Printing Press Operators
(NOC 7381)
in All Trades and TransportationPrinting press operators set up and operate sheet and web-fed presses to print text, illustrations, and designs on a wide variety of materials like paper, plastic, glass, leather, and metal. They work for commercial printing companies, newspapers, magazines, and other publishing companies, and institutions in the public and private sectors that have in-house printing departments.
Job Outlook
Limited
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Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$20.00
Minimum$26.00
Median$31.37
MaximumAnnual Pay
$15,515
Minimum$47,685
Median$70,363
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$15.00
Minimum$24.00
Median$37.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Printing press operators set up and operate sheet and web-fed presses to print text, illustrations, and designs on a wide variety of materials like paper, plastic, glass, leather, and metal. They work for commercial printing companies, newspapers, magazines, and other publishing companies, and institutions in the public and private sectors that have in-house printing departments.
Job duties
Printing press operators:
- Review job orders to determine job specifications like production time, colour sequence and quantities required, and advise press crew of these specifications.
- Mount plates or cylinders and make necessary adjustments.
- Fill ink fountains and take measurements, adjust, and determine settings to control colour and viscosity.
- Set up press and check samples for ink coverage, alignment, and registration.
- Monitor regular press runs for quality and consistency using computer control console and adjust as required.
- Remove and clean plates and cylinders at end of press run.
- Direct activities of press crew and make sure that safety procedures are followed.
Sample job titles
- commercial press operator
- job printer
- offset printer
- printer
- printing press operator
- printing technologist
- proofer - printing
- Web press operator - printing
Skills
- You should be responsible and alert. Coordination and a mechanical aptitude are important. You must also be able to take direction and carry out instructions given by a supervisor.
Job requirements
- High school is usually required.
- A college program in printing technology or a combination of on-the-job training and specialized high school, college or industry courses is usually required.
Other considerations
- Movement to supervisory positions like pressroom supervisor is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$47,752 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$47,837 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
N/ACape Breton
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services
Educational services
Public administration
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
35-44
55-64
25-34
15-24
65+
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
High school
$46,428 median annual incomeLess than high school
$54,286 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$44,078 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$58,789 median annual incomeBachelor
N/ACompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Trade Certification
$46,494 median annual incomeHigh school
$31,260 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$42,050 median annual incomeLess than high school
$28,319 median annual incomeBachelor
$30,527 median annual incomeEducation & training
Graphic Communications
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs apply technical knowledge and skills in the manufacture and distribution or transmission of graphic communications products. They include courses in the prepress, press, and postpress phases of production operations and processes like offset lithography, flexography, gravure, letterpress, screen printing, foil stamping, digital imaging, and other reproduction methods.
Institutions providing this program
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.