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Printing Press Operators

Printing Press Operators is the O*NET name for people who set up and operate digital, letterpress, lithographic, flexographic, gravure, or other printing machines. Its interest code is CRE. Conventional leads at 5.4 out of 7, so expect orderly work with data, records and clear procedures, with Realistic next at 4.8. The preparation level is some preparation, typically a few months to a year of learning on the job. O*NET’s skill data points to quality control analysis, operations monitoring, and operation and control as the ones to build. A regular part of the work is to start presses and pull proofs to check for ink coverage and density, alignment, and registration. People who want orderly work with data, records and clear procedures usually fit better here than those who need research, analysis and working through hard problems.

What they do

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

Main 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.
  • Feed paper through press cylinders and adjust feed and tension controls.

Skills

  • Quality Control Analysis
  • Operations Monitoring
  • Operation and Control
  • Monitoring
  • Troubleshooting
  • Time Management

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
  • You want to start work after a short stretch of training.
  • You are comfortable relying on quality control analysis and operations monitoring.

May not suit you if

  • You get restless with routine, records and exact procedures.
  • You want to spend most of your time analyzing and researching. Investigative rates 1.2 out of 7 here.
  • You want a career built on years of advanced study.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code CRE takes the three highest, and Conventional comes first here.

Preparation

Some preparation. Most people start with a high school diploma, then learn from experienced coworkers over a few months to a year.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED). This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • Digital Press Operator
  • Flexographic Press Operator
  • Offset Press Operator
  • Offset Pressman
  • Press Operator

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.