What Printing Press Operators do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Printing Press Operators this way: "Set up and operate digital, letterpress, lithographic, flexographic, gravure, or other printing machines. Includes short-run offset printing presses."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Adjust ink fountain flow rates"; "Change press plates, blankets, or cylinders, as required"; "Clean ink fountains, plates, or printing unit cylinders when press runs are completed"; "Clean or oil presses or make minor repairs, using hand tools"; "Collect and inspect random samples during print runs to identify any necessary adjustments".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is moderate-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Printing Press Operators
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 144,000 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 131,400 in 2035, a decrease of 12,600 jobs (-8.7%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 12,100 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 8.4% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $45,780, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Printing Press Operators earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $46,374 in Illinois to $46,484 in Indiana, a gap of $109 (1.00 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $45,780 and 0 average at or below it.
Indiana employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 14,980, which is 57.7% of the 25,960 counted across them. Illinois follows with 10,980.
Highest-paying states
Indiana ($46,484) and Illinois ($46,374) lead the ranking, while Illinois ($46,374) and Indiana ($46,484) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Frequently asked questions about Printing Press Operators
How much do Printing Press Operators earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $45,780. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $46,374 to $46,484.
Which state pays Printing Press Operators the most?
Indiana, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $46,484. Illinois is next at $46,374.
Is Printing Press Operators a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to shrink by 8.7% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 12,100 openings a year.
What education do Printing Press Operators need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and moderate-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.