How long does it take to become a printing press operator?

Typically no schooling after high school, then a few months to a year of training on the job. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.

How much do printing press operators make?

The US median is $45,780 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.

Do you need a degree to become a printing press operator?

No. Most people are hired and trained on the job; a program is optional.

Where can you train to become a printing press operator?

32 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

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How to become a printing press operator

Production & manufacturing · SOC 51-5112

$45,780US median pay, 2025

-8.7%Projected growth, 2025–35

12,100Openings per year

On the jobUsual way in

How you get in

Most people are hired and trained on the job, so school is optional. A program can still help you stand out.

High school diploma or equivalent (a program is optional for this job)
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Work as a printing press operator

Programs that lead to this job

These are the federal program codes (CIP) that the Department of Education maps to this occupation, and how many US colleges, community colleges or trade schools report awarding credentials in each.

Program	Code	Schools
Graphic and Printing Equipment Operator, General Production	CIP 10.0305	21
Graphic Communications, Other	CIP 10.0399	8
Printing Management	CIP 10.0302	3
Printing Press Operator	CIP 10.0307	1

See the 32 schools that offer these programs →

Common questions

How long does it take to become a printing press operator?: Typically no schooling after high school, then a few months to a year of training on the job. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.
How much do printing press operators make?: The US median is $45,780 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.
Do you need a degree to become a printing press operator?: No. Most people are hired and trained on the job; a program is optional.
Where can you train to become a printing press operator?: 32 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

Pay and growth are national figures. What you earn depends on where you work, your employer and your experience, and these are projections rather than promises. Education requirements describe how most people enter the job, not a rule — plenty of people take another route.

Pay, growth, openings and entry requirements: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35. Program-to-occupation mapping: NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk (2020/2018). School counts: IPEDS completions, 2022–23.

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