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What is a layout operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a layout operator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $18.33 an hour? That's $38,126 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 1% and produce 600 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreLayout OperatorUS Average
Salary
3.0

Avg. Salary $38,126

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.4

Growth rate 1%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.8
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 4.25%

Asian 12.46%

Black or African American 1.42%

Hispanic or Latino 14.73%

Unknown 4.39%

White 62.75%

Gender

female 36.36%

male 63.64%

Age - 47
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47
Stress level
5.4

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.6

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
4.3

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a layout operator

  1. Explore layout operator education requirements

    Most common layout operator degrees

    Bachelor's

    36.4 %

    Associate

    27.3 %

    Certificate

    18.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific layout operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Typesetting100.00%
  3. Complete relevant layout operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New layout operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a layout operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real layout operator resumes.
  4. Research layout operator duties and responsibilities

    • Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
    • Create programs in autocad for water jet and plasma cutting machines.
    • Prepare desktop document layouts for in-house catalogs
    • Monitor combat missions through satellite and computer global positioning systems in order to prepare accurate reports for unit commanders.
  5. Prepare your layout operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your layout operator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a layout operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable layout operator resume templates

    Build a professional layout operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your layout operator resume.
    Layout Operator Resume
    Layout Operator Resume
    Layout Operator Resume
    Layout Operator Resume
    Layout Operator Resume
    Layout Operator Resume
    Layout Operator Resume
    Layout Operator Resume
    Layout Operator Resume
  6. Apply for layout operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a layout operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first layout operator job

Zippi

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Average layout operator salary

The average layout operator salary in the United States is $38,126 per year or $18 per hour. Layout operator salaries range between $26,000 and $54,000 per year.

Average layout operator salary
$38,126 Yearly
$18.33 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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