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CIP 10.0307 Communications Technologies

Printing Press Operator

IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education · 2025

Total graduates

7

2025 · 1 schools

International share

0.0%

0 international students

Bachelor's degrees

7

0.0% international

Overview

The profession of a Printing Press Operator plays a crucial role in the printing industry, responsible for the operation and maintenance of printing presses. This role is vital for producing a wide array of printed materials, including books, newspapers, magazines, packaging, and promotional materials.

Printing Press Operators must possess a strong understanding of various printing techniques, including offset, digital, flexography, and screen printing. They are skilled in setting up the printing press, adjusting settings for color, speed, and ink flow, and ensuring that the finished product meets quality standards. Attention to detail is essential, as operators must monitor the printing process for any issues such as misalignment, color discrepancies, or paper jams.

In addition to technical skills, a Printing Press Operator must have a good understanding of the printing materials and inks used, as well as the ability to perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting to keep the machinery running smoothly. This profession often involves working in a fast-paced environment, where meeting deadlines and producing high-quality work is paramount.

Educational requirements for this profession vary; some operators may have a high school diploma, while others may pursue vocational training or an associate degree in printing technology. As the printing industry continues to evolve with advancements in digital printing and automation, ongoing education and adaptability are essential for success in this field. Overall, a career as a Printing Press Operator can be rewarding for those who enjoy working with technology and have a passion for the art of printing.

Graduates by year

Graduates by degree level (first and second majors)

AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral

From 2003 to 2025, graduates fell 72% and the international share went from 0.0% to 0.0%.

International share (%)
Graduates by group, 2025
White
71.4%
Asian
0.0%
Hispanic
0.0%
Black
14.3%
Other
14.3%
Intl.
0.0%

Colleges that award this degree

In 2025, 1 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.

RankSchoolStateGraduatesInternational
— Fairmont State University West Virginia 7 0

Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.

Related jobs and pay

OccupationUS employmentMean hourly wageMean annual wage
Printing Press Operators 144,260 $22.77 $47,360
Prepress Technicians and Workers 23,840 $24.43 $50,800

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.

Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2003–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.