Work Environment
The operator will be standing for long periods and be expected to react quickly to make adjustments to avoid waste as the presses operate at high speed. Press rooms are noisy, so the wearing of ear protection is often necessary. The presses themselves can be dangerous when in operation, but this risk has decreased in recent years with the introduction of computerized presses that allow operators to make adjustments from a control panel.
Employment Opportunities
A large proportion of Printing Machine Operators jobs are with paper manufacturers and newspaper publishers. Additional Printing Machine Operator opportunities can be found in advertising agencies, employment services firms, and colleges. Although jobs are available throughout the U.S., large numbers of jobs are concentrated in metropolitan areas. Although there is expected to be a decline in the number of Printing Machine Operators due to technological advancement and outsourcing, prospects remain good because there are expected to be a large number of retirements in the industry.
How much does a Printing Machine Operator make - Printing Machine Operator Salary and Wages
The Printing Machine Operator salary range is generally between $48,000 and $61,000, depending on experience and skills. Median per-hour wage in the first 1-4 years in the career fall between $10.86-$14.96. With 5-9 years in the field, that increases to $12.36-$17.04. Between 10-19 years, workers can expect to earn $13.99-$19.39 hourly, and with 20+ years in the career, they can see number that reach $15.21-$20.47. Bonuses stay under $800 per year and start from $200.
How to become a Printing Machine Operator
Education and Training
Most Printing Machine Operators are trained on the job, and apprenticeships are becoming less prevalent. Printing Machine Operator qualifications are achieved through formal post secondary training offered by technical and trade schools, community colleges, and universities are increasingly popular. Printing Machine Operator courses at post secondary level in printing provide what employers are seeking in an entry-level worker. Some post secondary school programs with two years of study will award an associate Printing Machine Operator degree. Opportunities for advancement are varied. Formal certification helps advance a career in printing. Promotion to pressroom supervisor with the responsibility for an entire press crew is another career path.