Manufacturing industry.