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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 ...

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

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 ...

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 ...

PROLINE PRINTER

West Chicago, IL · On-site

$24 - $25/hr

... operating, and maintaining printing equipment to produce high-quality printed products that meet customer specifications. This position ensures efficient production, maintains quality standards, and ...

PROLINE PRINTER

West Chicago, IL · On-site

$24 - $25/hr

... operating, and maintaining printing equipment to produce high-quality printed products that meet customer specifications. This position ensures efficient production, maintains quality standards, and ...

Printing Press Operator

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$79K - $91K/yr

AB_5020426 Printing Press Operator | Heidelberg Sheetfed Presses & Folding Carton Manufacturing (Set up, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain Heidelberg printing presses to produce high-quality ...

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 ...

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 · 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 · 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

Burr Ridge, 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 ...

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Printing Operator information

See Illinois salary details

$12

$18

$25

How much do printing operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 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 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 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 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 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 does a printing operator make?

The average salary for a printing operator typically ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the printing equipment used. Entry-level operators may earn less, while experienced professionals with specialized skills can earn higher wages. Certifications and familiarity with digital or offset printing machines can also influence pay rates.

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 courses in printing technology. Skills in operating printing machinery, attention to detail, and knowledge of safety procedures are important; some employers may require certification in specific printing processes or equipment.

What are popular job titles related to Printing Operator jobs in Illinois?

For Printing Operator jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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 94% Full Time, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,998 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Description

Printing Operator Apprentice

A successful Printing Operator Apprentice will thrive as an engaged learner paired with experience professionals. Enjoyment in completing a variety of projects each day while working with upstream and downstream operations. The pace if fast and the days move quickly.

You will build a career Operating and maintaining printing equipment, Managing print jobs from start to finish, troubleshooting and resolving technical issues, ensuring quality control standards are met, learning about different printing techniques and materials & understanding production schedules and deadlines. Some of this equipment includes, digital printing presses, conventional sheetfed and web presses, guilitine cutters, high-speed folders, diecutters, box folding/glueing lines, book saddle stitchers, envelope inserting and inkjetting lines.


Requirements

Key skills include:

  • Convert SAE fractions on a ruler to decimals. Add and subtract fractions
  • Excel at fast paced work. Primarily in manipulating product with their hands and repeatedly walking short distances.
  • Mechanical aptitude to visually diagnose sheet travel inconsistencies and problem solve the root cause
  • Problem solving through root cause analysis. Aptitude to return machine to previous position when attempted adjustments are not successful.
  • High attention to detail and accuracy
  • Follow detailed verbal instructions