How to become a Screen Printer
Prepares stencils, and sets up and operates power-driven or hand-operated screen print equipment.
Main tasks
- Prepares stencils using digital and hand cut methods
- Mixes and prepares inks for printing
- Uses printers, screens, presses and squeegees to create screen prints
- Dries printed items using drying machines and drying racks
- Inspects printed products for quality
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); Diploma of Printing and Graphic Arts Business Management (ICP50120)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- About 3,000 people work in this job group now, and about 3,200 are projected by 2035. (+5.1%)
- 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.
Related jobs
Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz
Questions people ask
How do I become a Screen Printer?
Ways in include: Certificate III in Print Binding, Finishing and Packaging; Certificate III in Printing; Certificate III in Printing.
Is a Screen Printer a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 5% by 2035, from about 3,000 to about 3,200 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Screen Printer?
Usually not. Only 11% 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 Screen Printer?
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