Prepress Technicians and Workers

Job Zone

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Generate prepress proofs in digital or other format to approximate the appearance of the final printed piece.92
Proofread and perform quality control of text and images.91
Enter, position, and alter text size, using computers, to make up and arrange pages so that printed materials can be produced.90
Perform "preflight" check of required font, graphic, text and image files to ensure completeness prior to delivery to printer.88
Operate and maintain laser plate-making equipment that converts electronic data to plates without the use of film.87
Enter, store, and retrieve information on computer-aided equipment.86
Operate presses to print proofs of plates, monitoring printing quality to ensure that it is adequate.85
Select proper types of plates according to press run lengths.85
Examine finished plates to detect flaws, verify conformity with master plates, and measure dot sizes and centers, using light boxes and microscopes.82
Examine unexposed photographic plates to detect flaws or foreign particles prior to printing.79
Examine photographic images for obvious imperfections prior to plate making.76
Maintain, adjust, and clean equipment, and perform minor repairs.75

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Scale copy for reductions and enlargements, using proportion wheels.72
Analyze originals to evaluate color density, gradation highlights, middle tones, and shadows, using densitometers and knowledge of light and color.68
Set scanners to specific color densities, sizes, screen rulings, and exposure adjustments, using scanner keyboards or computers.62
Correct color in photographs or digital images.—

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Active Listening53
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking53
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Monitoring53
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Speaking53
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Time Management53
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Complex Problem Solving50
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Coordination50
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Judgment and Decision Making50
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Operations Monitoring50
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Reading Comprehension50
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Active Learning47
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Persuasion47
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.

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Social Perceptiveness47
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Writing47
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Instructing44
Teaching others how to do something.
Quality Control Analysis44
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Negotiation41
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Operation and Control41
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Service Orientation41
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Equipment Maintenance35
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Learning Strategies35
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Systems Analysis35
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation35
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Management of Personnel Resources31
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Equipment Selection28
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Repairing28
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Troubleshooting28
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Mathematics25
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Operations Analysis25
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Management of Material Resources19
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Programming19
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Technology Design19
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Science16
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Management of Financial Resources13
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Computers and Electronics75
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
English Language66
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Design63
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Mathematics59
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Production and Processing58
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Customer and Personal Service56
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Administrative48
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Communications and Media42
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Administration and Management40
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Education and Training37
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Sales and Marketing32
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Mechanical28
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

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Engineering and Technology27
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Fine Arts27
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Public Safety and Security21
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Telecommunications18
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Chemistry17
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Economics and Accounting15
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Personnel and Human Resources14
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Psychology13
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Law and Government11
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Transportation9
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Geography6
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Physics6
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Building and Construction5
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Sociology and Anthropology5
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Foreign Language3
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
History and Archeology3
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Medicine and Dentistry2
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Philosophy and Theology2
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Therapy and Counseling2
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Biology1
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Food Production0
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Near Vision69
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Inductive Reasoning56
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Problem Sensitivity56
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Visual Color Discrimination56
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Visualization56
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Category Flexibility53
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Information Ordering53
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Oral Comprehension53
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression53
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Written Comprehension53
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Control Precision50
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Deductive Reasoning50
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

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Flexibility of Closure50
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Perceptual Speed50
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Selective Attention50
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Speech Clarity50
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition50
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Arm-Hand Steadiness47
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Finger Dexterity47
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Written Expression47
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Manual Dexterity44
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Fluency of Ideas41
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Originality41
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Far Vision38
The ability to see details at a distance.
Mathematical Reasoning31
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Auditory Attention28
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Speed of Closure28
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Depth Perception25
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Memorization25
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Number Facility25
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Rate Control25
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Time Sharing25
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Wrist-Finger Speed25
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Hearing Sensitivity22
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Reaction Time22
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Multilimb Coordination16
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Response Orientation16
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Trunk Strength13
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Extent Flexibility10
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Static Strength10
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Dynamic Strength6
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Explosive Strength0
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Gross Body Coordination0
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium0
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision0
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Spatial Orientation0
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Stamina0
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Working with Computers90
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Getting Information83
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates79
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems79
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge79
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Thinking Creatively75
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work69
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings66
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events63
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information62
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Scheduling Work and Activities62
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials61
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

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Controlling Machines and Processes60
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Processing Information60
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships57
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Training and Teaching Others57
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others56
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others56
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People56
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Documenting/Recording Information52
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization51
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Coaching and Developing Others49
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards49
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates49
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Analyzing Data or Information48
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Developing and Building Teams47
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others46
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Developing Objectives and Strategies43
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment41
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others40
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Performing Administrative Activities38
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment38
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Handling and Moving Objects37
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources36
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment35
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Performing General Physical Activities32
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Assisting and Caring for Others28
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public26
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment19
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Staffing Organizational Units17
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Selling or Influencing Others16
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Attention to Detail100
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Dependability77
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Cautiousness41
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Perseverance29
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Adaptability25
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Cooperation24
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Achievement Orientation23
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Intellectual Curiosity22
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Self-Control20
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Self-Confidence14
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Integrity10
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Innovation9
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.

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Stress Tolerance7
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Sincerity3
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Initiative2
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Conventional79
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Realistic67
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Artistic35
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Investigative16
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Social11
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Enterprising6
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Time Pressure
- Every day96%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day82%
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important64%
- Very important36%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day90%
E-Mail
- Every day84%
- Never13%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day53%
- Once a week or more but not every day40%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually50%
- More than half the time27%
- About half the time19%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others37%
- Contact with others most of the time36%
- Contact with others about half the time27%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom30%
- Some freedom43%
- Limited freedom20%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important42%
- Very important24%
- Important25%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom40%
- Some freedom19%
- Limited freedom26%
- Very little freedom16%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important37%
- Very important26%
- Important15%
- Fairly important17%

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Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually42%
- More than half the time18%
- About half the time14%
- Less than half the time14%
- Never12%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually45%
- More than half the time16%
- Never20%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day42%
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Never25%
Physical Proximity
- Moderately close (at arm's length)36%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)51%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)12%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day34%
- Once a month or more but not every week25%
- Never26%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important12%
- Very important21%
- Important42%
- Fairly important18%
Degree of Automation
- Highly automated42%
- Moderately automated33%
- Slightly automated12%
- Not at all automated12%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Every day13%
- Once a week or more but not every day26%
- Once a month or more but not every week27%
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never17%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day25%
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Once a year or more but not every month24%
- Never20%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Important results33%
- Moderate results31%
- Minor results22%
- No results12%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- High responsibility30%
- Moderate responsibility19%
- Limited responsibility22%
- No responsibility19%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours19%
- 40 hours55%
- Less than 40 hours26%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious13%
- Very serious26%
- Serious15%
- Fairly serious24%
- Not serious at all23%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important11%
- Very important12%
- Important30%
- Fairly important22%
- Not important at all26%
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day21%
- Once a month or more but not every week24%
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
- Never28%
Level of Competition
- Moderately competitive25%
- Slightly competitive38%
- Not at all competitive21%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Very important16%
- Important27%
- Not important at all39%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day13%
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Once a month or more but not every week24%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never41%
Spend Time Standing
- About half the time20%
- Less than half the time61%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Less than half the time64%
- Never23%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Moderate responsibility11%
- Limited responsibility24%
- No responsibility52%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Every day11%
- Never73%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
- Never58%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never78%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Never85%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
- Never70%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
- Never72%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Less than half the time43%
- Never56%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Never78%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Never81%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time17%
- Never78%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Never84%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never94%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Never88%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Never91%
Public Speaking
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
- Never82%
Work Schedules
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)93%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Never93%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Never95%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Never100%
Exposed to High Places
- Never100%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never100%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never100%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never100%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

High school diploma or equivalent
Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree
Some college, no degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Graphics or photo imaging software
Adobe Creative Cloud software, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Desktop publishing software
Adobe InDesign, Adobe PageMaker, Esko ArtPro, QuarkXPress
Document management software
Adobe Acrobat, Adobe LifeCycle Enterprise Suite, Global Graphics Software Harlequin
Optical character reader OCR or scanning software
Hamrick Software VueScan, Multi-line optical character reader OCR software
Internet protocol IP multimedia subsystem software
File transfer protocol FTP software, ProjectSend
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Video creation and editing software
Adobe Director
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Internet browser software
Web browser software

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Operate photographic developing or print production equipment.
Inspected printed materials or other images to verify quality.
Enter commands, instructions, or specifications into equipment.
Program equipment to perform production tasks.
Maintain production or processing equipment.
Monitor equipment operation to ensure that products are not flawed.
Select production equipment according to product specifications.
Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
Examine condition of property or products.
Clean production equipment.
Repair production equipment or tools.
Operate digital imaging equipment.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Compositor (Alternate Title: Keyboarder/Proofreader Gov)
Dot Etcher
Electrotyper
Etcher, Hand (Prt & Pub)
Etcher, Photoengraving
Keyboarder/Proofreader (Existing Title: Compositor)
Linotype Operator (Prt & Pub)
Lithographic Platemaker
Monotype-Keyboard Operator
Paste-Up Artist
Photoengraver
Photoengraving Finisher
Photoengraving Printer
Photoengraving Proofer
Photographer, Lithographic
Photographer, Photoengrav C923
Photographic-Plate Maker
Plate Finisher (Print & Pub)
Plate Maker (Existing Title: Plate Finisher)
Proofsheet Corrector (Prt)
Retoucher, Photoengraving
Scanner Operator
Stereotyper
Stripper (Print & Pub)
Stripper, Lithographic Ii

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology