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Production Associate

Lakeville, MN · On-site

$19/hr

This position is responsible for operating various equipment to pad print, hole punch, and/or package parts within an assigned area as directed. The Production Associate accurately and efficiently ...

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How much do pad print operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for pad print operator in the United States is $18.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

High-paying media jobs that can reach $150,000 annually include roles such as senior media executives, media directors, and specialized content producers, often requiring extensive experience, leadership skills, and advanced knowledge of industry tools. These positions typically involve strategic planning, management, or technical expertise in large organizations or successful media companies.

Is pad printing hard?

Pad printing as a job involves operating specialized equipment to transfer ink onto objects, requiring attention to detail and manual dexterity. It can be straightforward for those with good hand-eye coordination, but mastering consistent quality may take practice and understanding of the printing process. Training and experience are often provided on the job to develop necessary skills.

What are some common challenges a Pad Print Operator might encounter on the job?

Pad Print Operators often face challenges such as maintaining print quality across different substrates, troubleshooting ink adhesion issues, and ensuring precise alignment during high-volume runs. Additionally, operators must regularly clean and maintain pad printing equipment to prevent downtime and defects. Working closely with production teams and quality control is essential to meet tight deadlines and uphold product standards.

How much does a print press operator make?

A print press operator typically earns between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled operators who work with advanced equipment or in specialized printing environments may earn higher wages and benefits.

What is the difference between Pad Print Operator vs Screen Printer?

AspectPad Print OperatorScreen Printer
CredentialsBasic technical skills, sometimes certifications in manufacturingSimilar technical skills, often with industry-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentManufacturing or production facilities, working with small partsPrinting shops, production lines, working with various materials
Industry UsageCommon in promotional products, electronics, medical devicesUsed in apparel, signage, and industrial printing

Both Pad Print Operators and Screen Printers work in manufacturing environments, handling printing processes on different materials. While their skills overlap, Pad Print Operators focus on small, detailed printing using pad printing techniques, whereas Screen Printers specialize in larger, flat surface printing. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What is the job description of a pad print operator?

A pad print operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining pad printing machines to transfer images onto products. They ensure proper registration, quality control, and troubleshoot printing issues, often working with inks, substrates, and calibration tools. Attention to detail and knowledge of printing processes are essential for this role.

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

To thrive as a Pad Print Operator, you need a solid understanding of printing processes, mechanical aptitude, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with pad printing machines, inks, color matching systems, and basic maintenance tools is typically required. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and the ability to troubleshoot issues quickly are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure high-quality, consistent output and efficient operation of equipment in a manufacturing or production environment.

What are Pad Print Operators?

Pad Print Operators are skilled technicians responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining pad printing machines. These machines use a silicone pad to transfer ink onto objects, such as promotional items, electronic components, or medical devices. Pad Print Operators ensure high-quality prints by preparing inks, aligning substrates, and troubleshooting equipment issues. Their role is crucial in industries that require precise and consistent product labeling or decoration.
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What job categories do people searching Pad Print Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Pad Print Operator jobs are:
Pad Print Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pad Print Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,213 per year, or $18.9 per hour.
Digital Printing Operator (2nd Shift)

Digital Printing Operator (2nd Shift)

TrafFix Devices, Inc.

Fairfield, IA

$15.75 - $18/hr

Other

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Description

Looking for a place where your work matters and your effort is valued? At TrafFix Devices, we believe in building strong teams made up of dependable, accountable people who take pride in doing the job right. We are a company focused on safety, quality, continuous improvement, and service to our customers. If you are ready for a new opportunity where you can contribute, grow, and be part of a team that expects commitment and professionalism, we encourage you to apply. 


Job Summary:

The Digital Printing Operator is responsible for operating high-speed digital printing equipment and completing orders in a timely manner. 

Essential Functions:

  • Uses specialized software to import, edit and customized printing jobs per order specifications.  
  • Manages workflow to ensure all orders are completed on time while maximizing machine efficiency.
  • Produces signs on flatbed and roll to roll large format printers
  • Customs finishing including lamination, contour cutting, sewing, mounting, and trimming as required.
  • Maintains tools and equipment, reports errors, troubleshoots malfunctions and requests service. 
  • Cuts stencils and requests artwork as needed. 
  • Maintains appropriate stock level of frames for diamond signs.
  • Mixes ink, makes plates and produces custom prints using 3-color Pad Printer.
  • Applies and trims sheeting to plastic substrate.

General Functions:

  • Collaborates with other members of the team to ensure that deadlines are met, and orders are delivered on time.
  • Consistently abides by established safety rules, procedures, and regulations including wearing required safety equipment when required.
  • Maintains a clean and organized work environment.
  • Identifies and reports quality or safety issues to supervisor or manager.
  • Works effectively with co-workers and supervisors, sharing knowledge, resources, and experience to achieve production goals in a timely fashion, while promoting respect, communication, and teamwork.
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

Skills and Abilities:

  • Attention to detail: The ability to perform tasks with precision, accuracy, and thoroughness, paying close attention to all aspects of the work and identifying and correcting errors or inconsistencies as needed.
  • Time management skills: The ability to prioritize tasks, plan and organize work efficiently, and meet production deadlines while maintaining quality standards and minimizing waste.
  • Basic math skills: The ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and measurements accurately and efficiently, using arithmetic and geometry principles as needed.
  • Communication skills: The ability to convey and receive information effectively, clearly, and professionally with co-workers and supervisors.
  • Follow directions: The ability to follow established procedures while performing tasks, using tools, and handling materials. Carefully consider and follow instructions to complete tasks and deliver required results.
  • Dependability: Reliability and consistency of attendance, punctuality, and completion of assigned tasks according to established standards and expectations with little supervision.
  • Attention to safety: The ability to follow safety procedures and guidelines when using equipment or products is important to maintain a safe work environment.
  • Technical aptitude: The ability to understand, operate, and troubleshoot various types of machinery, tools, and software, as well as to learn and adapt to new technologies and processes.

Preferred Education and Experience:

  • A high school diploma/GED, or equivalent work experience.
  • At least one year of experience operating digital printers
  • Experience using digital design programs such as RIP, Adobe Creative Suite, Illustrator and Photoshop.
  • Knowledge of large format imaging, roll and rigid printing, and precision finishing.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Physical dexterity: The employee must be able to bend, twist, and reach while handling items and using hand tools. The employee is also required to stand, walk, use hands to handle and feel, and to hear.
  • Lifting: The employee must be able to lift and move items weighing up to 25 lbs on a regular basis, and items weighing up to 50 lbs occasionally.
  • Vision: The vision requirements for this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
  • Endurance: The employee must be able to stand and sit for extended periods of time and perform physical tasks in a fast-paced environment.
  • Exposure to elements: The employee will be working in an office environment in close proximity of a warehouse and may be exposed to varying temperatures and inclement weather conditions outside the office space. There will also be frequent exposure to dirt and dust and quemicals from ink products commonly used in the execution of the job.
  • Noise level: The employee will be exposed to moderate noise levels in the workplace for the majority of the day, due to the constant use of printing equipment.

Note: The company is committed to providing a safe work environment and will provide necessary equipment and training to perform the physical demands of the job.

EEO Statement:

The Company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

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