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Copier Operator, Photocopier Operator, Printing Machine Operator
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Books, magazines, pamphlets, and posters are examples of published materials. Creating them involves work by various individuals:
Printing transfers the texts and images onto paper that we can hold. Printing involves 3 stages:
Digital printing machine operators run machines that print images. Their duties and responsibilities vary with the type of machine. In general, they:
Some operators perform routine maintenance such as cleaning machines and replacing worn parts. In small shops, duties may include answering telephones and responding to customer questions. Printing machine operators also may:
In some settings, digital printing machine operators may be in charge of binding and finishing.
Working conditions vary. In companies with many machines, the work setting may be a large plant. Smaller print shops that employ 8 to 10 people are most often located in industrial bays or retail locations. Operators may need to work shifts. Working overtime to meet deadlines is common.
Digital printing machine operators frequently lift heavy loads of paper. They spend a lot of time standing, bending, and stooping. Workplace hazards include moving heavy machinery, handling chemicals, and being exposed to solvent fumes. They must follow standard safety practices and understand occupational health and safety legislation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Click or tap a personality type for its description.
Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.
To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Plateless printing equipment operators
2023 OaSIS: 94150.00
The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.
The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.
The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.
To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.
Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.
This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:
Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.
This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:
Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance.
This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:
Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:
Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking.
This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:
Digital printing machine operators need:
Those who work directly with customers also need good customer service skills.
Printing machine operators should enjoy taking a methodical approach to programming printers and to operating and troubleshooting machines. They need a good understanding of digital data-to-print systems. They should be comfortable working with little supervision.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 80 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 06, 2021 and Oct 08, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Set up and make adjustments to printing machines | 64 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Operate and monitor printing machines during print run and make adjustments | 64 |
| Tasks: Review work order to determine job specifications | 62 |
| Attention to detail | 47 |
| Tasks: Input codes and key in programming data on console keyboard of computerized machines | 44 |
| Experience: Will train | 39 |
| Tasks: Clean machines and replace worn parts | 34 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 30 |
| Equipment and Machinery Experience: Printing machine | 28 |
| Equipment and Machinery Experience: Computerized high speed colour copiers | 26 |
Digital printing machine operators often learn on the job. They may work with database information and graphics. They must update their skills often to keep up with changing technology. Employers may prefer to hire high school graduates who have related training or experience with computer-operated equipment. Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training is an asset.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Digital printing machine operators work for:
Experienced operators may become estimators (quote prices for customers) or production managers. Or they may move into marketing and sales.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Plateless printing equipment operators
2016 NOC: 9471
79.5% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Digital printing machine operators who work for government printing services earned between $23 and $28 an hour (2018 estimate). Those who work for other types of employers tend to earn at the lower end of this range.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $18.00 | $26.75 | $23.43 | $25.00 |
| Overall | $23.60 | $30.00 | $26.92 | $27.00 |
| Top | $25.00 | $41.53 | $31.20 | $27.81 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $52,206 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $52,178 |
Canadian Printing Industries Association (CPIA) website: www.cpia-aci.ca
Printing and Graphics Industries Association of Alberta (PGIA) website: www.pgia.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2024. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
