Special Offer 

Jumpstart your hiring with a $75 credit to sponsor your first job.*

Sponsored Jobs are 2.6x times faster to first hire than non-sponsored jobs.**
  • Attract the talent you’re looking for
  • Get more visibility in search results
  • Appear to more candidates longer

Press Operator Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

A Press Operator, or Machine Press Operator, runs computer-controlled machines that cut, shape and design various materials. Their main duties include troubleshooting machines for any malfunctions or irregularities, fixing machine parts as needed to ensure they operate properly and conducting quality checks on the machines.

Press Operator Duties and Responsibilities

The following are the duties and responsibilities expected of a Press Operator:

  • Reviewing job orders to make the right adjustments to the printing machine
  • Installing parts and supplies such as ink rollers, screens, printing plates and stencils according to the job specifications and blueprints
  • Testing inks and paints on the printing surface to determine suitability
  • Handling production of the printed materials, including the printing and racking process, to ensure it meets the specifications and is ready on schedule
  • Performing maintenance tasks on the printing machine
  • Troubleshooting equipment issues such as creaking noises, etc.
  • Cleaning the printing press and peripherals

Hire your next Press Operator today.

Build a job description

Hire your next Press Operator today.

Build a job description
Close

Press Operator Job Description Examples

Optimize Your Interviews
Use our toolkit to optimize your interview process, improve your hiring decisions and enhance the candidate experience.
Get the Toolkit

What Does A Press Operator Do?

A Press Operator repairs, runs and operates a printing press and is in charge of the entire production of printed materials from start to finish. They load the press with paper and ink and will add any updates or repairs as needed. Press Operators work to finish their projects by their respective deadlines and must follow safety guidelines. These help to ensure they keep themselves and others safe throughout the machine operation or repair process.

Press Operators are essential team members because they ensure the smooth running of the printing press, which can lead to a satisfying final product for customers to enjoy.

Press Operator Skills and Qualifications

To excel at their duties, a Press Operator should have the following skills and qualifications:

  • In-depth understanding of basic printing technologies
  • Excellent physical strength and stamina
  • Excellent time-management skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Strong attention to detail

Press Operator Salary Expectations

Press Operators earn $14.57 per hour on average. This estimate is based on submissions from Indeed users who have worked as Press Operators in the past, who are currently Press Operators or who employ Press Operators. Salary expectations can vary based on the hiring organization, the location of the organization, your level of experience in the industry or your negotiating power.

Press Operator Salary Expectations

2025-10-018.4020.7338.35HOURLY
  • Common salary: 20.73 HOURLY
  • Typical salaries range from 8.40 - 38.35 HOURLY
  • Find more information on Indeed Salaries

*Indeed data – 2025-10-01

Press Operator Education and Training Requirements

The minimum education requirement for a Press Operator is a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED). However, a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in print technology will be useful. Generally, on-the-job training is provided for this position, but there are professional organizations that certify Press Operators. One of them is the Flexographic Technical Association, which offers online programs that cover pressroom safety, troubleshooting, inks and fingerprinting.

Press Operator Experience Requirements

An experienced Press Operator will have a minimum of one year’s experience working in a printing facility. They should have a proven record of producing high-quality printed materials on schedule and to client specifications. An experienced Press Operator should be comfortable working long shifts and carrying out physically exerting tasks. They should be familiar with installing different parts of the press such as rollers, plates and feed guides and adjusting them to get desired results.

A Press Operator should also be experienced in record keeping, as they will need to maintain records of work produced, printing supplies and routine maintenance.

Job Description Samples for Similar Positions

If you liked this job description sample and are interested in similar positions, you can check out the following:

Optimize Your Interviews
Use our toolkit to optimize your interview process, improve your hiring decisions and enhance the candidate experience.
Get the Toolkit

Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

Hire your next Press Operator today.

Build a job description

Frequently asked questions about Press Operators

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

No search results found