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Entry Level Print Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Printing Industry background a plus * Entry level to 2 years experience as a 2nd Press Operator is a plus * Autonomous, resourceful, accountable, and meticulous * Great team spirit, flexible * Salary:

Printing Industry background a plus * Entry level to 2 years experience as a 2nd Press Operator is a plus * Autonomous, resourceful, accountable, and meticulous * Great team spirit, flexible * Salary:

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Entry Level Print information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$22

$50

How much do entry level print jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level print in Chicago, IL is $22.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $22.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level print job?

Entry level print jobs are positions in the printing industry that require little to no prior experience. These roles typically involve assisting with printing presses, preparing materials, operating basic equipment, and performing quality checks. Entry level print workers may work in commercial print shops, publishing houses, or packaging companies. The positions provide a foundation for learning about printing processes, machinery, and materials, with opportunities for advancement as skills and experience grow.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level print production assistant, and why are they important?

To succeed as an Entry Level Print Production Assistant, you generally need basic knowledge of printing processes, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with print production software such as Adobe Creative Suite and experience with digital or offset printing equipment is often required. Strong organizational skills, communication, and the ability to work efficiently under deadlines are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure accurate, timely production of printed materials and help maintain quality standards in a fast-paced print environment.

What is the difference between Entry Level Print vs Entry Level Graphic Designer?

AspectEntry Level PrintEntry Level Graphic Designer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic knowledge of printing processesHigh school diploma; some may have an associate degree or certificate in graphic design
Work EnvironmentPrint shops, manufacturing facilities, or publishing companiesDesign studios, advertising agencies, or corporate marketing departments
Industry UsageUsed in printing and publishing industries for producing printed materialsUsed across various industries for creating visual content and digital designs
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Print roles focus on preparing and producing printed materials, often requiring knowledge of printing processes. Entry Level Graphic Designer positions involve creating visual content for both print and digital media, emphasizing design skills. While both roles may overlap in industries like publishing, they serve different functions—production versus creative design.

What are the typical responsibilities and learning opportunities for someone in an entry level print position?

In an entry-level print role, you can expect to handle tasks such as preparing files for print, operating basic printing equipment, performing quality checks, and assisting more experienced team members with setup and troubleshooting. This position offers valuable hands-on experience with various printing technologies and workflows. You'll often work closely with designers, prepress technicians, and production staff, which helps you understand the end-to-end print process. Over time, you'll have opportunities to take on more complex projects, learn advanced equipment, and potentially progress into supervisory or specialized roles within the printing industry.
What are the most commonly searched types of Print jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Print jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Print job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,906 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Entry Level Machine Operator - 1st Shift

Perfect Plastic Printing Corp

Saint Charles, IL

$17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

POSITION TITLE: MACHINE OPERATOR II (BURKLE)
Current Shift Availability: 1st Shift - Monday - Thursday 5:00 am - 3:30 pm. This is a full time, 40 hour per week position with full benefits offered (i.e. Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k Match, EAP and more). We foster an exceptional work environment with regular employee engagement/appreciation events, luncheons, growth opportunities, temperature controlled and clean work environment.
This position starts at $17.00/hour.
This is an entry level Machine Operator position, with the opportunity to learn several additional machines over time. Each new machine learned has an associated step raise included. If you are interested in personal and mechanical growth, this could be a great fit for you. If you are interested in the position below, feel free to apply.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  1. Follow all applicable sop’s (standard operating procedures).
  2. Receives job ticket and/or verbal instructions.
  3. Locates job, either in holding area or from collator.
  4. Reads and understands ticket, proof and verbal instructions; loads station accordingly.
  5. Follow first piece procedure or lamination test procedure.
  6. Maintains all quality procedures and maintains accurate records.
  7. Maintain correct plate handling and sheet guidance methods, as defined by scratch prevention training in sop m0314.
  8. Responsible to understand and maintain sop m0316, quality standards thereof.
  9. Use cotton gloves to protect plates from prints.
  10. Identify the load by writing down the job number. If the load consists of more than one job, identify the load accordingly.
  11. Performs other duties as required by shift supervisor.
  12. Enters accurate information into the m.i.s. As required.
  13. Able to maintain consistent production results per scheduled requirements.
  14. Alerts shift supervisor of any burke system problems, i.e. malfunctions, etc.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
  1. Standing throughout most of the shift
  2. Constant lateral arm movement (only stop is break and lunch).
  3. Constantly moving a wheeled cart
  4. Lifting 50-70 lbs (infrequent basis)
  5. Must have good communication skills (reasonably proficient at reading and speaking English)
  6. Basic knowledge about computers.
  7. Basic technical knowledge.
About us: Perfect Plastic Printing has been family owned since 1965 – we are a top 5 card manufacturer in the world, serving financial institutions both large and small. As a family owned company we have established a reputation as a valued service provider with dedicated customer service from concept to delivery. We are committed to making the highest quality plastic cards, a commitment we have kept for 55 years. We have built a reputation for loyalty to our customers by striving to be the best at producing consistently high quality cards, in volume, and with a demonstrated track record of on-time deliveries.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.