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.
