How to become a Printing Machinist
Produces books, magazines, newspapers, brochures, posters, leaflets, packaging materials and stationery using printing presses.
Main tasks
- Sets, adjusts and monitors substrate-feed mechanisms, delivery mechanisms, inking systems and other printing machine functions
- Loads and unloads materials into printing machines, and monitors inventory of printing supplies and materials
- Mixes ink and solvents to standard, and regulates paper and ink supply during print runs
- Monitors, evaluates and determines press operations manually and by computer to check print quality standards against proofs and detect malfunctions
- Undertakes maintenance, adjustment, repair and cleaning of machines
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Certificate III in Printing. Trade occupations are usually entered through an apprenticeship: paid work plus this qualification, typically 3 to 4 years.
- TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Print Binding, Finishing and Packaging (ICP31320); Certificate III in Printing (ICP31220); Certificate IV in Printing and Graphic Arts Management (ICP40120); Diploma of Printing and Graphic Arts Business Management (ICP50120); Certificate III in Signs and Graphics (CPC30216)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $73,216 a year
- About 10,900 people work in this job group now, and about 11,400 are projected by 2035. (+5%)
- AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Printing Machinist?
Ways in include: Certificate III in Print Binding, Finishing and Packaging; Certificate III in Printing; Certificate III in Printing.
How much does a Printing Machinist earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $73,216 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Printing Machinist a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 5% by 2035, from about 10,900 to about 11,400 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Printing Machinist?
Usually not. Only 8% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Print Binding, Finishing and Packaging; Certificate III in Printing; Certificate III in Printing.
Will AI change the work of a Printing Machinist?
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04