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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
Printing presses range from small, one-man, sheet-fed lithographic presses to large web-offset presses that require several operators. Their duties and responsibilities vary depending on the type of press. In general, press operators:
Different problems can arise during a run. Some problems depend on the type of plates, paper, ink, and chemicals used. Others depend on the humidity and temperature in the press room. Press operators must keep presses running to capacity. They also must keep ink and chemicals in the right balance and ensure reproduction meets quality standards.
Printing press operators usually work in climate-controlled press rooms. Shift work is common. Working overtime to meet print deadlines is part of the job.
Printing press operators stand for long periods. They do a lot of bending and reaching. They lift paper, ink rollers, and other heavy items. Workplace hazards include moving machinery, handling chemicals, and being exposed to solvent fumes and loud noises. They must follow standard safety practices and have a working knowledge of 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 comparing information to monitor regular press runs for quality consistency using computer control consoles, to make adjustments, and to check samples for ink coverage, alignment and registration; and in removing and cleaning plates at the end of press runs
Interest in setting up and adjusting in-line binding and finishing equipment
Interest in speaking with press crew to direct their activities and ensure that safety procedures are adhered to; and in reviewing job orders to determine job specifications, such as production time, colour sequence and quantities required, and in advising press crew of job specifications
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.
Printing press operators need:
They should enjoy being methodical in their work, setting up and adjusting presses, and working as team members.
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 36 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 12, 2021 and Jun 30, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Health benefits: Health care plan | 20 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Monitor regular press run for quality using computer control console | 20 |
| Attention to detail | 19 |
| Health benefits: Dental plan | 19 |
| Tasks: Set up press and operate at slow speed to check samples | 19 |
| Tasks: Review job orders to determine job specifications such as production time, colour sequence and quantities required, and advise press crew of these specifications | 18 |
| Ability to distinguish between colours | 17 |
| Type of Press: Flexographic press | 17 |
| Tasks: Remove and clean plates and cylinders at end of press run | 17 |
| Tasks: Mount plates or cylinders and make necessary adjustments | 17 |
Most printing press operators learn their skills on the job. Printing and publishing is an evolving industry. Printing press operators must be prepared to learn new skills. Computer skills and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training are definite assets.
There are no standard education requirements for printing press operators. However, employers prefer graduates of related training programs or high school grads with experience operating machines or equipment.
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
Printing press operators work for:
Where operating large presses means having a press crew, experienced operators may advance to lead hand, foreman, plant manager, or other supervisory positions.
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.
Printing press operators
2016 NOC: 7381
86.8% 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: 2023-2025 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.
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 | $16.00 | $27.30 | $20.90 | $21.00 |
| Overall | $21.00 | $35.38 | $28.12 | $29.00 |
| Top | $24.00 | $47.44 | $36.13 | $37.00 |
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 | $55,155 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $56,161 |
| Public Administration | $56,251 |
Canadian Printing Industries Association 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, 2020. 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.
