Supervisors, printing and related occupations
Also called: Printers supervisor, Printing supervisor, Filmsetters supervisor, Platemakers supervisor, Typographers supervisor, Film printing supervisor, Photocomposers supervisor, Film developers supervisor, Film processing supervisor, Film processors supervisor, Film printing foreman/woman, Hand compositors supervisor
Supervisors of workers in printing and related occupations supervise and coordinate the activities of workers who produce camera work and printing plates and cylinders, process film, print text and illustrations on paper, metal and other material, and bind and finish printed products. They are employed by companies that specialize in commercial printing or one of its components, such as binding or colour reproduction, in combined printing and publishing companies, such as newspapers and magazines, and in various establishments in both the public and private sectors that have in-house printing departments.
Main tasks
- Supervise, coordinate and schedule activities of workers who produce camera work and printing plates and cylinders; process film; and print, bind and finish books, newspapers, business forms and other printed products
- Establish methods to meet work schedules and coordinate work activities with other departments
- Review and approve all job proofs or samples in order to ensure quality of work meets client specifications
- Requisition materials and supplies
- Resolve work problems, provide technical advice and recommend measures to improve productivity and product quality
- Train staff in job duties, safety procedures and company policies
- Recommend personnel actions such as hiring and promotions
- Prepare production and other reports
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is required. Completion of a college program in graphic arts technology may be required. Several years of experience in the work area supervised is usually required. Provincial trade certification may be required for some occupations in this unit group.
Ways in
- College or CEGEP: College or CEGEP program. 28% of workers hold a college or other non-degree diploma (Census 2021). Common fields: Graphic communications; Design and applied arts; Business administration, management and operations.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $58,500 a year The middle half earn $50,700 to $70,317.
- About 5,100 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 5,100 are projected by 2033. (+0%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
- Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades
- Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews
- Supervisors, railway transport operations
- Supervisors, motor transport and other ground transit operators
- Supervisors, mail and message distribution occupations
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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