Also called: Pressman, Flexographic Press Operator, Offset Press Operator
Sets up and runs printing presses that print labels, magazines, boxes and packaging.
You mount printing plates, load the ink and adjust the press until the colors line up perfectly. Then you pull a sheet every few minutes to check it under the light. Big presses are two stories tall and roar like jets.
Experienced operators on large packaging presses earn more.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. High-school diploma; trained on the job or in a printing technology program.
Ways in: On-the-job training, 2-year college, Apprenticeship. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Printing Technology, Graphic Communications.
Shrinking (about -11% over 10 years). BLS projects decline as print volume shrinks; packaging printing is more stable.
Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. Modern presses auto-set plates, color and registration, and digital printing grows; fewer operators per job.
Age 18+. One way to start: Apply at print and label plants or through a staffing agency; new hires are trained on the job
Classes: Graphic design class, Shop class.
Official data: O*NET occupation 51-5112.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.