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Inking Jobs (NOW HIRING)

RR Donnelley

Press Feeder

Pittsburgh, PA

Inspects the fountain solution, inking systems, rolls of paper and the mechanisms related to the reels * Maintains proper inventory of paper. Records usage and spoilage on SPC report * Ensures that ...

RR Donnelley

Press Feeder

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

Inspects the fountain solution, inking systems, rolls of paper and the mechanisms related to the reels * Maintains proper inventory of paper. Records usage and spoilage on SPC report * Ensures that ...

RR Donnelley

Press Assistant 3 1st shift

Cudahy, WI

$17.50 - $19/hr

Inspects the fountain solution, inking systems, rolls of paper and the mechanisms related to the reels. * Maintains proper inventory of paper. Records usage and spoilage on SPC report. * Ensures that ...

RR Donnelley

Ink Service 2 - 1st Shift

Oakdale, MN · On-site

$22.89 - $37.13/hr

Inspects the fountain solution, inking systems, rolls of paper and the mechanisms related to the reels * Maintains proper storage of plates * Ensures that the roll of paper is properly unwrapped ...

RR Donnelley

Press Assistant 2

Durham, NC · On-site

$19 - $25.65/hr

Inspects the fountain solution, inking systems, rolls of paper and the mechanisms related to the reels * Maintains proper inventory of paper. Records usage and spoilage on SPC report * Ensures that ...

RR Donnelley

Press Feeder

Pittsburgh, PA

$19 - $23/hr

Inspects the fountain solution, inking systems, rolls of paper and the mechanisms related to the reels * Maintains proper inventory of paper. Records usage and spoilage on SPC report * Ensures that ...

RR Donnelley

Press Assistant 2

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$22.50 - $28.29/hr

Inspects the fountain solution, inking systems, rolls of paper and the mechanisms related to the reels * Maintains proper inventory of paper. Records usage and spoilage on SPC report * Ensures that ...

R.R. Donnelley

Press Feeder

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

Inspects the fountain solution, inking systems, rolls of paper and the mechanisms related to the reels * Maintains proper inventory of paper. Records usage and spoilage on SPC report * Ensures that ...

RR Donnelley

Press Assistant 2

Greensboro, NC

$18 - $24.30/hr

Inspects the fountain solution, inking systems, rolls of paper and the mechanisms related to the reels * Maintains proper inventory of paper. Records usage and spoilage on SPC report * Ensures that ...

RR Donnelley

Printing Press Feeder

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$36K - $49K/yr

Inspects the fountain solution, inking systems, rolls of paper and the mechanisms related to the reels * Maintains proper inventory of paper. Records usage and spoilage on SPC report * Ensures that ...

RR Donnelley

Press Assistant 2

Greensboro, NC · On-site

$18 - $24.30/hr

Inspects the fountain solution, inking systems, rolls of paper and the mechanisms related to the reels * Maintains proper inventory of paper. Records usage and spoilage on SPC report * Ensures that ...

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Inking information

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$12

$17

$22

How much do inking jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for inking in the United States is $17.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Inking jobs?

Inking jobs refer to positions in the art and comic book industries where an artist, known as an inker, outlines and enhances the pencil drawings created by another artist. The inker uses ink to define lines, add depth, and prepare the artwork for printing or digital publication. This role is crucial in transforming rough sketches into polished, finished illustrations. Inkers need a strong sense of line, texture, and shading, and often collaborate closely with pencillers and colorists.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Inker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Inker, you need advanced drawing skills, a keen eye for detail, and a strong understanding of line work and shading, usually developed through art education or professional experience. Familiarity with tools such as brushes, pens, digital tablets, and software like Adobe Photoshop or Clip Studio Paint is essential. Creativity, patience, and effective communication are important soft skills for interpreting penciler intent and collaborating with other artists. These skills and qualities are vital to producing polished, expressive artwork that brings comic and illustration projects to life.

What is an inking job?

An inking job involves applying ink to create artwork, illustrations, or designs, often in fields like comic book art, animation, or tattooing. It requires steady hand skills, knowledge of tools such as brushes or pens, and attention to detail to produce clean, precise lines.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

Inking jobs, such as professional tattoo artists, can earn $10,000 or more per month with experience, a strong portfolio, and client base, often without requiring a formal degree. Success depends on skill, reputation, and business management, and many work independently or in studios with flexible schedules.

How to become an inker?

To become an inker, you typically need to develop strong drawing and inking skills through art education or self-study, and gain experience with tools like pens, brushes, and digital tablets. Building a portfolio and understanding industry standards can help you secure work in comic books, animation, or illustration fields. Some positions may require knowledge of specific software or adherence to deadlines and project specifications.

What is the difference between Inking vs Tattoo Artist?

AspectInkingTattoo Artist
CredentialsTypically no formal certification, but some training in safety and techniquesRequires apprenticeship, licensing, and certification in many regions
Work EnvironmentDesigning and creating ink-based artwork, often in studios or on digital platformsApplying permanent tattoos on clients in tattoo studios or shops
Industry UsageUsed in graphic design, illustration, and digital artUsed in body art and personal expression

Inking generally refers to creating ink-based artwork, including digital or graphic design, while a tattoo artist specializes in applying permanent ink tattoos on skin. Both roles involve working with ink, but their environments, skills, and certifications differ significantly.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in inking roles within the art and publishing industry?

Inking professionals often encounter tight deadlines, especially when working on comic books or graphic novels where turnaround times can be demanding. Maintaining consistency in line quality and adapting to the styles of various pencillers can also be challenging. Additionally, inking requires keen attention to detail, as small mistakes can be difficult to correct and may impact the final appearance of the artwork. Collaboration with writers, pencillers, and colorists is essential, making strong communication skills a valuable asset.

Are illustrators still in demand?

Illustrators are still in demand in various industries such as publishing, advertising, and entertainment, especially with the growth of digital media. Success often depends on strong portfolio development, proficiency with design software, and adaptability to new trends and technologies.
More about Inking jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Inking jobs? The most popular types of Inking jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Inking jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Inking jobs are:
Inking jobs near you
Infographic showing various Inking job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 17% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,822 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Press Feeder

RR Donnelley

Pittsburgh, PA

Full-time, Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Company Description

RRD is a leading global provider of marketing, packaging, print, and supply chain solutions that elevate engagement across the complete customer journey. The company offers the industry’s most trusted portfolio of creative execution and world-wide business process consulting, with services designed to lower environmental impact. With 22,000 clients, including 93% of the Fortune 100, and 32,000 employees across 28 countries, RRD brings the expertise, execution, and scale designed to transform customer touchpoints into meaningful moments of impact.

Job Description

Position will be on 2nd shift - 3pm - 11pm, after a training period on daylight.  2nd shift does pay an additional $2/hr shift premium!) 

  • Prepares the press for a run by verifying job specs and setting up the press accordingly
  • Inspects the fountain solution, inking systems, rolls of paper and the mechanisms related to the reels
  • Maintains proper inventory of paper. Records usage and spoilage on SPC report
  • Ensures that the roll of paper is properly unwrapped, mounted and ready to be spliced
  • Monitors the flow of paper throughout the run. Prepares and installs new roll when necessary
  • Works in conjunction with the press operators and other assigned Press Assistants in the preventative maintenance of the presses.
  • Assists maintenance personnel in troubleshooting and making repairs to press
  • May assist with make-readies
  • May adjust ink, solvent, and varnish to ensure that proper color is established or maintained as required by location
  • Adheres to and promotes all safety policies and procedures including, but not limited to the proper handling of hazardous waste, lock out - tag out rules and hearing and eye protection policies
Qualifications

Previous experience in a printing environment preferred
Some experience in the operation of various hand tools preferred
Must be able to work in a team environment


Additional Information

The salary range for this role at the noted RRD location is $19 - $23 / hour. Starting pay decisions are determined based on multiple factors including but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, skills, experience, certifications, proficiency, performance, shift, location, and other business needs. Typically, roles follow step progressions to a target rate or set increments over time. Depending on the role, in addition to the hourly rate of pay, the total compensation package may also include overtime, shift differential, call-in, and/or stand-by pay. RRD’s benefit offerings include medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, disability insurance, 401(k) with company match, life insurance and other voluntary supplemental insurance coverages, plus parental leave, adoption assistance, tuition assistance and employer/partner discounts.

All employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of both a pre-employment background and drug screen.

RRD is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans