Shigoto Zukan
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How to become printing press operatorseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$45,780
25th–75th pct. $37,390–$55,740
Top pay (est.)
$82,600
Top 10% $63,520
Pay in 5 years
$51,900est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$58,700est.
$50,500–$68,200
Outlook score
35/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
29%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
−8.7%
12K openings / yr

How to become printing press operators

Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Printing Press Operators

Key skills

Operations Monitoring
3.6
Operation and Control
3.2
Quality Control Analysis
3.2
Monitoring
3.2
Reading Comprehension
3.1
Troubleshooting
3.1
Repairing
3.1
Equipment Maintenance
3.1

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mechanical
4.3
Production and Processing
3.6
Computers and Electronics
2.9
English Language
2.7
Customer and Personal Service
2.6
Chemistry
2.5
Education and Training
2.2
Mathematics
2.2

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsScheduling Work and ActivitiesRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentRepairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment

Important abilities

Near VisionControl PrecisionFinger DexterityOral ComprehensionVisualizationOral Expression

Education of workers

High school diploma
73%
Post-secondary certificate
19%
Some college
6%
Less than high school
1%

Training before entry

None / short demo
28%
1–3 months
27%
3–6 months
13%
6–12 months
13%
Up to 1 month
13%
2–4 years
4%
4–10 years
3%

Related work experience

2–4 years
46%
None
35%
4–6 years
6%
6–8 years
5%
6–12 months
3%
3–6 months
1%
Over 10 years
1%
1–3 months
1%
8–10 years
1%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as printing press operators

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.