How to become a printing press operator
Official title: Printing press operators
Also called: Proofer - printing, Platen press tender, Proof press operator, Offset press operator, Printing technologist, Rotary press operator, Gravure press operator, Rotoprinter - printing, Offset machine operator, Printing press operator, Proofing press operator, Newspaper press operator
Printing press operators set up and operate sheet and web-fed presses to print text, illustrations and designs on a wide variety of materials such as paper, plastic, glass, leather and metal. They are employed by commercial printing companies; newspapers, magazines, and other publishing companies; and establishments in the public and private sectors that have in-house printing departments. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
Main tasks
- Review job orders to determine job specifications such as production time, colour sequence and quantities required, and advise press crew of these specifications
- Mount plates or cylinders and make necessary adjustments
- Fill ink fountains and take measurements, make adjustments and determine settings to control colour and viscosity
- Set up press and check samples for ink coverage, alignment and registration
- Monitor regular press runs for quality and consistency using computer control console and make adjustments as required
- Remove and clean plates and cylinders at end of press run
- Direct activities of press crew and ensure that safety procedures are adhered to
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Completion of a college program in printing technology or A combination of on-the-job training and specialized high school, college or industry courses is usually required. Trade certification is available, but voluntary, in Québec.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $48,750 a year The middle half earn $40,950 to $58,500.
- About 14,600 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 14,100 are projected by 2033. (-3.4%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a printing press operator?
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Completion of a college program in printing technology or A combination of on-the-job training and specialized high school, college or industry courses is usually required. Trade certification is available, but voluntary, in Québec.
How much does a printing press operator earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $48,750 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $40,950 to $58,500.
Is a printing press operator a growing career in Canada?
Employment is projected to fall 3% by 2033, from about 14,600 to about 14,100 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a printing press operator?
Usually not. Only 7% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03