How to hire a printer operator

How to hire a printer operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step printer operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a printer operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new printer operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a printer operator do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your printer operator job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a printer operator for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A printer operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, printer operators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of printer operators and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Printer Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Printer Operator		$11-25
   Pressman	A pressman is responsible for maintaining the printing press operations, maintaining the efficiency of the equipment and machinery to produce high-quality outputs. Pressmen ensure the readability and completeness of the content before distribution... Show more	$14-24
   Screen Making Technician	A screen making technician performs installations and repairs to maintain the smooth flow of operations at manufacturing facilities. Their responsibilities typically include conducting measurements and assessments, setting guidelines, troubleshooting problems, gathering and analyzing data, and maintaining records of all procedures and adjustments... Show more	$12-19

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Troubleshoot
   • Quality Checks
   • Quality Standards
   • Basic Math
   • Windows
   • Preventive Maintenance
   • Laser Printers
   • Quality Products
   • Print Room
   • Print Shop
   • ISO
   • Customer Orders
   • OCE
   • Print Quality

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage day-to-day operations and supervise employees to ensure the studio run smoothly.
   • Operate UV and solvent printers.
   • Collate and bind print materials.
   • Record HD masters, clones.
   • Print operator using high speed OCE printers.
   • Handle rush orders and short delivery windows.

   More printer operator duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in the printer operator job description is a good way to get more applicants. A printer operator salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

   For example, the average salary for a printer operator in Alabama may be lower than in New Jersey, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level printer operator. Additionally, a printer operator with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

   Average printer operator salary

   $36,411yearly

   $17.51 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level printer operator salary

   $24,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 14, 2025

   Average printer operator salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Rhode Island	$46,936	$23
   2	Virginia	$46,655	$22
   3	Massachusetts	$44,199	$21
   4	Wisconsin	$43,527	$21
   5	Washington	$42,997	$21
   6	New York	$42,231	$20
   7	Illinois	$39,067	$19
   8	Minnesota	$38,855	$19
   9	Ohio	$37,102	$18
   10	Pennsylvania	$36,725	$18
   11	North Carolina	$36,521	$18
   12	Utah	$35,792	$17
   13	Colorado	$35,270	$17
   14	California	$34,990	$17
   15	Tennessee	$34,058	$16
   16	Missouri	$33,686	$16
   17	South Carolina	$33,244	$16
   18	Arizona	$32,332	$16
   19	Texas	$31,561	$15
   20	Kansas	$29,228	$14

   Average printer operator salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Quad	$61,150	$29.40	16
   2	Judd Wire	$58,826	$28.28	6
   3	Justrite	$54,097	$26.01
   4	BD	$51,694	$24.85	4
   5	GPAC	$50,375	$24.22
   6	Ball	$49,956	$24.02	4
   7	Broadridge	$47,630	$22.90	39
   8	Centene	$45,646	$21.95	1
   9	Novolex	$45,514	$21.88	6
   10	State of Arizona	$43,822	$21.07	1
   11	Canon	$43,533	$20.93	5
   12	Creative Converting	$42,955	$20.65
   13	Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago	$42,739	$20.55
   14	Alliance Defending Freedom	$42,637	$20.50
   15	IWCO Direct	$42,267	$20.32	4
   16	CSG	$41,337	$19.87
   17	Hoffmaster	$41,277	$19.84
   18	Graphic Packaging International	$41,058	$19.74	22
   19	Dairy Farmers of America	$40,899	$19.66	63
   20	Crown Holdings	$39,303	$18.90	6

4. Writing a printer operator job description

   A printer operator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a printer operator job description:

   Printer operator job description example

   You could be the one who changes everything for our 26 million members. Centene is transforming the health of our communities, one person at a time. As a diversified, national organization, you'll have access to competitive benefits including a fresh perspective on workplace flexibility.
   
   Position Purpose: Position is a subject matter expert in all aspects of the print production environment and participates in production process improvement. Provides supplementary oversight of the production environment. Ensures equipment and team produces a product of high quality and high output. Reviews work orders, runs samples, gets approvals on orders as dictated by delivery objectives. Assists with training, leads and assists others in the department.
   Essential Functions:
   
   Leads efforts to assess and report on equipment performance, and engagement with OEM service providers to ensure standards are maintained.
   
   Loads paper in digital press and offline finishing equipment.
   
   Calibrates the digital print engines, troubleshoot mechanical issues, and resolves issues with print quality.
   
   Completes regular quality control check of output to maintain quality standards.
   
   Prepares output for delivery to offsite mail house.
   
   Scans and checks through daily tickets to make sure everything is filled out properly.
   
   Handles and answers escalated complaints in connection with delivery delays, order errors and quality problems.
   
   Works with teams for files and/ or artwork needed, new products, creating new forms, etc.
   
   Completes weekly inventory of raw materials (substrates, toner, packaging, etc.)
   
   Coordinates weekly preventive machine maintenance on all machine.
   
   Assists leadership in creating and revising work instructions to enforce and enhance best practices.
   
   Assists with supervision of the print room and provides training to new and existing associates.
   
   Prepares all incoming print and mail requests, distributes requests, schedules routing status, and schedules due date.
   
   Communicates with user/customer from start to finish of production.
   
   Oversees that all appropriate sign-offs are received.
   
   Manages production planning, scheduling, estimating and processing of orders to meet delivery objectives.
   
   Directs proof layouts through the Print administration team.
   
   Assures quality standards are met on all jobs prior to print including all automated jobs.
   
   Performs other duties when assigned Additional Responsibilities:
   
   Candidate Education/Experience: Required A High School or GED Required 3+ years of experience in print production Required Other Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and knowledge of operating all relevant equipment Licenses and Certifications:A license in one of the following is required:
   
   Our Comprehensive Benefits Package: Flexible work solutions including remote options, hybrid work schedules and dress flexibility, Competitive pay, Paid time off including holidays, Health insurance coverage for you and your dependents, 401(k) and stock purchase plans, Tuition reimbursement and best-in-class training and development.
   
   Centene is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, and values the ways in which we are different. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other characteristic protected by applicable law.
   
   **TITLE:** Print Operator
   
   **LOCATION:** Troy, Michigan
   
   **REQNUMBER:** 1332375

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find printer operators for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any printer operators they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level printer operators with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your printer operator job on Zippia to find and recruit printer operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit printer operators, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new printer operator

   Once you've selected the best printer operator candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new printer operator first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire a printer operator?