Printing Press Operators

Job Zone

Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed

Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

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.

Start presses and pull proofs to check for ink coverage and density, alignment, and registration.92
Examine job orders to determine quantities to be printed, stock specifications, colors, or special printing instructions.91
Adjust ink fountain flow rates.90
Verify that paper and ink meet the specifications for a given job.89
Collect and inspect random samples during print runs to identify any necessary adjustments.89
Feed paper through press cylinders and adjust feed and tension controls.88
Monitor automated press operation systems and respond to fault, error, or alert messages.88
Load presses with paper and make necessary adjustments, according to paper size.88
Secure printing plates to printing units and adjust tolerances.88
Download or scan files to be printed, using printing production software.87
Clean ink fountains, plates, or printing unit cylinders when press runs are completed.85
Change press plates, blankets, or cylinders, as required.85

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Obtain or mix inks and fill ink fountains.84
Input production job settings into workstation terminals that control automated printing systems.83
Adjust digital files to alter print elements, such as fonts, graphics, or color separations.83
Clean or oil presses or make minor repairs, using hand tools.80
Direct or monitor work of press crews.79
Maintain time or production records.76
Download completed jobs to archive media so that questions can be answered or jobs replicated.76
Control workflow scheduling or job tracking, using computer database software.75
Monitor inventory levels on a regular basis, ordering or requesting additional supplies, as necessary.74
Monitor environmental factors, such as humidity and temperature, that may impact equipment performance and make necessary adjustments.74
Set up or operate auxiliary equipment, such as cutting, folding, plate-making, drilling, or laminating machines.66

Skills

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

Quality Control Analysis72
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Operations Monitoring66
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Monitoring56
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Operation and Control56
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
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.
Equipment Maintenance53
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Judgment and Decision Making53
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Reading Comprehension53
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Repairing53
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Speaking53
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Time Management53
Managing one's own time and the time of others.

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Troubleshooting53
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
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.
Active Learning47
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Social Perceptiveness44
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Equipment Selection38
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Persuasion35
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Writing35
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Instructing31
Teaching others how to do something.
Systems Analysis31
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation31
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Learning Strategies28
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Management of Material Resources28
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Management of Personnel Resources28
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Mathematics28
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Service Orientation28
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Negotiation25
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Management of Financial Resources16
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Operations Analysis16
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Programming13
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Technology Design13
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Installation3
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Science0
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Knowledge

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

Mechanical71
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Production and Processing67
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Customer and Personal Service47
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.
English Language45
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Computers and Electronics44
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Mathematics44
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Chemistry37
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.
Public Safety and Security28
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.
Administration and Management27
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 Training27
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Engineering and Technology22
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.
Design15
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

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Administrative13
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Personnel and Human Resources11
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Sales and Marketing11
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.
Communications and Media8
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Physics7
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.
Law and Government6
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Economics and Accounting5
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Fine Arts5
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Building and Construction4
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Psychology3
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.
Food Production2
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Geography2
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.
Telecommunications2
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Transportation2
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Biology0
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Foreign Language0
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 Archeology0
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Medicine and Dentistry0
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 Theology0
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.
Sociology and Anthropology0
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Therapy and Counseling0
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Near Vision75
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Control Precision63
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Problem Sensitivity60
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.
Arm-Hand Steadiness56
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Manual Dexterity56
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Deductive Reasoning53
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Finger Dexterity53
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
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).
Multilimb Coordination53
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.
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.
Selective Attention53
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

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Speech Clarity53
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition53
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Visualization53
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Written Comprehension53
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Category Flexibility50
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Far Vision50
The ability to see details at a distance.
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.
Inductive Reasoning50
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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.
Static Strength50
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Visual Color Discrimination50
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Extent Flexibility47
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Rate Control47
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.
Reaction Time47
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Trunk Strength47
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.
Written Expression44
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Auditory Attention41
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
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).
Depth Perception38
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.
Hearing Sensitivity38
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Response Orientation38
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.
Time Sharing38
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Originality35
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.
Stamina31
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Wrist-Finger Speed31
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Memorization28
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Speed of Closure28
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Gross Body Coordination25
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Mathematical Reasoning25
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Number Facility25
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Dynamic Strength22
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Gross Body Equilibrium22
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Speed of Limb Movement22
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Explosive Strength10
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Spatial Orientation10
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Glare Sensitivity6
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Peripheral Vision6
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Sound Localization6
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Dynamic Flexibility3
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Controlling Machines and Processes91
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Making Decisions and Solving Problems84
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Getting Information81
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work79
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Scheduling Work and Activities75
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Handling and Moving Objects74
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings74
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment73
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment73
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Training and Teaching Others70
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials69
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates67
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

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Processing Information67
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates64
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships63
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events63
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources63
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Performing General Physical Activities63
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.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment63
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.
Thinking Creatively63
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge62
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards60
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others59
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People59
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Working with Computers59
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Analyzing Data or Information58
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others58
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Coaching and Developing Others57
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Assisting and Caring for Others55
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information54
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Documenting/Recording Information53
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization52
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.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public50
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Developing and Building Teams47
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment46
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.
Developing Objectives and Strategies45
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others45
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Selling or Influencing Others45
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others44
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Performing Administrative Activities38
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Staffing Organizational Units36
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

Work Styles

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

Attention to Detail89
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Dependability76
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Cautiousness65
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Achievement Orientation37
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.
Perseverance36
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Stress Tolerance34
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Adaptability23
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Integrity21
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Self-Control20
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Self-Confidence19
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Cooperation18
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Intellectual Curiosity14
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.

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Initiative9
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Sincerity3
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.

Interests (RIASEC)

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

Conventional74
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.
Realistic63
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.
Enterprising13
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.
Artistic12
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.
Social12
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.
Investigative3
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.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day100%
Time Pressure
- Every day85%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important81%
- Important12%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually81%
- More than half the time12%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day81%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day75%
Spend Time Standing
- Continually or almost continually55%
- More than half the time34%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important63%
- Very important14%
- Important12%
- Fairly important11%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day68%
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom52%
- Some freedom26%
- Very little freedom16%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others38%
- Contact with others most of the time43%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom34%
- Some freedom50%
- Very little freedom16%

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Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Extremely important49%
- Very important14%
- Important31%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day59%
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Never19%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day54%
- Once a week or more but not every day20%
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Continually or almost continually40%
- More than half the time30%
- About half the time11%
- Less than half the time17%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility52%
- High responsibility12%
- Moderate responsibility19%
- No responsibility13%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important49%
- Very important11%
- Important20%
- Fairly important17%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours41%
- 40 hours59%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually30%
- More than half the time35%
- About half the time21%
- Less than half the time13%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Every day67%
- Never26%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results39%
- Important results20%
- Moderate results22%
- Minor results16%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Every day60%
- Never28%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important45%
- Very important17%
- Important12%
- Not important at all20%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Continually or almost continually29%
- More than half the time13%
- About half the time23%
- Less than half the time29%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility30%
- High responsibility16%
- Moderate responsibility25%
- No responsibility25%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious23%
- Very serious16%
- Serious18%
- Fairly serious37%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important34%
- Very important14%
- Not important at all34%
Physical Proximity
- Moderately close (at arm's length)27%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)29%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)39%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Every day25%
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
- Never36%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Continually or almost continually18%
- More than half the time12%
- Less than half the time58%
Level of Competition
- Highly competitive29%
- Moderately competitive24%
- Slightly competitive12%
- Not at all competitive30%
Degree of Automation
- Highly automated13%
- Moderately automated51%
- Slightly automated20%
- Not at all automated16%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Every day21%
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
- Never38%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day26%
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never45%
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Once a month or more but not every week20%
- Once a year or more but not every month27%
- Never31%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day14%
- Once a month or more but not every week26%
- Never46%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Every day14%
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Once a year or more but not every month29%
- Never39%
E-Mail
- Every day24%
- Never55%
Exposed to High Places
- Every day23%
- Never73%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Every day14%
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
- Never66%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)38%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)62%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Never81%
Spend Time Sitting
- Less than half the time49%
- Never45%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Every day15%
- Never83%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Never81%
Public Speaking
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
- Never76%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time24%
- Never67%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never74%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Never83%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time24%
- Never76%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
- Never83%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never89%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never87%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never98%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Never100%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

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

High school diploma or equivalent
Post-secondary certificate
Some college, no degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Graphics or photo imaging software
Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Graphics software, Image editing software
Desktop publishing software
Adobe InDesign, Adobe PageMaker, Enfocus PitStop Pro, QuarkXPress
Document management software
Adobe Acrobat, Adobe LifeCycle Production Print ES3, Xerox FreeFlow Print Server
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Electronics for Imaging EFI Monarch, Electronics for Imaging EFI Pace, SAP software
Electronic mail software
Email software, Microsoft Outlook
Data base user interface and query software
Printers Software Inc. Presidio, Printing management system software
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Cloud-based data access and sharing software
Squeegee
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Financial analysis software
Xerox ProfitQuick
Project management software
Job tracking software
Calendar and scheduling software
Job scheduling software
Inventory management software
Inventory tracking software
Industrial control software
AABACH Graphic Systems DIGRA

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.

Inspected printed materials or other images to verify quality.
Operate photographic developing or print production equipment.
Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.
Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.
Adjust equipment controls to regulate flow of production materials or products.
Collect samples of materials or products for testing.
Evaluate quality of materials or products.
Load materials into production equipment.
Feed materials or products into or through equipment.
Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.
Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.
Download data.

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Clean production equipment.
Install mechanical components in production equipment.
Mix ingredients to create specific finishes.
Enter commands, instructions, or specifications into equipment.
Program equipment to perform production tasks.
Lubricate production equipment.
Direct operational or production activities.
Record operational or production data.
Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
Monitor environmental impacts of production or development activities.
Order materials, supplies, or equipment.
Operate cutting equipment.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Assistant Press Operator
Ben-Day Artist
Cylinder Press Operator
Embosser
Embossing-Press Operator
Engraver, Machine
Engraving Press Operator
Job Printer
Letterer (Profess & Kin)
Lithograph Press Operator
Lithograph Press Operator (Cb)
Lithograph Press Operator, Tinware
Offset Press Op Dial
Offset Pressperson (Existing Title: Offset Press Operator 1)
Offset-Press Operator I
Platen-Press Operator
Printer, Plastic
Printer-Slotter Operator
Proof-Press Operator
Rotogravure-Press Operator
Sketch Maker I (Print & Pub)
Steel-Die Printer
Wallpaper Printer I
Web-Press Operator

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