Printing Press Operators Go Back to List Set up and operate digital, letterpress, lithographic, flexographic, gravure, or other printing machines. Includes short-run offset printing presses.

Technology used in this occupation:
	Industrial control software

Tasks
	Adjust digital files to alter print elements, such as fonts, graphics, or color separations.
	Adjust ink fountain flow rates.
	Change press plates, blankets, or cylinders, as required.
	Clean ink fountains, plates, or printing unit cylinders when press runs are completed.
	Clean or oil presses or make minor repairs, using hand tools.
	Collect and inspect random samples during print runs to identify any necessary adjustments.
	Download or scan files to be printed, using printing production software.
	Examine job orders to determine quantities to be printed, stock specifications, colors, or special printing instructions.
	Feed paper through press cylinders and adjust feed and tension controls.
	Input production job settings into workstation terminals that control automated printing systems.

Skills
	Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
	Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
	Active Listening - 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.
	Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
	Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
	Equipment Maintenance - Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
	Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
	Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Knowledge
	Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
	Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
	Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
	English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
	Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
	Customer and Personal Service - 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.
	Administration and Management - 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.
	Clerical - Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
	Chemistry - 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 m
	Engineering and Technology - 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.

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Education & Training   Education:   Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.   Related Experience:   Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

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Wage Information
	Region Average Entry Level  Mid-Range  Annual  Hourly  Statewide $46,552.00 $22.39  $15.99  $16.82 - $27.16  Bridgeport/Stamford $43,045.00 $20.70  $15.49  $15.43 - $23.74  Danbury $51,145.00 $24.59  $18.66  $20.42 - $30.22  Hartford $47,990.00 $23.07  $16.20  $17.11 - $28.01  New Haven $50,172.00 $24.12  $16.67  $18.24 - $29.57  New London/Norwich $47,503.00 $22.84  $18.08  $19.08 - $24.61  Waterbury $44,359.00 $21.33  $16.15  $16.82 - $24.18  Torrington $53,462.00 $25.71  $19.85  $20.02 - $32.04

Occupation Outlook ( 2016 - 2026 ) Average Annual Job Openings:   145   Employment in this occupation is expected to grow more slowly than average, and the number of annual openings will offer limited job opportunities.

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	Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.