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Printing Operator Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

If you have a passion for the printing industry and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, we ... Previous experience as a Printer Operator or in a similar role preferred. * Strong attention to ...

No screen printing experience? No problem. We are happy to train motivated individuals who have a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn. What You'll Do * Operating M&R ...

No screen printing experience? No problem. We are happy to train motivated individuals who have a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn. What You'll Do * Operating M&R ...

PRINT OPERATOR

Woodridge, IL · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to continue a career in the printing industry ... Hard-working, dependable and detail oriented while operating within a deadline driven environment

The Digital Printer Operator plays a key role in the production process, ensuring high-quality ... This position requires a strong eye for detail, technical proficiency with printing equipment and ...

The Digital Printer Operator plays a key role in the production process, ensuring high-quality ... This position requires a strong eye for detail, technical proficiency with printing equipment and ...

An Offset Press Operator 2nd/3rd is in charge of preparing, adjusting, and running a Heidelberg XL-106 W/UV printing press and performing regular maintenance on the equipment. He/she is key to ...

Printer Operator

Bradley, IL · On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

High School Education/GED * 2-3 year(s) in setup/operating/adjusting printing decorators in a manufacturing environment. * Able to operate, read, understand, measuring x rite color density guage, and ...

Digital Print Operator 2nd & 3rd Shift

Willowbrook, IL · On-site

$16.75 - $21.75/hr

Our multichannel services include contact management, printing, mailing, fulfillment, and electronic delivery. If you are an experienced digital print operator who takes pride in quality, enjoys ...

New

Printer Operator

Bradley, IL · On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

High School Education/GED * 2-3 year(s) in setup/operating/adjusting printing decorators in a manufacturing environment. * Able to operate, read, understand, measuring x rite color density guage, and ...

An Offset Press Operator 2nd/3rd is in charge of preparing, adjusting, and running a Heidelberg XL-106 W/UV printing press and performing regular maintenance on the equipment. He/she is key to ...

Printer Operator

Bradley, IL · On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

High School Education/GED * 2-3 year(s) in setup/operating/adjusting printing decorators in a manufacturing environment. * Able to operate, read, understand, measuring x rite color density guage, and ...

Printer Operator

Bradley, IL

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

High School Education/GED * 2-3 year(s) in setup/operating/adjusting printing decorators in a manufacturing environment. * Able to operate, read, understand, measuring x rite color density guage, and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Printing Operator information

See Illinois salary details

$12

$18

$25

How much do printing operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for printing operator in Illinois is $18.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $19.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a printing operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Printing Operator, you need a solid understanding of printing processes, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with digital and offset printing machines, color calibration tools, and finishing equipment is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, time management, and effective communication help operators handle tight deadlines and troubleshoot issues efficiently. These skills ensure high-quality print output, minimize downtime, and support smooth production workflows.

What is the difference between Printing Operator vs Press Operator?

AspectPrinting OperatorPress Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certifications in printing technologyHigh school diploma; specialized training or certifications in press operation
Work EnvironmentPrint shops, manufacturing facilities, commercial printing companiesPrinting presses, manufacturing plants, commercial print facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesSet up, operate, and monitor printing machines; ensure print qualityOperate and maintain printing presses; troubleshoot mechanical issues

Printing Operators and Press Operators often share similar skills and work environments, focusing on operating printing machinery. While their roles overlap, Press Operators typically handle more complex press systems and maintenance tasks. Both roles are essential in the printing industry, with similar credentials and work settings, making them common points of comparison for job seekers and employers alike.

How much do printing press operators make in the US?

Printing press operators in the US typically earn a median annual wage of around $40,000 to $50,000, with experienced workers and those in specialized roles earning higher. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and the complexity of the printing equipment used.

How to become a printing operator?

To become a printing operator, typically one needs a high school diploma or equivalent, along with on-the-job training or technical school courses in printing technology. Skills in operating printing machinery, attention to detail, and knowledge of safety procedures are important; some positions may require certification in equipment operation or quality control.

What is a printing operator?

Printing Operators are skilled professionals responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining printing presses and related machinery. They ensure that print jobs are completed accurately, efficiently, and according to client specifications. Their duties include loading materials, adjusting press settings, monitoring print quality, and performing routine equipment maintenance. Printing Operators often work in commercial printing shops, publishing houses, or packaging companies. Attention to detail and technical aptitude are essential for success in this role.

What are some common challenges faced by printing operators, and how can they be addressed?

Printing Operators often encounter challenges such as managing tight production deadlines, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and ensuring consistent print quality. To address these, operators benefit from strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and proactive maintenance practices. Regular communication with team members and supervisors also helps in quickly resolving issues and keeping projects on track. Ongoing training on new printing technologies can further enhance efficiency and reduce downtime.
What job categories do people searching Printing Operator jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Printing Operator jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Printing Operator jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Printing Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Printing Operator jobs in IL? For Printing Operator jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Printing Operator job openings in Illinois as of August 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 $37,998 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Wide Format Operator, Trade Show & Printing - Full-time, 1st Shift - Cary, IL

Plum Grove, Inc.

Cary, IL • On-site

$17.25 - $20.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description


Wide-Format Print Operator
Do you enjoy variety in your workday? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment? If you are excited by contributing to company growth, then this is an opportunity to make an immediate impact at Plum Grove, a growing integrated marketing agency in Cary, IL. We are a casual but dedicated team looking for a collaborative team player who upholds our family values and is passionate about exceeding client expectations.
We are seeking a full-time wide format printing operator for our northwest suburbs print shop.
Key Job Activities
  • Support overall department operations including trade show displays, signs and wide-format graphics
  • Produce and install large format graphics
  • Operate and maintain a Vanguard flat bed, HP latex printer, and Roland Ecosolve printer
  • Visit installation sites to take measurements and assess installation requirements
  • Provide quality control including color profiling and corrections
  • Finishing, trimming, weeding, masking, laminating, and related production work
  • Apply graphics to walls, windows, doors, sidewalks, and other surfaces
  • Project management to ensure jobs are completed on time and right
  • Track inventory of stock materials and production supplies
  • Perform regular printer maintenance
  • Provide recommendations to sales for materials, graphics and installations of client projects
  • Continuously expand knowledge of printing, graphics and materials

Requirements
Skills
  • Strong eye for detail, organization and project management
  • Self-motivated and performs duties with minimal supervision
  • Exceptionally helpful, going above and beyond to meet client expectations
  • Dependable, flexible when priorities change
  • Proficient in basic computer programs (ex. Outlook)
  • Experience with RIP and Order/Estimating software a plus
  • General understanding of printing preferred (CMYK, spot colors, crops, bleeds, press-ready art, paper stocks, offset, digital printing, etc.)

Experience & Education
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Wide-format printing and installation experience preferred
  • Mac experience a plus

Benefits
Salary & Benefits
Hourly ratecommensurate with experience. First shift with some flexibility. Benefits include health, dental, STD, LTD, life insurance, 401k with company match, direct deposit, profit sharing, anniversary bonuses, paid vacation days, paid holidays, and more. Dog-friendly work environment.
Learn more at https://www.plumgroveinc.com/about/careers/.
About Plum Grove
Plum Grove® empowers businesses to connect with the world, tell their story, build their brands, and promote growth through custom printing and marketing solutions. With over 1 million ways to market businesses, Plum Grove's diverse product array includes printed items, promotional products, trade show booths, mailing services, web-to-print websites and marketing consulting services. With over 40 years of history and experience, and an average employee tenure of more than 15 years, Plum Grove prides itself on both its powerful force of seasoned experts and the strong family values that are the foundation of its culture. The company has been honored for Business Excellence and earned the Illinois Governor's Pollution Prevention Award, recognizing innovation in environmental protection with green-friendly, sustainable manufacturing practices.