Printing Press Operator Jobs, Training, and Salary Information
Printing press operators need training in how to use this complex equipment. There are now many schools that can teach future operators how to run printing equipment. There are around 200,000 printing press operator jobs in the United States.
Some printing press operators learn on the job through apprentice programs. According to the California Employment Development Department, apprenticeships for press machine operators last four years. An apprenticeship combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
Still other printing press operators get their initial training through a community college or trade school. However, searches for these online produce essentially no results. As such, you should contact employers in the printing industry and ask about qualifications and educational opportunities for printing press operations.
An educational option recommended by the Education-Portal website is graphic design or graphic communications. These college degree programs will prepare for additional jobs related to the printing and press world and may include instruction on technology currently used by printing press and machine operators.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 191,130 printing press operator jobs in the United States in May of 2010. These workers were earning an average median salary of $33,680.
The major employer categories for this job are printing and related support activities, newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers, converted paper product manufacturers, advertising and public relations firms, and plastic manufacturers. Apply directly with these employers for apprenticeships or for jobs after completion of separate training. Over half of all operator jobs are with printing houses.
California Employment Development Department: Career Information for Printing Machine Operators
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Printing Press Operator Jobs and Salary
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Printing Machine Operations Career Details
Education-Portal: Training Programs for Graphic Design and Communications
