How long does it take to become a Press Operator?

It takes 3 years of professional experience to become a press operator. That is the time it takes to learn specific press operator skills, but does not account for time spent in formal education.

How To Become A Press Operator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a press operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

A press operator utilizes machines that print various materials such as newspapers, books, and packaging. They must ensure the machine is set up correctly, monitor the production process, and adjust as needed. They perform routine machine maintenance to ensure efficiency. They work in various environments, including print shops, publishing companies, and manufacturing plants. Attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are essential for a press operator.

ScorePress OperatorUS Average

Salary

2.7

Avg. Salary $34,568

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.5

Growth rate -5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

5.3

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.78%

Asian 1.68%

Black or African American 7.93%

Hispanic or Latino 13.41%

Unknown 4.36%

White 71.84%

Gender

female 23.41%

male 76.59%

Age - 48

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 - 48

Stress level

6.5

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.0

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

5.5

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a press operator?

Pros

Job security with high demand for press operators
Opportunities for advancement within the industry
Ability to learn transferable skills
Work with a team of skilled professionals
Opportunity to work in a clean and organized environment

Cons

High-pressure environment with tight deadlines
Exposure to loud noises and vibrations
Potential safety hazards, including risk of injury from moving machinery
Repetitive tasks can be monotonous and tedious
Exposure to chemicals and fumes

Key steps to become a press operator

Explore press operator education requirements

Most common press operator degrees

High School Diploma

51.4 %

Associate

17.0 %

Diploma

13.7 %

Start to develop specific press operator skills

Skills	Percentages
Quality Standards	12.42%
Press Machine	8.90%
Quality Checks	8.46%
Preventative Maintenance	7.78%
Safety Guidelines	5.02%

Complete relevant press operator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New press 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 press operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real press operator resumes.

Gain additional press operator certifications

Press operator certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific press operator certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for press operators include Forklift Safety and Inspector and Press Operator Certification.

More About Certifications

Research press operator duties and responsibilities

Work on the assembly line making tire covers for Honda and Toyota.
Maintain SPC records using a bore gauge and calipers.
Ensure quality of parts produce per ISO-9000 standards through the use of calipers, micrometers, and several custom-made gauges.
Maintain strict quality requirements using scales, calipers and micrometers.

Prepare your press operator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your press 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 press 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 press operator resume templates

Build a professional press 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 press operator resume.