Printing Press Operators Entry-Level Career Resources

Associate Degree Entry Level Careers and Jobs

Explore Careers and Jobs Predominantly Filled by Those with an Associate's Degree or Less, having 1 year or less of work experience - All On One Page

Sorted by median annual U.S. salary, including % with Associate's Degree (or less), and % with 1 year experience (or less).

These entry-level roles are open to associate's degree graduates and offer a practical starting point for building experience and advancing. For recent graduates or career changers seeking their first role with a two-year degree. Compare starting salaries and degree-holder percentages, then access preparation resources built for new graduates.

4 Steps to Use This Page: 1-Explore Careers of Intrerest 2-See Job Listings Matched to Career 3-Prepare for the Career 4-See External Career Resources

Here is a short Helper Video .

This page will take you through 4 steps, relative to an Associate's Degree, to (1) Select an entry-level career, (2) Find active job listings, (3) Prepare for the career you chose, and (4) Provide web resources specific to the career you chose.

Step 1: Select a Career: You will be presented with a listing of Associate's Degree entry-level careers. The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of careers below
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply browse the list of careers. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover entry-level careers that might be of interest.

Once you have identified a career of interest, simply click on it.

Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.

Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the career you selected. Information includes core and supplemental duties, general and specific work activities, knowledge required, essential and transferable skills required, day-in-the-life summaries, knowledge required, software skills required, preparation required, educational requirements, training and work experience required, local salary information, certifications, professional associations, current job listings for the job selected along with multiple similar job titles, and related careers (related to what they do, what they know, and what they're called).

Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that will provide detailed (updated) links to occupational information specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.

Step 1 of 4: Select a Career

Leading Books About Associate Degree Jobs
What entry level jobs can you get with just an Associate's Degree? Scroll through the picklist (below). These are entry level careers (1 year or less work experience) related to the Associate's Degree level, with at least 30% of job holders having an Associate's Degree. - 356 specific careers are listed. Select those careers that may be of interest - you will then get links to matching active job listings, and detailed resources to help you prepare.
You can use this form two ways:
1) Enter a Keyword - As you enter a keyword, you will filter (limit) the listing to those occupations that contain the keyword entered
2) Browse the list (Don't enter a keyword) - You can simply browse the list of occupations. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover jobs that might be of interest.

Enter a Keyword (filter the list below)
OR - leave blank and scroll through the choices:

Select a Job Title - Sorted by Annual Salary -(scroll and Select) :
Legend: Career Title Link / (% having Associate's Degree or less) / (% having less than 1 year experience) / (Median Annual U.S. Salary)

Air Traffic Controllers / 78.05% / 54.55% / ($148,080)

Solar Energy Systems Engineers / 40.74% / 32.13% / ($122,930)

Nuclear Monitoring Technicians / 84.15% / 36.76% / ($110,240)

Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers / 99.66% / 38.99% / ($109,910)

First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives / 80.58% / 72.47% / ($106,040)

Computer Systems Analysts / 56.64% / 31.42% / ($105,850)

Radiation Therapists / 62.46% / 42.76% / ($105,310)

Solar Sales Representatives and Assessors / 67.01% / 62.53% / ($104,920)

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers / 47.05% / 41.17% / ($104,300)

Video Game Designers / 45.00% / 40.00% / ($104,000)

Nuclear Medicine Technologists / 68.68% / 42.91% / ($101,370)

Dental Hygienists / 75.18% / 69.49% / ($98,100)

Registered Nurses / 42.65% / 37.83% / ($97,550)

Critical Care Nurses / 35.71% / 60.71% / ($97,550)

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance / 85.70% / 45.00% / ($97,150)

Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers / 100.00% / 44.44% / ($96,710)

Postmasters and Mail Superintendents / 86.55% / 44.63% / ($96,660)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists / 86.96% / 47.82% / ($95,480)

Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers / 97.19% / 71.33% / ($95,320)

Police Identification and Records Officers / 75.14% / 39.28% / ($93,790)

Web Developers / 50.01% / 33.33% / ($92,650)

Signal and Track Switch Repairers / 100.00% / 62.23% / ($92,460)

Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation / 100.00% / 32.59% / ($92,100)

Transit and Railroad Police / 65.67% / 55.34% / ($90,230)

First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers / 42.07% / 30.56% / ($87,520)

Subway and Streetcar Operators / 100.00% / 63.96% / ($86,380)

Commercial and Industrial Designers / 32.08% / 32.87% / ($83,910)

Online Merchants / 58.72% / 37.80% / ($83,050)

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists / 57.51% / 56.99% / ($81,390)

Government Property Inspectors and Investigators / 60.66% / 49.63% / ($80,730)

Coroners / 40.00% / 40.00% / ($80,730)

Solar Energy Installation Managers / 93.70% / 75.35% / ($79,920)

Funeral Home Managers / 93.51% / 44.25% / ($78,790)

Roof Bolters, Mining / 100.00% / 97.75% / ($78,540)

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists / 90.91% / 72.73% / ($78,350)

Photonics Technicians / 81.82% / 40.92% / ($78,350)

Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters / 100.00% / 80.65% / ($78,000)

First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers / 89.30% / 37.26% / ($77,970)

Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators / 100.00% / 46.65% / ($77,320)

Electrical and Electronics Drafters / 57.47% / 46.57% / ($76,870)

Boilermakers / 100.01% / 55.45% / ($76,410)

Customs and Border Protection Officers / 70.66% / 53.52% / ($76,210)

Terrazzo Workers and Finishers / 100.01% / 63.18% / ($76,170)

Fire Inspectors and Investigators / 95.76% / 36.53% / ($75,920)

Surveyors / 52.63% / 30.00% / ($75,440)

Film and Video Editors / 34.31% / 32.92% / ($75,420)

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film / 93.10% / 69.17% / ($74,990)

Energy Auditors / 75.86% / 31.04% / ($74,690)

Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining / 100.00% / 74.51% / ($74,500)

Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians / 93.42% / 43.17% / ($74,310)

Occupational Therapy Assistants / 96.81% / 82.25% / ($72,300)

Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products / 66.12% / 36.34% / ($72,080)

Forensic Science Technicians / 65.60% / 32.02% / ($72,060)

Wellhead Pumpers / 100.00% / 46.56% / ($69,960)

Food Service Managers / 90.26% / 44.19% / ($69,390)

Physical Therapist Assistants / 84.16% / 80.80% / ($68,380)

Crane and Tower Operators / 100.00% / 53.05% / ($68,080)

Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas / 91.08% / 43.40% / ($67,890)

Rail Car Repairers / 99.99% / 75.83% / ($67,530)

Transportation Security Screeners / 100.00% / 96.29% / ($66,770)

Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School / 32.71% / 31.47% / ($66,270)

Millwrights / 100.00% / 45.47% / ($65,700)

Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers / 84.35% / 40.06% / ($65,380)

Hearing Aid Specialists / 43.26% / 42.87% / ($65,160)

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses / 88.91% / 58.54% / ($64,400)

Wind Turbine Service Technicians / 100.01% / 62.56% / ($64,120)

Tool and Die Makers / 100.00% / 33.04% / ($64,050)

First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers / 93.54% / 46.15% / ($63,820)

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters / 100.01% / 31.51% / ($63,800)

Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians / 77.54% / 54.49% / ($63,800)

Flight Attendants / 87.65% / 58.72% / ($63,580)

Electricians / 98.70% / 50.15% / ($63,190)

Paralegals and Legal Assistants / 43.47% / 34.43% / ($62,890)

Riggers / 100.00% / 64.67% / ($62,640)

Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters / 95.84% / 52.32% / ($62,620)

Biofuels Processing Technicians / 100.00% / 71.47% / ($62,470)

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents / 62.46% / 38.40% / ($62,370)

Quality Control Analysts / 72.10% / 71.31% / ($62,280)

Insurance Sales Agents / 53.10% / 72.73% / ($62,280)

Postal Service Clerks / 100.00% / 56.00% / ($62,130)

Brickmasons and Blockmasons / 99.99% / 37.22% / ($62,120)

Computer User Support Specialists / 48.31% / 32.44% / ($61,860)

Continuous Mining Machine Operators / 100.00% / 48.55% / ($61,810)

Sheet Metal Workers / 100.01% / 62.55% / ($61,800)

Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers / 82.35% / 45.13% / ($61,770)

Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons / 100.00% / 88.40% / ($61,290)

Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers / 100.00% / 81.33% / ($60,600)

Postal Service Mail Carriers / 100.00% / 98.83% / ($60,550)

Chemical Technicians / 56.26% / 47.59% / ($60,390)

Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas / 99.99% / 54.34% / ($60,190)

Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers / 100.00% / 41.35% / ($60,070)

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators / 100.00% / 54.17% / ($60,020)

Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks / 100.01% / 46.62% / ($59,650)

Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity / 99.99% / 67.21% / ($59,050)

Correctional Officers and Jailers / 100.00% / 77.83% / ($58,940)

Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders / 98.23% / 50.55% / ($58,870)

Machinists / 100.00% / 38.18% / ($58,750)

Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers / 82.43% / 61.59% / ($58,650)

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers / 99.99% / 38.91% / ($58,640)

Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas / 99.99% / 53.72% / ($58,620)

Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators / 100.01% / 94.65% / ($58,470)

Insulation Workers, Mechanical / 100.01% / 89.76% / ($58,340)

Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors / 81.54% / 30.91% / ($58,170)

Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas / 100.00% / 53.07% / ($58,160)

Bridge and Lock Tenders / 100.00% / 65.00% / ($57,700)

Plasterers and Stucco Masons / 100.00% / 58.97% / ($57,660)

Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians / 100.00% / 40.17% / ($57,550)

Biological Technicians / 31.37% / 52.56% / ($57,510)

Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining / 100.00% / 51.60% / ($57,430)

Tire Builders / 99.47% / 76.18% / ($57,390)

Glaziers / 100.01% / 55.76% / ($57,080)

Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers / 99.99% / 76.91% / ($57,020)

Airfield Operations Specialists / 49.14% / 50.32% / ($56,850)

Bailiffs / 99.99% / 61.67% / ($56,600)

Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians / 100.00% / 46.96% / ($56,550)

Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles / 99.99% / 52.68% / ($56,460)

Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers / 100.01% / 39.94% / ($56,210)

First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers / 88.58% / 46.75% / ($55,940)

Tile and Stone Setters / 100.00% / 50.34% / ($55,690)

Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators / 64.62% / 42.16% / ($55,490)

Desktop Publishers / 61.30% / 45.93% / ($55,290)

Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health / 31.83% / 68.18% / ($55,090)

Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers / 88.76% / 81.80% / ($55,010)

Tax Preparers / 76.20% / 47.61% / ($54,920)

Automotive Body and Related Repairers / 99.99% / 70.29% / ($54,890)

Forest and Conservation Technicians / 85.19% / 50.94% / ($54,560)

Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 81.40% / ($54,430)

Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs / 68.62% / 43.38% / ($54,210)

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers / 99.05% / 39.51% / ($53,750)

Engine and Other Machine Assemblers / 92.80% / 59.42% / ($53,710)

Public Safety Telecommunicators / 95.26% / 68.18% / ($53,040)

Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers / 92.91% / 31.80% / ($52,720)

Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers / 94.78% / 45.81% / ($52,600)

Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers / 84.34% / 32.98% / ($52,540)

Cargo and Freight Agents / 69.25% / 74.53% / ($52,260)

Paperhangers / 100.00% / 49.80% / ($52,140)

Food Science Technicians / 52.50% / 67.10% / ($52,130)

Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians / 100.00% / 48.27% / ($52,000)

Pourers and Casters, Metal / 100.00% / 83.26% / ($51,810)

Semiconductor Processing Technicians / 99.68% / 76.98% / ($51,430)

Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters / 100.00% / 65.72% / ($51,330)

Locksmiths and Safe Repairers / 92.30% / 50.00% / ($51,320)

Animal Breeders / 95.94% / 47.64% / ($51,130)

Proofreaders and Copy Markers / 52.69% / 47.90% / ($51,120)

Home Appliance Repairers / 100.01% / 55.34% / ($50,990)

Tree Trimmers and Pruners / 100.00% / 39.55% / ($50,960)

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators / 96.78% / 49.34% / ($50,690)

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks / 81.29% / 32.20% / ($50,670)

Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 90.27% / 50.57% / ($50,620)

Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping / 65.40% / 30.88% / ($50,610)

Floor Sanders and Finishers / 100.00% / 30.71% / ($50,440)

Costume Attendants / 68.86% / 51.62% / ($50,400)

Carpet Installers / 100.00% / 31.43% / ($50,340)

Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance / 92.98% / 44.53% / ($50,340)

Neurodiagnostic Technologists / 83.87% / 48.40% / ($50,290)

Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.01% / 82.14% / ($50,270)

Highway Maintenance Workers / 100.00% / 58.12% / ($50,260)

Travel Agents / 85.65% / 31.99% / ($50,160)

Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 62.67% / ($50,140)

Loan Interviewers and Clerks / 61.75% / 36.81% / ($50,020)

Agricultural Inspectors / 87.88% / 45.67% / ($49,940)

Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners / 99.99% / 69.64% / ($49,880)

Logging Equipment Operators / 100.00% / 75.24% / ($49,740)

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors / 100.00% / 40.92% / ($49,690)

Dredge Operators / 100.00% / 46.67% / ($49,640)

Agricultural Technicians / 63.19% / 40.58% / ($49,630)

Precision Agriculture Technicians / 60.87% / 43.48% / ($49,630)

Dental Laboratory Technicians / 92.45% / 35.15% / ($49,610)

Painters, Construction and Maintenance / 98.15% / 48.09% / ($49,400)

Geothermal Technicians / 100.00% / 47.90% / ($49,230)

Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks / 93.41% / 36.31% / ($49,230)

Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall / 100.00% / 81.05% / ($49,120)

First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers / 87.75% / 44.39% / ($49,100)

Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 92.88% / 48.80% / ($49,080)

Pipelayers / 100.00% / 43.07% / ($49,000)

Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 92.48% / ($48,990)

Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 99.79% / ($48,750)

Rock Splitters, Quarry / 81.02% / 87.71% / ($48,740)

Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers / 100.00% / 58.28% / ($48,570)

Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 62.22% / ($48,540)

First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers / 99.58% / 37.01% / ($48,520)

Models / 96.06% / 96.07% / ($48,470)

Endoscopy Technicians / 100.01% / 73.08% / ($48,430)

Speech-Language Pathology Assistants / 57.73% / 85.80% / ($48,430)

Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 67.28% / ($48,250)

Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers / 99.99% / 93.70% / ($48,220)

Foundry Mold and Coremakers / 100.00% / 83.14% / ($48,110)

Dental Assistants / 100.00% / 61.45% / ($48,070)

Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders / 98.16% / 65.88% / ($48,040)

Fence Erectors / 99.99% / 88.21% / ($47,980)

Cooks, Private Household / 100.00% / 42.31% / ($47,940)

Bus Drivers, School / 100.00% / 90.59% / ($47,920)

Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 70.42% / ($47,920)

Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics / 100.00% / 33.69% / ($47,880)

Helpers--Extraction Workers / 100.01% / 89.58% / ($47,730)

Medical Equipment Preparers / 82.92% / 43.14% / ($47,700)

New Accounts Clerks / 100.00% / 58.40% / ($47,670)

Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters / 93.77% / 65.96% / ($47,550)

Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive / 89.01% / 43.85% / ($47,540)

Motorboat Operators / 85.14% / 45.12% / ($47,520)

Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers / 100.00% / 72.61% / ($47,450)

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians / 89.60% / 70.52% / ($47,380)

Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys / 59.63% / 40.27% / ($47,340)

Opticians, Dispensing / 100.00% / 50.00% / ($47,260)

Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 63.96% / ($47,180)

Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors / 61.91% / 52.38% / ($47,160)

Construction Laborers / 100.00% / 83.68% / ($47,120)

Bill and Account Collectors / 78.88% / 52.69% / ($47,030)

Roustabouts, Oil and Gas / 100.00% / 43.99% / ($46,960)

Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators / 99.36% / 83.68% / ($46,880)

Self-Enrichment Teachers / 45.76% / 33.67% / ($46,800)

Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders / 99.99% / 80.47% / ($46,460)

Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators / 100.00% / 51.68% / ($46,420)

Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners / 90.92% / 36.37% / ($46,420)

Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping / 99.49% / 87.75% / ($46,380)

Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers / 100.00% / 67.03% / ($46,350)

Upholsterers / 100.00% / 31.96% / ($46,340)

Log Graders and Scalers / 100.00% / 49.41% / ($46,330)

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 36.13% / ($46,330)

Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing / 99.03% / 48.34% / ($46,170)

Craft Artists / 86.96% / 34.79% / ($46,080)

Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installers / 100.00% / 77.97% / ($45,990)

Social and Human Service Assistants / 44.61% / 60.58% / ($45,930)

Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan / 98.84% / 34.25% / ($45,920)

Printing Press Operators / 100.00% / 40.17% / ($45,780)

Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 96.10% / 50.94% / ($45,760)

Pharmacy Technicians / 96.16% / 80.98% / ($45,750)

Medical Assistants / 82.53% / 81.37% / ($45,690)

Animal Control Workers / 96.15% / 42.31% / ($45,660)

Ophthalmic Medical Technicians / 100.00% / 45.45% / ($45,570)

Skincare Specialists / 78.15% / 70.98% / ($45,330)

Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks / 89.25% / 85.10% / ($45,260)

Psychiatric Technicians / 68.09% / 75.29% / ($45,130)

Office Clerks, General / 99.76% / 47.07% / ($45,010)

Psychiatric Aides / 95.92% / 72.31% / ($44,910)

Light Truck Drivers / 100.00% / 99.31% / ($44,860)

Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 65.83% / ($44,810)

Customer Service Representatives / 85.79% / 48.94% / ($44,770)

Photographers / 81.82% / 36.37% / ($44,660)

Library Technicians / 68.58% / 66.51% / ($44,580)

Furniture Finishers / 100.00% / 45.95% / ($44,540)

Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks / 99.42% / 76.21% / ($44,390)

Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 57.82% / ($44,350)

First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers / 100.00% / 65.46% / ($44,080)

Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 96.57% / 85.26% / ($43,960)

Forest and Conservation Workers / 57.20% / 41.32% / ($43,680)

File Clerks / 91.72% / 39.40% / ($43,600)

Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders / 100.01% / 70.21% / ($43,530)

Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing / 98.28% / 68.80% / ($43,380)

Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators / 100.00% / 80.06% / ($43,370)

Tutors / 54.54% / 72.73% / ($43,350)

Etchers and Engravers / 99.99% / 41.69% / ($43,310)

Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 78.21% / ($43,220)

Tellers / 91.68% / 92.13% / ($43,030)

Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood / 100.00% / 70.09% / ($42,770)

Helpers--Electricians / 98.70% / 58.74% / ($42,670)

Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand / 100.00% / 64.30% / ($42,660)

Retail Loss Prevention Specialists / 89.50% / 61.98% / ($42,540)

Conveyor Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 94.70% / ($42,420)

Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters / 90.30% / 60.09% / ($42,360)

Print Binding and Finishing Workers / 100.01% / 42.89% / ($42,290)

Food Batchmakers / 99.99% / 83.20% / ($42,290)

Nursing Assistants / 87.36% / 81.52% / ($42,260)

Residential Advisors / 59.02% / 65.91% / ($42,240)

Telephone Operators / 100.00% / 45.37% / ($41,740)

Agricultural Equipment Operators / 99.99% / 61.03% / ($41,730)

Substitute Teachers, Short-Term / 55.21% / 66.44% / ($41,670)

Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers / 90.54% / 56.27% / ($41,640)

Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers / 100.00% / 97.14% / ($41,600)

Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 72.87% / ($41,590)

Door-to-Door Sales Workers, News and Street Vendors, and Related Workers / 100.00% / 95.83% / ($41,380)

Data Entry Keyers / 100.00% / 48.23% / ($41,340)

Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 51.07% / ($41,330)

Counter and Rental Clerks / 79.75% / 74.93% / ($41,300)

Machine Feeders and Offbearers / 100.00% / 73.86% / ($41,220)

Office Machine Operators, Except Computer / 82.57% / 57.68% / ($40,960)

Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials / 80.95% / 57.14% / ($40,710)

Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators / 94.81% / 66.47% / ($40,610)

Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons / 100.00% / 60.78% / ($40,470)

Medical Transcriptionists / 100.00% / 66.02% / ($40,410)

Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand / 100.00% / 68.49% / ($40,240)

Recycling and Reclamation Workers / 91.99% / 97.72% / ($40,240)

Butchers and Meat Cutters / 100.00% / 32.98% / ($40,140)

Slaughterers and Meat Packers / 100.00% / 60.24% / ($40,130)

Animal Trainers / 98.25% / 44.20% / ($39,990)

Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 76.39% / ($39,530)

Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians / 91.17% / 67.45% / ($39,460)

Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers / 82.36% / 65.27% / ($39,390)

Demonstrators and Product Promoters / 99.34% / 99.34% / ($39,320)

Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service / 100.00% / 96.52% / ($39,280)

Occupational Therapy Aides / 98.20% / 75.70% / ($39,160)

Helpers--Production Workers / 92.38% / 89.55% / ($39,070)

Concierges / 90.91% / 63.65% / ($38,950)

Driver/Sales Workers / 100.00% / 91.91% / ($38,770)

Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 74.10% / ($38,760)

Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 99.60% / ($38,670)

Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service / 96.96% / 60.95% / ($38,630)

Parts Salespersons / 86.38% / 35.11% / ($38,630)

Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers / 98.70% / 95.45% / ($38,300)

Orderlies / 100.00% / 84.96% / ($38,290)

Motion Picture Projectionists / 89.90% / 90.17% / ($38,270)

Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.01% / 93.56% / ($38,180)

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers / 99.54% / 78.62% / ($38,150)

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education / 62.81% / 50.90% / ($38,140)

Crossing Guards and Flaggers / 100.00% / 90.24% / ($38,100)

Cutters and Trimmers, Hand / 100.00% / 58.19% / ($38,020)

Security Guards / 98.04% / 80.52% / ($38,020)

Receptionists and Information Clerks / 100.00% / 47.01% / ($38,010)

Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers / 100.00% / 98.78% / ($37,800)

Pharmacy Aides / 100.00% / 79.83% / ($37,680)

Dietetic Technicians / 93.29% / 45.65% / ($37,640)

Gambling Cage Workers / 100.00% / 57.48% / ($37,580)

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria / 93.22% / 64.36% / ($37,450)

Cooks, Restaurant / 99.99% / 83.35% / ($37,390)

Baggage Porters and Bellhops / 100.01% / 80.60% / ($37,080)

Library Assistants, Clerical / 95.43% / 72.18% / ($36,910)

Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners / 75.92% / 78.11% / ($36,840)

Sewing Machine Operators / 99.99% / 58.36% / ($36,670)

Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals / 99.77% / 54.31% / ($36,670)

Recreation Workers / 37.90% / 40.14% / ($36,560)

Sewers, Hand / 99.48% / 60.39% / ($36,480)

Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants / 89.23% / 53.66% / ($36,300)

Packers and Packagers, Hand / 100.00% / 99.39% / ($36,280)

Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers / 100.00% / 84.76% / ($36,220)

Cooks, Short Order / 100.01% / 81.36% / ($35,880)

Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment / 99.99% / 82.18% / ($35,830)

Manicurists and Pedicurists / 100.00% / 83.60% / ($35,760)

Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products / 100.00% / 87.28% / ($35,730)

Funeral Attendants / 88.97% / 69.50% / ($35,680)

Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants / 100.00% / 62.92% / ($35,670)

Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse / 75.14% / 71.76% / ($35,660)

Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 80.85% / ($35,650)

Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners / 89.15% / 79.59% / ($35,510)

Telemarketers / 100.00% / 78.19% / ($35,450)

Retail Salespersons / 96.00% / 75.39% / ($35,410)

Food Servers, Nonrestaurant / 87.18% / 78.54% / ($35,360)

Animal Caretakers / 86.63% / 65.83% / ($35,360)

Food Preparation Workers / 95.85% / 88.15% / ($35,320)

Physical Therapist Aides / 81.30% / 72.78% / ($35,240)

Waiters and Waitresses / 100.00% / 98.56% / ($35,230)

Parking Attendants / 99.04% / 97.27% / ($35,150)

Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks / 95.41% / 84.96% / ($35,070)

Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials / 85.85% / 36.62% / ($35,060)

Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners / 100.01% / 72.38% / ($34,980)

Childcare Workers / 91.29% / 49.53% / ($34,980)

Dishwashers / 100.00% / 100.00% / ($34,810)

Bartenders / 98.88% / 57.35% / ($34,340)

Gambling Dealers / 100.00% / 62.42% / ($34,320)

Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers / 100.00% / 93.53% / ($33,980)

Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers / 98.78% / 76.80% / ($33,580)

Cashiers / 100.00% / 72.87% / ($32,880)

Shampooers / 100.00% / 93.40% / ($32,600)

Amusement and Recreation Attendants / 98.57% / 94.63% / ($32,150)

Fast Food and Counter Workers / 99.96% / 80.65% / ($31,200)

Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop / 86.88% / 85.05% / ($31,200)

Dancers / 100.01% / 62.06% / (Salary Not Available)

Step 2 of 4: Find a Job

Job Listings for: Printing Press Operators.

Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career

Prepare for the "Printing Press Operators" Career
The details below will provide a pathway to your specific job goal and help you to identify an appropriate career ladder.

Printing Press Operators

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

U.S. Total Employment (2025): 144,000	U.S. Total Employment (2035 est.): 131,400
Employment Change (2025-2035 est.): -12,600 (-8.7%)	Average Annual Job Openings (2025-2035 est.): 12,100

Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Printing Press Operators":

Core Duties

Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance) For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 100 (%)	Description: Verify that paper and ink meet the specifications for a given job.
Importance: 100 (%)	Description: Collect and inspect random samples during print runs to identify any necessary adjustments.
Importance: 97 (%)	Description: Examine job orders to determine quantities to be printed, stock specifications, colors, or special printing instructions.
Importance: 96 (%)	Description: Start presses and pull proofs to check for ink coverage and density, alignment, and registration.
Importance: 95 (%)	Description: Clean or oil presses or make minor repairs, using hand tools.
Importance: 92 (%)	Description: Change press plates, blankets, or cylinders, as required.
Importance: 90 (%)	Description: Load presses with paper and make necessary adjustments, according to paper size.
Importance: 87 (%)	Description: Clean ink fountains, plates, or printing unit cylinders when press runs are completed.
Importance: 87 (%)	Description: Obtain or mix inks and fill ink fountains.
Importance: 87 (%)	Description: Secure printing plates to printing units and adjust tolerances.
Importance: 86 (%)	Description: Maintain time or production records.
Importance: 85 (%)	Description: Monitor automated press operation systems and respond to fault, error, or alert messages.
Importance: 83 (%)	Description: Feed paper through press cylinders and adjust feed and tension controls.
Importance: 81 (%)	Description: Adjust ink fountain flow rates.
Importance: 77 (%)	Description: Input production job settings into workstation terminals that control automated printing systems.
Importance: 75 (%)	Description: Monitor inventory levels on a regular basis, ordering or requesting additional supplies, as necessary.
Importance: 69 (%)	Description: Monitor environmental factors, such as humidity and temperature, that may impact equipment performance and make necessary adjustments.

Supplemental Duties

Important Supplemental Job Duties (in order of importance) For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 66 (%)	Description: Set up or operate auxiliary equipment, such as cutting, folding, plate-making, drilling, or laminating machines.
Importance: 58 (%)	Description: Download completed jobs to archive media so that questions can be answered or jobs replicated.
Importance: 49 (%)	Description: Direct or monitor work of press crews.
Importance: 39 (%)	Description: Download or scan files to be printed, using printing production software.
Importance: 38 (%)	Description: Control workflow scheduling or job tracking, using computer database software.
Importance: 34 (%)	Description: Adjust digital files to alter print elements, such as fonts, graphics, or color separations.

Work Activities

Important General Work Activities (in order of importance) For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 93 (%)	Description: Controlling Machines and Processes: Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Importance: 87 (%)	Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Importance: 85 (%)	Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Importance: 83 (%)	Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Importance: 80 (%)	Description: Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Importance: 79 (%)	Description: Handling and Moving Objects: Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Importance: 79 (%)	Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Importance: 78 (%)	Description: Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment: Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Importance: 78 (%)	Description: Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment: Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Importance: 76 (%)	Description: Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Importance: 75 (%)	Description: Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Importance: 74 (%)	Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Importance: 74 (%)	Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Importance: 71 (%)	Description: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates: Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Importance: 71 (%)	Description: Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Importance: 70 (%)	Description: Monitoring and Controlling Resources: Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Importance: 70 (%)	Description: Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment: Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Importance: 70 (%)	Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Importance: 70 (%)	Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Importance: 70 (%)	Description: Performing General Physical Activities: Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Importance: 70 (%)	Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Importance: 68 (%)	Description: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Importance: 67 (%)	Description: Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others: Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Importance: 67 (%)	Description: Working with Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Importance: 67 (%)	Description: Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Importance: 66 (%)	Description: Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Importance: 66 (%)	Description: Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others: Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Importance: 66 (%)	Description: Coaching and Developing Others: Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Importance: 64 (%)	Description: Assisting and Caring for Others: Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Importance: 63 (%)	Description: Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Importance: 62 (%)	Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Importance: 62 (%)	Description: Communicating with People Outside the Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Specific Work Activities

Important Specific Work Activities How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below:
Adjust equipment controls to regulate flow of production materials or products.
Clean production equipment.
Collect samples of materials or products for testing.
Direct operational or production activities.
Download data.
Enter commands, instructions, or specifications into equipment.
Evaluate quality of materials or products.
Feed materials or products into or through equipment.
Inspected printed materials or other images to verify quality.
Install mechanical components in production equipment.
Load materials into production equipment.
Lubricate production equipment.
Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
Mix ingredients to create specific finishes.
Monitor environmental impacts of production or development activities.
Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.
Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.
Operate cutting equipment.
Operate photographic developing or print production equipment.
Order materials, supplies, or equipment.
Program equipment to perform production tasks.
Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.
Record operational or production data.
Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.

Knowledge Required

Knowledge Required (in order of importance) For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 75 (%)	Description: Mechanical: Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Importance: 72 (%)	Description: Production and Processing: Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Essential Skills

Essential Skills (in order of importance) These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now?
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 54 (%)	Description: Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Importance: 52 (%)	Description: Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Importance: 52 (%)	Description: Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Importance: 52 (%)	Description: Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Importance: 52 (%)	Description: Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Transferable Skills

Transferable Skills (in order of importance) These are skills that can transfer across occupations and industries. For the Top 5 most important, how can you strengthen these skills now so they support both this career and future career flexibility?
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 64 (%)	Description: Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Importance: 60 (%)	Description: Operations Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Importance: 54 (%)	Description: Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Importance: 52 (%)	Description: Equipment Maintenance: Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Importance: 52 (%)	Description: Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Importance: 52 (%)	Description: Repairing: Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Importance: 52 (%)	Description: Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Importance: 52 (%)	Description: Time Management: Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Day-in-the-Life Summaries

Day-in-the-Life Summaries
These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you?

Activity: Adjust equipment to ensure adequate performance.

Activity: Clean tools, equipment, facilities, or work areas.

Activity: Collect samples of products or materials.

Activity: Direct organizational operations, activities, or procedures.

Activity: Evaluate production inputs or outputs.

Activity: Inspect completed work or finished products.

Activity: Investigate the environmental impact of industrial or development activities.

Activity: Load products, materials, or equipment for transportation or further processing.

Activity: Maintain operational records.

Activity: Maintain tools or equipment.

Activity: Monitor equipment operation.

Activity: Operate cutting or grinding equipment.

Activity: Operate industrial processing or production equipment.

Activity: Position workpieces or materials on equipment.

Activity: Prepare mixtures or solutions.

Activity: Process digital or online data.

Activity: Program computer systems or production equipment.

Activity: Purchase goods or services.

Activity: Read documents or materials to inform work processes.

Activity: Replenish inventories of materials, equipment, or products.

Activity: Set up equipment.

Software Skills

Software Skills
These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job?

Emerging Tech Skills

Desktop publishing software:

Adobe InDesign

Document management software:

Adobe Acrobat

Electronic mail software:

Microsoft Outlook

Enterprise resource planning ERP software:

SAP software

Graphics or photo imaging software:

Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop

Office suite software:

Microsoft Office software

Spreadsheet software:

Microsoft Excel

Word processing software:

Microsoft Word

General Software Tools

Calendar and scheduling software:

Job scheduling software

Cloud-based data access and sharing software:

Squeegee

Data base user interface and query software:

Printers Software Inc. Presidio
Printing management system software

Desktop publishing software:

Adobe PageMaker
Enfocus PitStop Pro
QuarkXPress

Document management software:

Adobe LifeCycle Production Print ES3
Xerox FreeFlow Print Server

Electronic mail software:

Email software

Enterprise resource planning ERP software:

Electronics for Imaging EFI Monarch
Electronics for Imaging EFI Pace

Financial analysis software:

Xerox ProfitQuick

Graphics or photo imaging software:

Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
Graphics software
Image editing software

Industrial control software:

AABACH Graphic Systems DIGRA

Inventory management software:

Inventory tracking software

Project management software:

Job tracking software

Preparation Required

Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job?

Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed

Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

These occupations involve following instructions and often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include dishwashers, landscaping and groundskeeping workers, counter and rental clerks, dental laboratory technicians, and security guards.

Education Required

Education Required - by frequency of educational attainment This shows you details about the level of education most commonly held by workers in this occupation. How can you begin planning the educational pathway that will prepare you best for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%)	Level of Education
Frequency of Attainment: 73.2 (%)	Level of Education: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
Frequency of Attainment: 19.5 (%)	Level of Education: Post-Secondary Certificate
Frequency of Attainment: 6.2 (%)	Level of Education: Some College Courses
Frequency of Attainment: 1.2 (%)	Level of Education: Less than a High School Diploma

Training and Experience Required

Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience
Frequency of Attainment: 45.9 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Frequency of Attainment: 34.8 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: None
Frequency of Attainment: 6.5 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
Frequency of Attainment: 5.0 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 years, up to and including 8 years
Frequency of Attainment: 2.7 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Frequency of Attainment: 1.4 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Frequency of Attainment: 1.2 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Frequency of Attainment: 1.2 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 8 years, up to and including 10 years
Frequency of Attainment: 1.2 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 10 years

Local Salary Information

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Certifications

Certifications These are examples of certifications that may be important for this occupation. How can you begin exploring which certifications fit your goals and what steps you would need to take to earn them?

Certified Graphics Communications Manager
Implementation Specialist Certification
PrePress Operator Certification
Press Operator Certification

Professional Associations

Professional Associations These associations connect people who work in this occupation or related fields. How can you start using these associations to learn more, build your network, or find mentoring opportunities?

Flexographic Technical Association (FTA)
NPES - Association for Suppliers of Printing, Publishing and Converting Technologies
Retail Print Music Dealers Association (RPMDA)

Job Listings

Job Listings and Similar Occupational Titles - scroll and click to identify common requirements, keywords, and skills in current job listings

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Offset Lithographic Press Setter

Offset Lithographic Press Setup Operator

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Offset Pressman

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Offset-Press Operator

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Pressfitter

Pressman

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Printing Machine Operator

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Printing Operator

Printing Plate Setter

Printing Press Machine Operator

Printing Press Operator

Printing Pressman

Proof Press Operator

Proofer

Ratoprinter

Roller Operator

Roller Print Tender

Rolling Machine Operator

Rotary Lithographic Press Operator

Rotary Screen Printing Machine Operator

Rotogravure Press Operator

Rotoprinter

Rounder

Rounding Machine Operator

Rubber Printing Machine Operator

Screen Making Technician

Screen Print Operator

Screen Printer

Screen Printing Equipment Setter

Screen Printing Machine Operator

Screen Printing Press Operator

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Sheetfed Press Operator

Silk Screen Processor

Silk Screener

Sketch Maker

Specialty Materials Printing Machine Set-Up Operator

Specialty Materials Printing Machine Setter

Stamper

Stamping Press Operator

Steam Table Worker

Steel Die Press Set-Up Operator

Steel Die Printer

Steel Plate Printer

Stencil Machine Operator

Stereotyper

Stippler

Strickler Attendant

Strike Off Machine Operator

Strip Machine Operator

Striping Machine Operator

Tab Card Press Operator

Tab Cutting Machine Operator

Tag Press Operator

Tape Rules Printing Machine Operator

Tension Worker

Textile Screen Maker

Textile Screen Printer

Ticket Printer

Ticketer

Tinning Machine Set Up Operator

Tinware Lithograph Press Operator

Tip Printer

Transfer Machine Operator

Type Caster

Type Copyist

Typesetter

Vigoureux Printer

Wad Printing Machine Operator

Wallpaper Printer

Web Offset Press Feeder

Web Press Operator

Web Press Roll Tender

Webfed Offset Press Operator

Related Careers to Consider

Related Careers to Consider This lists up to 20 careers that might be of interest to you (related to what "Printing Press Operators" do, what they know, and what they're called), ranked by best fit. How do these related occupations align with your interests, skills, and goals?
1 - Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
2 - Prepress Technicians and Workers
3 - Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators
4 - Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders
5 - Print Binding and Finishing Workers
6 - Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
7 - Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
8 - Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
9 - Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
10 - Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
11 - Etchers and Engravers
12 - Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
13 - Office Machine Operators, Except Computer
14 - Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
15 - Machine Feeders and Offbearers
16 - Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
17 - Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
18 - Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders
19 - Industrial Machinery Mechanics
20 - Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated)

This section contains detailed resources appropriate to "Printing Press Operators". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.

Videos

Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.

Resumes

Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.

Job Description

Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.

Interviews

There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.

Salary Data

Here are links to help you identify salary ranges for this occupation. These data are necessary prior to effective salary negotiations.

Raises

Here are resources that help you to prepare to ask for a raise. These links will help you to prepare for the salary negotiation process.

Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Printing Press Operators". Use these links to find a job.

Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Printing Press Operators". Use these links to find a job.

Classifieds

There are various sources for job classified ads. These links should help get you started to find a job for this occupation.

Step-by-Step

Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Printing Press Operators

Career Change

Here are resources to help you prepare for a career change. It is helpful to look carefully at the information provided in Section 3: Career Change (detailed previously on this page) prior to using these links. There is much to learn ...

LinkedIn®

Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.

Career Path

Here are links to various resources to help you explore the career path related to the "Printing Press Operators" occupation.

Developed by Dr. Ralph Jagodka, Ed.D., Professor Emeritus of Business Management at Mt. San Antonio College and author of the Harvard Business Impact article "What to Do When Students Ask You for Career Advice." - Full bio. © 2026 About This Page