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

Finishing Operator

Valparaiso, IN

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

We are seeking a detail-oriented, entry-level and reliableFinishing Operator to join our fast-paced digital print production team. The ideal candidate will operate and maintain finishing equipment ...

Finishing Operator

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

We are seeking a detail-oriented, entry-level and reliable Finishing Operator to join our fast-paced digital print production team. The ideal candidate will operate and maintain finishing equipment ...

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:

Field Support Tech

Bloomingdale, IL · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

This is a Tech 1 position must have basic knowledge of printer, laptop, desktop, server and network ... A+ certification required within 6 months of hire. Entry level to medium years of experience ...

Field Support Tech

Bloomingdale, IL · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

This is a Tech 1 position must have basic knowledge of printer, laptop, desktop, server and network ... A+ certification required within 6 months of hire. Entry level to medium years of experience ...

As an Entry-Level IT Support Technician, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth ... printers, mobile devices, and other peripherals. - Install, configure, and maintain software ...

General Labor - Days

Niles, IL · On-site

$18.58/hr

We are looking to invest in long term employees who are interested in a career in the printing industry. Our goal is to grow our entry level associates into other positions within the organization.

We are looking to invest in long term employees who are interested in a career in the printing industry. Our goal is to grow our entry level associates into other positions within the organization.

Build and troubleshoot printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs), proprietary sensors and other electro‑mechanical hardware * Help integrate our modems into undersea drones and other cutting‑edge ...

Prepress Administrator

Niles, IL · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Previous experience in prepress, graphic communications, print production, packaging, or a related manufacturing environment preferred; entry-level candidates with strong technical aptitude may be ...

New

Previous experience in prepress, graphic communications, print production, packaging, or a related manufacturing environment preferred; entry-level candidates with strong technical aptitude may be ...

New

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Print information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$22

$50

How much do entry level print jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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 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 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 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, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,906 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Machine Operator (Printing Press) - Starting Pay - $35.61!

Graphic Packaging International, Inc.

Elk Grove Village, IL • On-site

$35.61/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Graphic Packaging International rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 125 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

86th of 122 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description


OPPORTUNITY: We are a Food service folding carton manufacturing operation seeking candidates to join our Elk Grove Village, IL team. We're recruiting for multiple positions so be sure you review all of our job postings. This job posting is for a Press – 1st Operator with a pay range of $35.61 to $40.46/hour plus shift differential and progressive pay increases. We continually encourage our employees to advance their careers through on the job training and job progression through our strong promotion from within program. We offer a wide array of benefits including, but not limited to, Paid Vacation & Holidays, optional Health, Dental, and Life Insurance, including health spending accounts and a progressive healthy lifestyle program, as well as 401-K with a company matching component and standard supplemental company contributions. Employees may voluntarily elect Pet Insurance, Home & Auto Insurance Programs, Purchasing Power, Tuition Reimbursement, Aflac, Lifelock Identity Protection, and Hyatt Legal Services. Tobacco Cessation and Employee Assistance/Referral Program, Uniform Service, Safety Shoe, and Safety Prescription-Eyewear benefits are also available.

Please review all of our job postings and apply for each position you feel you're qualified and would like to be considered for.

JOB SUMMARY: The person who occupies this position is responsible for running printing presses as efficiently and safely as possible. Pressman is also responsible for overall quality of sheets printed. Operators understand and align business operations and Finishing Department as he/she executes their role to exceed customer expectations and align with GPI business, cultural, financial and operational objectives.

JOB FUNCTIONS: Job functions include, but are not limited to the following.

  • Responsible for overall quality of printed sheets. Pressman selects random sheets from each load and checks that they have appropriate color, register, type and are void of unnecessary markings.
  • When problems are encountered, pressman is to determine cause and adjust press to correct error.
  • Pressman responsible for removing full pallets from press with handtruck and placing a new pallet on press.
  • Must maintain written records of production and quality. Records include production time, amount produced, time wasted on corrections and waiting for materials and amount of defective materials. Records of color quality are also recorded and graphed.
  • Responsible for performing duties of second pressman or feeder when needed in order to keep press running.
  • Responsible for press make-ready (adjust press to accommodate for new printing job to be done). (Refer to manual on quick change over procedure).
  • Must assist second pressman and feeder with monthly cleaning of press. Press is thoroughly cleaned, oiled and greased. Rollers are changed if necessary.

BACKGROUND / EXPERIENCE / SKILLS:

  • Manufacturing experience preferred
  • Mechanical/technical aptitude
  • Entry Level Computer skills
  • Must be able to speak, read and write English. Must have basic math skills. Mechanical aptitude is preferred. Needs working knowledge of printing press.
  • Must have Feeder/Operator and Second Pressman experience.

EDUCATION / KNOWLEDGE:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent required.

SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS:

  • Schedules are up to 8 or 12-hour shifts on alternate days with rotating weekends off. However, employees must have the ability to work alternate schedules and overtime that may include early mornings, nights, and/or weekends and be punctual while doing so.
  • Some Departments/Jobs may run a M-F 8-hour Shift Schedule.
  • Must be willing and able to work overtime.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Sitting or standing, depending on changing job assignment, for extended periods.
  • Awkward and/or repetitive movements.
  • Physical and visual activities that are commonly associated* with the performance of the functions of this job:
    • Standing, walking, lifting (up to 40 lbs. without assistance and up to 100 lbs. with assistance), carrying (same as lifting), pushing (empty pallets onto press), pulling (loaded pallets from press delivery), stooping, bending, reaching, handling (pulling samples from press(, talking and hearing (communicating with other press members), visual acuity (far and near), color vision.
  • Physical demands commonly associated* with the performance of the functions of this job:
    • Function 3 requires ability to pull full pallet weighing between 1500 and 2000 pounds with handtruck.
    • Function 3 also requires ability to lift empty pallets (weighing 25-40 pounds) from stack of pallets (typ.5 ft. high) and placing at end of press.
    • Pressman's vision must be acute at distances of up to 40 ft. in order to communicate with feeder and second pressman.
    • Pressman's vision must be acute at short distances (20 inches or less) in order to inspect for quality of printing sheets. Color vision is required to detect variances in color of product.
    • Function 7 requires lifting of rollers weighing up to 100 lbs. Lifting is to be assisted by pressman or feeder when needed.
    • Press make ready duties requires physical ability to lift and carry ink buckets (up to 35 pounds). Buckets are carried up stairs (3 ft.) and lifted approximately4 ft. high.
  • Reading computer screen or other electronic devices.
  • Machines, Tools, Equipment, Software:
    • Printing press, CPC (Color Printer Control) (for Heidelberg presses), various wrenches and other related tools.
  • Inside Conditions (climate controlled in printing area), noise (from printing presses), vibration, odors, dust.


Required Experience



At Graphic Packaging International, we produce the paper cup that held your coffee this morning, the basket that transported those bottles of craft beer you enjoyed last weekend, and the microwave tray that heated your gourmet meal last night. We're one of the largest manufacturers of paperboard and paper-based packaging for some of the world's most recognized brands of food, beverage, foodservice, household, personal care and pet products. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, we are collaborative, diverse, innovative individuals who create inspired packaging while giving back to our communities. With over 25,000 employees working in more than 130 locations worldwide, we strive to be environmentally responsible in our industry and in the communities where we operate. We are committed to workplace diversity and offer compensation and benefits programs that are among the industry's best to reward the talented people who make our company successful. If this sounds like something you would like to be a part of, we'd love to hear from you. Learn more about us at www.graphicpkg.com.
Inspired Packaging. A World of Difference.


Graphic Packaging is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All candidates will be evaluated on the basis of their qualifications for the job in question. We do not base our employment decision on an employee's or applicant's race, color, religion, age, gender or sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic identity, genetic information, disability, veteran/military status or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. Click here to view the Poster, EEO is the Law.


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