Printers

Snapshot

Printers set up and operate letterpress, lithographic, flexographic, gravure, newspaper, instant, digital and offset printing presses.

Job stats
How many are employed in this occupation?	16200
What are the average weekly earnings for full time workers ($ before tax)?	$923
How does unemployment compare with other occupations?	high
What is the vacancy level for this occupation?	moderate
What are the job prospects for this occupation?	average

This occupation may include associated occupations with varying tasks.

setting, adjusting and monitoring substrate-feed mechanisms, delivery mechanisms, inking systems and other printing machine functions
mixing ink and solvents to standard, and regulating paper and ink supply during print runs
monitoring, evaluating and determining press operations manually and by computer to check print quality standards against proofs and detect malfunctions
producing a variety of printed products using relief, lithographic, flexographic and gravure printing presses, and in-line finishing systems
preparing plates, blankets and impression cylinders on small offset lithographic printing presses
loading paper into feeding mechanisms
monitoring machine operations and quality of printing
undertaking maintenance, adjustment, repair and cleaning of machines
producing and managing digital print images, and transferring and outputting images
may set up and operate paper and bookbinding guillotines.