1

Printing Ink Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Screen Print Operator

Hoffman Estates, IL ยท On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Operating M&R (or similar) automatic screen printing equipment * Assisting with screen exposure, ink mixing, reclaim, and washout * Prepping and cleaning screens * Staging, folding, and packing ...

Operating M&R (or similar) automatic screen printing equipment * Assisting with screen exposure, ink mixing, reclaim, and washout * Prepping and cleaning screens * Staging, folding, and packing ...

Operating M&R (or similar) automatic screen printing equipment * Assisting with screen exposure, ink mixing, reclaim, and washout * Prepping and cleaning screens * Staging, folding, and packing ...

Flexo Press Support

Des Plaines, IL ยท On-site

$21 - $27.75/hr

Reads job order and loads dies into press, installs print cylinder on shaft and installs print * cylinder in press. * Fills ink pans, screens and pumps with prescribed inks. * Inserts shaft through ...

Showing results 41-60

Printing Ink information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do printing ink jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for printing ink in Chicago, IL is $17.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $19.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in printing ink production or formulation roles?

Professionals in printing ink production often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent ink quality across batches, adapting formulations to meet specific client or substrate requirements, and troubleshooting issues like color variation or drying times. Additionally, staying updated on regulatory standards for safety and environmental compliance is crucial. Collaborating closely with R&D, quality control, and manufacturing teams is common, requiring strong communication and problem-solving skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a printing ink technician?

To thrive as a Printing Ink Technician, you need a solid understanding of ink formulation, color matching, and chemical handling, typically supported by a high school diploma or relevant technical training. Experience with ink mixing machinery, spectrophotometers, and quality control systems is commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and strong communication skills help technicians effectively collaborate with press operators and maintain product quality. These skills ensure consistent ink performance, minimize production errors, and support efficient printing operations.

What are printing inks?

Printing inks are colored liquids or pastes used in various printing processes to transfer images, text, or designs onto surfaces such as paper, fabric, plastic, or metal. They are composed of pigments or dyes, binders, solvents, and additives, each serving a specific purpose in achieving the desired print quality and durability. Different types of printing, such as offset, flexography, gravure, and digital printing, require specific ink formulations to ensure compatibility and optimal results. The choice of ink depends on factors like substrate, print method, and end-use requirements. Printing inks play a critical role in industries ranging from publishing and packaging to textiles and product labeling.

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

AspectPrinting InkPrinting Press Operator
Primary RoleManufacturing and formulation of inks used in printing processesOperating and maintaining printing presses to produce printed materials
Required SkillsChemical knowledge, formulation skills, quality controlMachine operation, troubleshooting, precision printing
Work EnvironmentFactories, laboratoriesPrint shops, manufacturing plants
Industry UsagePrinting, packaging, publishingCommercial printing, newspapers, packaging

Printing Ink professionals focus on creating and testing inks, while Printing Press Operators handle the operation of printing machinery. Both roles are essential in the printing industry but differ in responsibilities and skill sets.

What job categories do people searching Printing Ink jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Printing Ink jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Printing Ink job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 10% Nights. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,239 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Second Shift Press Support - Illinois

Abbott Label Inc

Itasca, IL โ€ข On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Schedule

Second Shift = 2:30 PM - 11:00 PM, Monday - Friday

Company Statement

Abbott Label is a family-owned label manufacturing company with plants in Texas, Arizona, Georgia, and Illinois. We have an immediate opening in our fast-paced Itasca plant. We are willing to train the right person!

We are a growing company with great benefits, including health, vision and dental insurance, long term disability insurance, life insurance, a generous vacation package and a 401K plan with a generous employer match.

Job Summary

Press Support is responsible for having Flexo Presses staged with materials and tooling for efficient workflow. Assist with Press make-ready on presses with main emphasis on the printing presses. Assisting with Quality Control in the pressroom. Performing any other additional activities as directed by your supervisor (which may include running a machine, and/or assisting in maintenance needs).

Duties/Responsibilities

Responsible for staging raw material, ink, and tooling to each Flexo Press.

Assist press operator to ensure make ready process is completed in an efficient manner.

Putting left-over material and tooling back where they belong

Maintaining raw material by using the FIFO procedure

Interact with shipping and receiving for inventory control.

Help to maintain production tooling in order, always – dies, perfs, mags, print cylinders, anilox inventory.

Help to maintain Pressroom cleanliness and organization.

Assist with finishing needs as directed by your supervisor.

Mount plates.

Mix ink (responsible for Ink Technician)

Work with ink vendors and train good ink management techniques to press operators.

Work with maintenance to make sure all components work properly.

Required Skills/Abilities

Ability to follow instructions.

Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Excellent Mechanical Skills

Punctual and Reliable.

Education and Experience

High school diploma or equivalent required.

2+ Years Manufacturing/Warehouse experience required.

Experience in Narrow Web Printing Industry preferred.

Vocational/technical school training preferred; on-the-job training provided.

Previous related experience preferred.

Physical Requirements

Able to work with a manual and electric pallet jack.

Ability to use forklift a positive, but not mandatory.

Able to bend, twist, and kneel.

Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds.