A printing press operator handles many duties within a pressroom.  The primary function is to prepare, operate and maintain the printing press.  Duties of the printing press operator vary depending on the specifics of the work.  Offset lithography is the most common printing process.  This involves transferring an ink impression from a rubber cylinder to paper.   In gravure, an etched plate or cylinder that contains grooves is covered in ink and then transferred.  In flexography ink is applied to a raised image area by use of a rubber printing plate.  This form of printing is uncommon and normally only used on special projects or by special requests.  Processes that do not use plates, digital and ink-jet printing are used most frequently for copying and duplicating.  Printing shops and commercial printers for fast printing jobs commonly use this process.

In preparation of printing, press operators are responsible for the basic mechanics of the press.  They install and adjust the printing plate, adjust ink pressure, load paper and adjust the paper size.  They are in charge of making sure the press is established in order to meet all requirements.  New technology is rapidly becoming available that is allowing this process to be skipped.  Files will be able to be sent directly to press.

In the process of printing, it is the responsibility of the press operator to keep a close eye on the work.  They monitor the paper feeders and make adjustments to ink distribution.  The job of the operator is to make sure there is little down time.  This means making corrections as soon as possible.  If there were any problems with the ink or paper, this could result in expensive losses.

The job of the press operator may vary depending on the company or job required.  One person normally operates shops that are relatively small.  Larger operations require a crew of press operators.  These establishments are primarily newspapers, magazines and book printers.

With all the advancement in technology, computers have become a driving force in the printing business.  This means that the job of the press operator will primarily be done electronically rather than manually.  The use of control panels and computer monitors will ultimately eliminate many of the “old” hands-on procedures.

The work has a tendency to be both physical and mental.  There is a lot of pressure to meet deadlines and to ensure proper mechanics of the press.  Many of the printing presses work in a quick style, so it is important for press operators to be alert in order to make any adjustments necessary. 

Formal training and education for a printing press operator remains the best way to learn all the details of this job.  A lot of operators are trained on the job while working as assistants to experienced printers.  The majority of the duties of an assistant would be general maintenance on the machine as well as loading and unloading documents and printed items.  Over time, advancement opportunities become available.  Many printers learn the tricks of the trade while working and are able to gain experience that leads to promotions.

Prior to the growing needs in this industry, many individuals learned the job in an apprenticeship.  Nowadays though, this method is becoming obsolete.  Many workers are now being trained at schools in order to gain the knowledge needed to adapt to the newest trends and equipment.  Once a person is established as an apprentice they are able to advance to a “real” position.  This is based on the certainty of understanding all the procedures.  It used to be that they went for a specific amount of time.  Now the training is based on the amount of time it takes for a person to learn the trade.

In today’s world of the printing press, theoretic and technical knowledge is crucial to an individual seeking employment in this industry.  The onset of technical and community colleges offering programs now is tremendous.  Many postsecondary schools are now requiring a 2-year associates degree program in order to award completion.  Persons with a degree from these schools finish with the knowledge needed to go right into a position.

It is necessary for a person wishing to enter the world of the printing press to possess mechanical skills.  A press operator must be competent enough to make necessary adjustments and repairs.  Mathematical courses may also prove to be beneficial in order to calculate ink distribution and paper quantities while oral and written skills are necessary to communicate problems, concerns or issues.  Due to developments affecting the printing industry today, chemistry, physics and theory course may also be relevant.

Technology is fast becoming the new generation of printing.  With this said, it is crucial for printers to be fluent in many aspects of computer skills.  Ongoing training and continued education courses are available to ensure full knowledge of this ever-growing industry.

Many of the salaries for this business are determined by experience and seniority.  Many of the higher paid printers have been with a company or been in the industry for a number of years.  Continued learning and experience may provide individuals with the opportunities of advancement.  Advancement may include more responsibility with higher pay or it could possibly mean supervising a crew.  According to payscale.com many entry-level positions begin with a minimal salary of $19,000 per year.  This is significantly lower than those who have been on the job for 5-9 years.  The middle earning for this position, past on years of experience is $26,604.  Even more drastic than that is a person with 20 years or more of experience.  They earn an average of $36,225 per year.

Salaries and wages will also depend on the particular arena for which a person chooses to work for.  Individuals who are employed by newspapers and directory publishers made more per hour than those who work in advertising and related service.  Here is a breakdown of the average per hour rates for specific businesses.

Newspaper, periodical book and directory publisher   $16.46 per hour

Converted paper product manager     $15.72 per hour

Printing and related support activities    $15.16 per hour

Plastics product manufacturing     $13.76 per hour

Advertising and related services     $12.68 per hour

It is also important to point out that location will also play a role in the rate of pay.  Many states offer different wages in an effort to maintain the cost of living.  The size of the company and the complexities of the printing press operations will also be a factor in pay scales and salaries.

The prepress printing operator also has the opportunity to work with a organization or business that is supported by a union.  This is primarily prevalent in printing departments within a particular newspaper.  Unions work on the side of the employee to negotiate higher wages and to establish appropriate working conditions.

One final thing to note is the difference in pay from entry-level to the top are significant.  It is important to keep in mind the opportunities for advancement are available.  Hard work, determination and constant learning are crucial to a printer seeking advancement.  Opportunities to supervise crews will also reflect higher compensation and an expansive knowledge of computers and the new technologies should advance the pay.  Check with different companies and business to see which provide the highest wages, most room for advancement and the safest working conditions prior to application.