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Litho Press Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Press Operator

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$15.25 - $19.75/hr

Join a Legacy of Quality, Innovation, and Community Modern Litho is a local, family-owned printing ... The Role You Have Been Looking For As a Press Operator you will be responsible for operating a ...

Press Operator

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$15.25 - $19.75/hr

Join a Legacy of Quality, Innovation, and Community Modern Litho is a local, family-owned printing ... The Role You Have Been Looking For As a Press Operator you will be responsible for operating a ...

Press Operator

Kansas City, MO

$15.25 - $19.75/hr

Join a Legacy of Quality, Innovation, and Community Modern Litho is a local, family-owned printing ... The Role You Have Been Looking For As a Press Operator you will be responsible for operating a ...

Press Operator

Breese, IL · On-site

$15 - $19.50/hr

JOB SUMMARY The operator will Prepare customer files for Digital presses and Litho Press. Generates proofs and PDF files for client approval. Additionally, this operator will effectively utilize all ...

Press Operator

Breese, IL · On-site

$15 - $19.50/hr

JOB SUMMARY The operator will Prepare customer files for Digital presses and Litho Press. Generates proofs and PDF files for client approval. Additionally, this operator will effectively utilize all ...

The Litho Press Operator is responsible for performing machine operator tasks in the set-up, maintenance, and operation of a litho printing press. SHIFT: 6pm - 6am, rotating Responsibilities ...

Sheetfed Pressman

Shakopee, MN · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

The Litho Press Operator is responsible for performing machine operator tasks in the set-up, maintenance, and operation of a litho printing press. SHIFT: 6pm - 6am, rotating Responsibilities ...

The Litho Press Operator is responsible for performing machine operator tasks in the set-up, maintenance, and operation of a litho printing press. SHIFT: 6pm - 6am, rotating Responsibilities ...

Press Helper - 1st Shift

Garner, NC · On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

We are currently recruiting for a Litho Press Helper to join our Production Team! This role will assist the Press Operators by operating the feeder and consistently keeping the press running, keeping ...

Press Helper - 2nd Shift

Garner, NC · On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

We are currently recruiting for a Litho Press Helper, 2nd Shift to join our Production Team ! This role will assist the Press Operators by operating the feeder and consistently keeping the press ...

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Litho Press Operator information

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$12

$18

$27

How much do litho press operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for litho press operator in the United States is $18.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Litho Press Operator vs Flexo Press Operator?

AspectLitho Press OperatorFlexo Press Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical trainingHigh school diploma, technical training
Work EnvironmentPrinting plants, large pressesPackaging, label printing facilities
Industry UsageCommercial printing, publishingFlexible packaging, labels
Job FocusOffset lithography printingFlexographic printing on various substrates

Both Litho Press Operators and Flexo Press Operators work in printing environments with technical skills and similar credentials. The main difference lies in the printing methods: litho presses use offset lithography, while flexo presses use flexible plates for packaging and labels. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers find the right role aligned with their skills and industry interests.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Litho Press Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Litho Press Operator, you need a thorough understanding of lithographic printing processes, strong mechanical aptitude, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with offset printing machines, color management systems, and quality control tools is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure efficient machine operation, minimize errors, and maintain high-quality print standards in production environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Litho Press Operators and how can they be managed?

Litho Press Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent print quality, troubleshooting mechanical issues, and meeting tight production deadlines. Managing these challenges typically involves staying vigilant for color variations or misalignments, performing regular equipment maintenance, and communicating closely with team members such as prepress technicians and quality control staff. Developing strong problem-solving skills and keeping up-to-date with the latest printing technology can also help operators navigate these common hurdles effectively.

What is the highest paying operator job?

Among printing press operators, those working as flexographic or rotogravure press operators tend to earn higher wages due to specialized skills and equipment. Additionally, senior or supervisory press operators with extensive experience and certifications can command higher salaries. Overall, advanced roles with technical expertise and leadership responsibilities typically offer the highest pay in press operation careers.

Is a press operator a hard job?

A litho press operator's job can be physically demanding and requires attention to detail, manual dexterity, and the ability to operate and maintain printing presses safely. It often involves working in a noisy environment and adhering to safety protocols, but with proper training, it is manageable for those with technical skills. The job may require shift work and the ability to handle repetitive tasks efficiently.

What kind of jobs in media bring in $150,000 a year?

A Litho Press Operator typically earns between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, so reaching $150,000 is uncommon in this role. High salaries in media-related jobs often come from executive positions such as media directors, production managers, or senior graphic designers with extensive experience and specialized skills. Advanced certifications, leadership responsibilities, and working in large organizations can contribute to higher earnings in media industries.

What is a litho press operator?

A litho press operator is a skilled worker who operates lithographic printing presses to produce high-quality printed materials. They set up, adjust, and maintain the presses, ensuring accurate color registration and print quality, often requiring knowledge of printing techniques and safety procedures.
More about Litho Press Operator jobs
What states have the most Litho Press Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Litho Press Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Litho Press Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Litho Press Operator jobs are:
Offset Sheetfed Press Operator, Team Lead

Offset Sheetfed Press Operator, Team Lead

Resource Label Group

Garner, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted yesterday


Resource Label Group rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

The Lead Litho Press Operator provides hands-on leadership for daily operations and maintenance in the Litho Press department. This role sets the pace for safety, quality, and throughput-coordinating crew assignments, ensuring efficient make-ready and color control, resolving press issues, and supporting continuous improvement. The Lead partners closely with Scheduling, Prepress, Bindery, and Quality to meet customer specifications, delivery commitments, and plant performance targets.
Responsibilities:
  • Run the start-of-shift huddle: safety alerts, job priorities, quality focus points, and resource assignments.
  • Coordinate crew assignments across Heidelberg presses based on job complexity, skills, and priorities.
  • Serve as the first responder for technical issues (registration, color, web/sheet handling, marking, scumming, streaking, roller settings).
  • Oversee shift handoff communications and ensure complete documentation in job travelers/press logs.
  • Ensure efficient make-ready practices: plate mounting, blanket/cylinder checks, ink/water balance, wash-ups, changeovers.
  • Validate imposition, plates, substrates, and ink sets before release to production; escalate discrepancies to Prepress/Planning.
  • Achieve/maintain color standards (densities, ΔE, gray balance, G7 targets where applicable) and document results.
  • Maintain documentation and traceability (lot/batch tracking for inks/substrates, line clearance, label control) as required by customers and, where applicable, GMP/ISO standards.
  • Conduct and enforce operator PMs (roller care, blankets, filters, lubrication, wash systems) and escalate issues for maintenance.
  • Verify tooling and consumables readiness (plates, blankets, fountain solution, pressroom chemistry, wash rags, spray powder).
  • Support root cause analysis for downtime, quality defects, or repeat issues; drive corrective actions.
  • Ability to operate offset presses as needed.
  • Enforce safety procedures (LOTO, nip guards, chemical handling, ergonomics) and report near-misses/incidents.
  • Promote a culture of ownership, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
  • 5+ years of experience in offset lithography with Heidelberg sheetfed (e.g., Speedmaster) or equivalent presses.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in make-ready, color management, and troubleshooting on multi-color presses (aqueous/UV coatings a plus).
  • Strong understanding of substrates, ink/water balance, coatings, and pressroom chemistry.
  • Ability to read job tickets, color standards, proofs, and prepress documentation (plates/impositions).
  • Proven leadership in a working lead or senior operator capacity-coaching, prioritizing, and communicating.
  • Basic PC skills; comfort with press consoles, data entry, and quality recording systems.
  • Frequent standing, walking, reaching, and lifting up to 50 lbs; manual handling of paper, plates, blankets.
  • Work in a production environment with inks, coatings, solvents, noise; required use of PPE.
  • Ability to work assigned shift schedule, overtime, and weekends as needed.