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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 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in copying information to input codes and to key programming data on console keyboards of computerized machines
Interest in operating printing machines
Interest in setting up and making adjustments to printing machines, such as filling ink and paint reservoirs and loading stock
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
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 77 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 06, 2021 and Apr 18, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Set up and make adjustments to printing machines | 62 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Operate and monitor printing machines during print run and make adjustments | 62 |
| Tasks: Review work order to determine job specifications | 60 |
| Attention to detail | 47 |
| Tasks: Input codes and key in programming data on console keyboard of computerized machines | 42 |
| Experience: Will train | 37 |
| 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 short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta 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 2016 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.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $22.00 | $16.39 | $15.70 |
| Overall | $15.41 | $26.00 | $19.15 | $16.59 |
| Top | $17.80 | $37.50 | $25.91 | $20.65 |
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 | $40,671 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $47,095 |
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.
