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National

Median wages (2008) $16.21 hourly, $33,710 annual
Employment (2006) 48,000 employees
Projected growth (2006-2016) Decline slowly or moderately (-3% to -9%)
Projected need (2006-2016) 5,000 additional employees
51-5021.00 - Job Printers

Set type according to copy; operate press to print job order; and read proof for errors and clarity of impression, and correct imperfections. Job printers are often found in small establishments where work combines several job skills.

Sample of reported job titles: Pressman, Press Operator, Printer, Offset Pressman, Info Print Press Operator, Press Technician, Production Manager, Typesetter, Lithographic Press Operator, Offset Press Operator

Tasks

  • Examine proofs or printed sheets in order to detect errors and to evaluate the adequacy of impression clarity.
  • Fill ink fountains and move levers to adjust the flow of ink.
  • Set feed guides according to sizes and thicknesses of paper.
  • Operate cylinder or automatic platen presses to print job orders.
  • Clean ink rollers after runs are completed.
  • Position type in locked chases on beds of presses and tighten clamps, using wrenches.
  • Lay forms on proof presses, ink type, fasten paper to press rollers, and pull rollers over forms to make proof copies.
  • Design and set up product compositions and page layouts.
  • Reset type to correct typographical errors.

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Tools & Technology

Tools used in this occupation:

Air dryers — Air knives; Infrared dryers
Industrial shrink wrap equipment — Shrink wrappers
Offset printing presses — Offset presses
Printing presses — Web presses
Scanners — Color separation scanners; Drum scanners

Technology used in this occupation:

Desktop publishing software — Adobe Systems Adobe PageMaker
Electronic mail software — Email software
Graphics or photo imaging software — Graphics software; Image editing software
Project management software — Job tracking software; Printing management system software
Word processing software
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51-4072.00 Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
51-4081.00 Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
51-4111.00 Tool and Die Makers
51-5022.00 Prepress Technicians and Workers
51-5023.00 Printing Machine Operators