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Newspaper Press Operator Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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Newspaper Press Operator information

See Washington salary details

$13

$21

$31

How much do newspaper press operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for newspaper press operator in Washington is $21.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.98 and $23.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a newspaper press operator do?

A Newspaper Press Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining printing presses that produce newspapers. Their duties include loading paper, adjusting ink levels, monitoring print quality, and troubleshooting equipment issues to ensure smooth production. They work closely with other team members to meet deadlines and ensure that final printed newspapers are of high quality. Attention to detail and mechanical skills are important in this role, as operators must quickly resolve technical problems to minimize downtime.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a newspaper press operator?

To thrive as a Newspaper Press Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with offset printing presses, color management systems, and basic maintenance tools is typically required. Problem-solving skills, reliability, and effective teamwork help operators manage deadlines and resolve production issues efficiently. These skills are crucial for ensuring high-quality print runs, minimizing downtime, and meeting tight publication schedules.

What are some common challenges faced by newspaper press operators during a typical shift?

Newspaper Press Operators often encounter challenges such as tight production deadlines, managing mechanical issues with large printing presses, and ensuring print quality under time pressure. They must quickly troubleshoot and resolve jams or malfunctions to minimize downtime, all while maintaining strict quality control standards for color registration and clarity. Effective communication with editorial, prepress, and maintenance teams is essential to address last-minute changes and keep the workflow running smoothly.

What is the difference between Newspaper Press Operator vs Printing Press Operator?

AspectNewspaper Press OperatorPrinting Press Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; technical training or apprenticeship often preferred
Work EnvironmentNewspaper plants, print shops, fast-paced environmentVarious industries including commercial printing, packaging, and publishing
Industry UsagePrimarily in newspaper publishingBroader, including commercial and industrial printing
Job FocusOperating presses for newspapers, ensuring timely productionOperating presses for various print products, quality control

While both roles involve operating printing presses, Newspaper Press Operators focus specifically on producing newspapers in a fast-paced environment, often with tight deadlines. Printing Press Operators have a broader scope, working across different printing industries and products. Both roles require similar skills and certifications but differ mainly in the type of printing and industry focus.

Do you need experience to be a newspaper press operator?

While prior experience is not always required, most newspaper press operator positions prefer candidates with some knowledge of printing machinery and basic technical skills. Employers often provide on-the-job training to familiarize new operators with specific equipment and safety procedures.

How much do newspaper press operators make in the US?

In the United States, newspaper press operators typically earn a median annual wage of around $45,000 to $55,000. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and the complexity of the printing equipment operated. Skilled operators with certifications and experience may earn higher wages and work in environments that require attention to safety protocols.

Is a newspaper press operator a stressful job?

A newspaper press operator's job can be stressful due to tight deadlines, the need for precision, and operating large, complex machinery. The role often requires attention to detail, technical skills, and the ability to work under pressure, especially during early morning or late-night shifts. However, stress levels vary depending on the work environment and individual adaptability.

What are popular job titles related to Newspaper Press Operator jobs in Washington?

For Newspaper Press Operator jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Newspaper Press Operator jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Newspaper Press Operator jobs in Washington are:

Newspaper Press Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Newspaper Press Operator job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $44,525 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

Press Journeyman/Woman

Silver Spring, MD • On-site

Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
Video and Audio Streaming Services • 5 - 10K employees

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 19 rated publishing

Good employer

Respectful managers

Learn more about Dow Jones & Company, Inc.external

$48K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Job Description:
About the Team:
The team is part of the Print Operations Business.
About the Role
Production department: Printing and packaging of various newspaper titles including The Wall Street Journal, Barron's, Investors business daily and New York Post. You will perform daily press operations in the manufacturing of Dow Jones' and contract print publications in a cost-effective manner, with the highest quality standards available using existing technology. This includes Preparing, Operating and Maintain newspaper printing presses and all associated pressroom equipment. You will report to the Foreman/Woman and be based in White Oak, Maryland.
You Will:
  • Prepare presses for nightly operation of Dow Jones & Co. publications.
  • Perform press operations to continuously improve upon the Production Quality Score, which integrates key performance measures such as reproduction quality, content freshness, productivity, and cost-effective materials consumption.
  • Maintain open communication with supervisor and other employees to reach the goals and objectives of the department.
  • Assist in the training of new employees.
  • Meet established performance standards, attend recommended training and complete active assignments.
  • Understand and follow all corporate and plant policies/practices.
  • Keep accurate, useful and timely operational and maintenance records.
  • Work with the production manager to set equipment maintenance priorities.
  • Make pasters, web presses, push rolls, hang printing plates, set color and registration and general equipment cleaning and maintenance.
  • Meet customer expectations for reproduction quality, content freshness and productivity, while managing materials consumption cost-effectively.

You Have:
  • 4-5 Years of newspaper press experience.
  • Ability to stand for 7.25 hours, be able to lift 50 lbs., kneel, bend, stoop and reach out and over head, climb stairs and ladders and push rolls of newsprint.
  • High School Graduate/GED or equivalent work experience preferred.
  • Good color perception and are mechanically inclined.
  • Previous experience in a production environment preferably in cold web offset newspaper printing production environment.
  • Good verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong problem-solving skills.
  • Proficient in the use of business PC applications and press controls.

Our Benefits
  • Comprehensive Healthcare Plans
  • Paid Time Off
  • Retirement Plans
  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance Plans
  • Education Benefits
  • Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave
  • Family Care Benefits
  • Subscription Discounts
  • Employee Referral Program

#LI-Onsite
Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. EEO/Disabled/Vets
Reasonable Accommodation
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application and/or interview process. If you need assistance or accommodation in completing your application or participating in an interview due to a disability, email us at talentresourceteam@dowjones.com. Please put "Reasonable Accommodation" in the subject line and provide a brief description of the type of assistance you need. This inbox will not be monitored for application status updates.
Please refer to the privacy notice at the bottom of this page for submitting any data access, deletion, or other data subject rights requests, where permitted under your local laws and regulations.
Business Area:
Dow Jones - Print Operations
Job Category:
Production & Skilled Trades
Union Status:
Non-Union role
Base Pay Range: $48,048 - $70,000
We're committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation to attract top talent. This pay range reflects our good faith estimate for the role and may vary based on a candidate's experience, skills, location, and other relevant factors.
For bonus-eligible roles, targets are determined based on multiple considerations, including market benchmarks and individual contributions.
For benefits-eligible roles, we offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package covering health, retirement, wellbeing, and more, along with optional benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees.

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