1

Printing Ink Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Printing Ink information

See salary details

$9

$16

$22

How much do printing ink jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for printing ink in the United States is $16.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $18.75 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, and why are they important?

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.

More about Printing Ink jobs
What cities are hiring for Printing Ink jobs? Cities with the most Printing Ink job openings:
What states have the most Printing Ink jobs? States with the most job openings for Printing Ink jobs include:
Infographic showing various Printing Ink job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,178 per year, or $16.9 per hour.
Varnish Operator

Varnish Operator

INX International Ink Co.

West Chicago, IL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Company Description

In a world of vibrant color, INX stands out by blending art, science, and sustainability into every drop of ink we make.  We’re globally recognized for our innovation, and we’re A Great Place to Work-Certified™ company!

INX International is the third largest producer of inks in North America with full-service subsidiaries in Europe and South America. We offer a complete line of ink and coating solutions technology for commercial, packaging and digital applications. We expertly blend pioneering technology with a deep commitment to the environment. Dedicated to coloring a safe and sustainable future one print at a time, you can see our color chemistry on beverage cans, food and household packaging, clothing, banners, billboards and more. 

Investing in and protecting our employees is the key to our success.  Our average employee has been with us 12 years, and we recognize the significant experience and the continuous dedication of our team members. 

We’re actively seeking new talent with new ideas as we continue to provide sustainable products, service and innovation to the printing and packaging markets.

Join us in coloring a safe and sustainable future!

Job Description

This role offers a starting range of $21 to $24 per hour. Actual compensation will be based on qualifications such as experience, education, certifications, and skills, as well as geographic considerations.

We are seeking a Varnish Operator to weigh quantities of raw materials for use in manufacturing of high-quality printing ink by performing any or all of these duties as directed. Operates one or more mixers in a safe and efficient manner to mix raw materials for manufacturing of high quality printing ink.  As Varnish Operator, you are responsible for:

BATCHWEIGHER FUNCTIONS:

  • Weighs batches as planned and assigned by the Supervisor using personal protective equipment (gloves, apron, glasses, dust mask, etc.), if required.
  • Follows the directions on the batch ticket, taking batch tickets back to the lab for inspection when there appears to be an error.
  • Selects the proper mixing tub for the batch (size and previous color) and makes sure it is clean.
  • Checks the raw material inventories to be sure that all ingredients for the batch are available before beginning to weigh the batch.  Notifies Supervisor of any unusual differences in raw material.  If appropriate, checks the manufacture date and checks for polymerization.
  • Uses the proper scale for weighing the raw materials.        
  • Shows all figures on the batch tickets, including lot numbers, of all raw materials and checks items off as they are weighed so that steps can be retraced if necessary.
  • When batch has been weighed, signs batch ticket, marks the tub with the full formula number, and moves finished batch to proper area (mill or mixing room).
  • Operates heater jacket if needed for photo initiator batches.

MIXER FUNCTIONS:

  • Have the necessary equipment (scale, knives, rags, etc.), mixes batches of ink as directed by the Supervisor and the schedule, taking batch samples to QC as needed and makes any additions as directed.  Uses required protective equipment (dust mask, gloves, apron, glasses, etc.) following safety rules.
  • Tests and tracks temperature of batch when needed.  Operates heater jacket if needed for a batch involving photo initiator (UV batches).
  • Adjusts mixer blade level as needed. 
  • Delivers batches to mill staging areas as directed.
  • Disposes of dirty solvent by putting it into 55 gallon closed drums, marking them “Flammable” “Waste Solvent”, and putting them into cage and grounding.  Notifies supervisor that this has been done.
  • Labels solvent tubs for cleaning mixers as “Flammable” and keeps them grounded at all times.  Covers tubs when not in use.
  • Properly maintains mixers as directed, including lubrication, and notifies supervisor of any mechanical defects. Changes mixer blades when needed.
  •  Performs adds-to-batches when instructed by QC lab.
Qualifications

To perform your job as expected, you will be required to:

  • Have a High School diploma or GED equivalent; or 1 to 3 months related experience and/or training; or combination of equivalent education and experience.
  • Pay attention to detail
  • Be reliable and have good attendance and punctuality
  • Be flexible to work overtime as required
  • Be able to lift up to 50 lbs.

In addition to these qualifications, we will consider it a plus if you have:

  • Forklift experience, but we can train you
  • Previous experience in the ink industry

Additional Information

We offer a competitive salary with excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, pet insurance, HSA and FSA, 401(k), and more. Through our programs, which now include Paid Volunteer Time Off and Paid Parental Leave, we support the needs of our employees, their dependents, and their communities by providing a benefit package that is easy to understand, easy to access, and affordable for all our employees.

Don’t just choose a job; choose a career that emphasizes employee growth in a safe, environmentally conscious culture.   Embark on your Colorful Career with us!

We require post-offer, pre-employment drug screens, physicals, and background checks.

Equal Opportunity Employer: disability/veteran.