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Printing Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Works in conjunction with the press operators and other assigned Press Assistants in the ... in a printing environment preferred Some experience in the operation of various hand tools ...

Printing Press Feeder

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$36K - $49K/yr

Works in conjunction with the press operators and other assigned Press Assistants in the ... in a printing environment preferred Some experience in the operation of various hand tools ...

Collator Operator - 2nd Shift

Osage, IA · On-site

$19.20 - $28.23/hr

Company Description RRD is a leading global provider of marketing, packaging, print, and supply ... Collator Operator - 2nd Shift Starting min rate of $21.20hr (including shift differential) Schedule ...

Company Description RRD is a leading global provider of marketing, packaging, print, and supply ... Thorough knowledge of the set up, operating requirements, procedures, capabilities and limitations ...

Company Description RRD is a leading global provider of marketing, packaging, print, and supply ... Thorough knowledge of the set up, operating requirements, procedures, capabilities and limitations ...

Company Description RRD is a leading global provider of marketing, packaging, print, and supply ... Collator Operator - 2nd Shift Starting min rate of $21.20hr (including shift differential) Schedule ...

Company Description RRD is a leading global provider of marketing, packaging, print, and supply ... Thorough knowledge of the set up, operating requirements, procedures, capabilities and limitations ...

Collator Operator - 1st Shift

Osage, IA · On-site

$22.44 - $31.61/hr

Company Description RRD is a leading global provider of marketing, packaging, print, and supply ... Collator Operator - 1st Shift Starting min rate of $22.44hr Schedule: -Monday - Friday -7am - 3pm ...

Company Description RRD is a leading global provider of marketing, packaging, print, and supply ... Collator Operator - 2nd Shift Starting min rate of $24.44hr (including shift differential) Schedule ...

Company Description RRD is a leading global provider of marketing, packaging, print, and supply ... Collator Operator - 2nd Shift Starting min rate of $24.44hr (including shift differential) Schedule ...

Company Description RRD is a leading global provider of marketing, packaging, print, and supply ... Collator Operator - 3rd Shift Starting min rate of $25.44hr (including shift differential) Schedule ...

Collator Operator - 2nd Shift

Osage, IA · On-site

$22.44 - $31.62/hr

Company Description RRD is a leading global provider of marketing, packaging, print, and supply ... Collator Operator - 2nd Shift Starting min rate of $24.44hr (including shift differential) Schedule ...

Company Description RRD is a leading global provider of marketing, packaging, print, and supply ... Collator Operator - 1st Shift Starting min rate of $22.44hr Schedule: -Monday - Friday -7am - 3pm ...

Company Description RRD is a leading global provider of marketing, packaging, print, and supply ... Collator Operator - 3rd Shift Starting min rate of $25.44hr (including shift differential) Schedule ...

Collator Operator - 1st Shift

Osage, IA · On-site

$22.44 - $31.61/hr

Company Description RRD is a leading global provider of marketing, packaging, print, and supply ... Collator Operator - 1st Shift Starting min rate of $22.44hr Schedule: -Monday - Friday -7am - 3pm ...

Collator Operator - 3rd Shift

Osage, IA · On-site

$22.44 - $31.62/hr

Company Description RRD is a leading global provider of marketing, packaging, print, and supply ... Collator Operator - 3rd Shift Starting min rate of $25.44hr (including shift differential) Schedule ...

Batch Operator

Des Moines, IA

$17.75 - $21.50/hr

IA - Technical Operator Location: Des Moines, IA Short Description: Must be willing to work 3rd ... Print state warrants - Deliver output After hours help desk - Answer phones - Resolve issues ...

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Printing Operator information

See Iowa salary details

$11

$17

$24

How much do printing operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for printing operator in Iowa is $17.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.34 and $18.51 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 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 are popular job titles related to Printing Operator jobs in Iowa?

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

What job categories do people searching Printing Operator jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Printing Operator jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Printing Operator jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Printing Operator job openings:

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

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

Infographic showing various Printing Operator job openings in Iowa 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 $36,831 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

PrePress Operator

American Packaging Corporation

Story City, IA • On-site

$18.75 - $25.25/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 13 days ago


American Packaging Corporation rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

30th of 119 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

Description:

For over a century, American Packaging Corporation (APC) has been a leading flexible packaging converter for customers throughout North America. We nurture our employees by providing competitive salaries, excellent benefits, 401(k) plans and tuition reimbursement programs. These are just a few reasons why we were named a “Best of the Best” in the Best Workplaces in the Americas awards for 12 years in a row. APC’s longstanding success is fueled from the inside out, and we consistently seek to improve our internal operations to propel that success into the future.

Prepress Operator


SHIFT: 12 hr Nights


SUMMARY: To prepare and stage press or laminator jobs. Prepress personnel are used in any capacity needed to stage items at any machine. They may retrieve and prepare cylinders for press run and after the press run, clean the cylinders and store them. All of these functions must be performed in the safest, most effective and efficient manner while adhering to established SOP’s and quality standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

  • Facilitate on the job training and instruction for team members on the correct use of tools and equipment to ensure proper safety and operating procedures are followed.
  • Actively participate and embrace in the STOP Safety Program fundamentals and adhere to all safety guidelines and rules to aid APC’s efforts to achieve a zero-accident rate.
  • Participate as a Subject Matter Expert in developing, understanding, and following Standard Operating Procedures and or training documentation.
  • Print and understand each job’s Job Jacket, Print Specification, and Manufacturing Specification and take to the press.
  • Retrieve daily production schedule that identifies which job will run, quantities, priorities, etc. Interpret and act upon information.
  • Detect, report, and resolve all missing or substandard machine parts.
  • Use an automated storage system terminal to retrieve and return cylinders and anilox to storage.
  • Coordinate with Mounting Dept with respect to the production schedule and the staging of jobs. *Applies to Story City, IA COE
  • Assemble and transport print cylinders and aniloxes between printing press and prepress departments.
  • Place cylinders on assembly table and install the gears and journals. Install the pans, applicator pipes, end shields, splash guards and cylinders into the carriage units. *Applies to Roto COE.
  • Return the units to prepress, remove the parts, clean up the cylinders, and store them back into the storage system after a job has run. *Applies to Roto COE.
  • Aid on press set-ups as needed. Assist miscellaneous housekeeping and cleaning responsibilities.
  • Operate daily a core cutter to produce accurate size cores for each scheduled print job.
  • Complete required reports and paperwork. Use a computer terminal.
  • Perform required cleaning tasks - some daily, weekly or monthly requirements.
  • Obtain Power Industrial Truck license(s).
  • Effectively communicate with coworkers throughout all shifts.
  • Attend and participate in all company mandated meetings.
  • Business travel may be required.
  • Any other duties as assigned.


Requirements:

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: High school diploma or general education degree (GED); and one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arm. The employee is occasionally required to walk. This position may require manual lifting not to exceed 50 lbs – reference your department-specific JHA (job hazard analysis) for departmental lifting restrictions. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

American Packaging Corporation is committed to equal opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. American Packaging Corporation will make reasonable accommodations for known physical or mental limitations of otherwise qualified employees and applicants with disabilities unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. EOE/AA Disability/Veteran.

If you are interested in applying for an employment opportunity and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, please contact our Human Resources department at:

talentacquisition@americanpackaging.com.


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