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How to hire a web press operator

Web press operator hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring web press operators in the United States:

  • In the United States, the median cost per hire a web press operator is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new web press operator to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire a web press operator, step by step

To hire a web press operator, you need to identify the specific skills and experience you want in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and advertise the job opening to attract potential candidates. To hire a web press operator, you should follow these steps:

Here's a step-by-step web press 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 web press operator job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new web press operator
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    Before you start hiring a web press operator, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a web press operator to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a web press operator that fits the bill.

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

    Type of Web Press OperatorDescriptionHourly rate
    Web Press Operator$12-25
    Screen Making TechnicianA 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
    CompositorCompositors are the creators of a frame, shot, or sequence final image. They usually combine various digital elements to produce a believable picture... Show more$11-40
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Offset Printing
    • Hand Tools
    • Troubleshoot
    • Quality Products
    • Quality Standards
    • UV
    • PMS
    • Routine Maintenance
    • Press Operation
    • Clamp Truck
    • Offset Web
    • Offset Press
    • Load Paper
    • Press Cylinders
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Operate flexo press machine with intent of minimizing downtime and achieving production goals.
    • Complete all repairs and maintenance work to ISO standards.
    • Monitor, troubleshoot, make folder adjustments; perform folder changeover operations.
    • Assist in social media efforts, including maintenance of company Facebook page and implementation of Facebook marketing campaigns using third-party apps.
    • Press operator on misc multicolore Heidelberg and Komori presses
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your web press operator job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A web press operator can vary based on:

    • Location. For example, web press operators' average salary in alabama is 42% less than in rhode island.
    • Seniority. Entry-level web press operators 48% less than senior-level web press operators.
    • Certifications. A web press operator with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a web press operator's salary.

    Average web press operator salary

    $37,838yearly

    $18.19 hourly rate

    Entry-level web press operator salary
    $27,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 17, 2025
  4. Writing a web press operator job description

    A good web press operator job description should include a few things:

    • Summary of the role
    • List of responsibilities
    • Required skills and experience

    Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a web press operator job description:

    Web press operator job description example


    Duties and Responsibilities
    • Works with crew members in operating the press and folder, cleaning and maintaining equipment, changing paper rolls, and performing other assigned duties. This includes, but is not limited to ensuring maintenance activities are thoroughly accomplished and documented.
    • Consistently inspects for and maintains a high quality of web work.
    • Works with the Crew Leader to see all running samples are pulled, inspected, and initialed.
    • Ensure sample copies are of the highest quality.
    • Follows all SOPs and works to ensure others on the crew do also.
    • When violations or errors are made, operators are responsible for either informing the Crew Leader or training (correcting) the individual as appropriate.
    • Verify press counts by checking auto count to the counters and initial packing slips as appropriate. Ensure all auto count printouts and computer entries are correct and accurate.
    • Works to keep the entire press area clean at all times, both during production runs and down time, using the resources of him/herself and others efficiently as well as instructing others on the crew to ensure the Crew Leader’s requirements are efficiently and expeditiously met.
    • Successfully completes the department’s training program.
    • Ensures safety policies and procedures are met. If functioning in the Crew Leaders or 1st Operator’s absences, this would include the activities of all Direct Reports and yourself such as: PPEs, ergonomics, chemical hazards, etc. Performing these duties in a manner that protects the health and safety of all employees.
    • Maintains a rotation among crewmembers to each workstation on the press.
    • Work where directed, be it on varying presses or in other departments.


    Minimum Requirements
    • Must be 18 or older with a high school diploma or equivalent
    • Previous web press experience
    • Quality-conscious and production-oriented
    • Good at problem solving and making decisions
    • Ability to work without supervision
    • Motivated to do the best job possible
    • Strong attention to detail with the ability to read and interpret documents
    • Good with people and possess some written and oral communication skills
    • Must possess mechanical skills
    • Must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide all units of measure
    • Must have basic electronic and computer keyboard knowledge
    • This position requires more than 7 hours of standing on feet and walking
    • Able to lift and bend for extended periods of time
    • Ability to visually identify product defects
    • Fill, lift, and stack cartons that weight up to 50 lbs. from floor to shoulder heights with or without reasonable accommodations with frequent repetition
    • Manufacturing environment with noise exposure to varying levels (Hearing protection provided)


    Disclaimer
    The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

    All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.

    GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.

  5. Post your job

    To find web press 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 web press operators they would recommend.
    • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level web press 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 web press operator job on Zippia to find and recruit web press operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    To successfully recruit web press operators, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

    You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

    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 web press operator

    Once you've found the web press operator candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

    It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

    After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new web press operator. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

  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 web press operator?

Hiring a web press operator comes with both the one-time cost per hire and ongoing costs. The cost of recruiting web press operators involves promoting the job and spending time conducting interviews. Ongoing costs include employee salary, training, benefits, insurance, and equipment. It is essential to consider the cost of web press operator recruiting as well the ongoing costs of maintaining the new employee.

Web press operators earn a median yearly salary is $37,838 a year in the US. However, if you're looking to find web press operators for hire on a contract or per-project basis, hourly rates typically range between $12 and $25.

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