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Web Press Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Press Operator

Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site

$22.30 - $23.41/hr

Press Operator is responsible to safely operate, set up, and care for the printing press machines ... Wide Web Flexographic Printing PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: * Ability to propel self across multiple ...

Production Press Operator

Elgin, IL · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Web up the press line and ensure proper material flow * Set glue rollers, change plates, cylinders ... Prior experience operating industrial printing or converting presses * Solid understanding of ...

Digital Press Operator

Niles, IL · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Responsible for setting up production steps to operate digital color inkjet web printing to produce quality direct mail pieces onto large rolls. Digital Press Operators will run up to two presses ...

Inspect product quality and notify the press operator of any issues. * Assist with press wash-ups, make-readies, and web-ups. * Support press operations by setting delivery tables and maintaining ...

Inspect product quality and notify the press operator of any issues. * Assist with press wash-ups, make-readies, and web-ups. * Support press operations by setting delivery tables and maintaining ...

Inspect product quality and notify the press operator of any issues. * Assist with press wash-ups, make-readies, and web-ups. * Support press operations by setting delivery tables and maintaining ...

Remove folded signatures from web press and place signatures on pallet or skid for removal to ... press operator or supervisor * May require knowledge of operation of automatic counters and ...

Remove folded signatures from web press and place signatures on pallet or skid for removal to ... press operator or supervisor * May require knowledge of operation of automatic counters and ...

Roll Tender

Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site

$20.60 - $28.69/hr

Load rolls of paper onto an automatic splicing unit of web offset printing press or a Gravure press ... May assist with some of the make-ready tasks associated with the type of press operated such as ...

Load rolls of paper onto an automatic splicing unit of web offset printing press or a Gravure press ... May assist with some of the make-ready tasks associated with the type of press operated such as ...

Waxer Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $21/hr

Five or more years of hands on experience operating a web fed converting machine. Two years minimum experience as a coater helper or operator. RESPONSIBILITIES * Assist Press Operator to mount paper ...

Waxer Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $21/hr

Five or more years of hands on experience operating a web fed converting machine. Two years minimum experience as a coater helper or operator. RESPONSIBILITIES * Assist Press Operator to mount paper ...

Waxer Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $21/hr

Five or more years of hands on experience operating a web fed converting machine. Two years minimum experience as a coater helper or operator. RESPONSIBILITIES * Assist Press Operator to mount paper ...

Waxer Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $21/hr

Five or more years of hands on experience operating a web fed converting machine. Two years minimum experience as a coater helper or operator. RESPONSIBILITIES * Assist Press Operator to mount paper ...

Showing results 21-40

Web Press Operator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$13

$22

$34

How much do web press operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for web press operator in Chicago, IL is $22.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.33 and $25.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the duties of a web press operator?

The duties of a web press operator are to ensure that the quality of all printed materials meets the standards set out by their clients. In modern offset printing, you feed a long reel of paper into the machine as it produces print materials, such as newspapers, magazines, and books. Your responsibilities are to ensure that the settings for all the equipment are accurate and to adjust them during the process to ensure that they remain within the proper specifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a web press operator?

To thrive as a Web Press Operator, you need a solid understanding of printing processes, mechanical aptitude, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with web press machinery, color management systems, and basic computer skills are commonly required, along with safety certifications. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong teamwork help operators manage fast-paced environments and minimize downtime. These skills ensure print quality, operational efficiency, and workplace safety in print production settings.

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

Web press operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining print quality during long press runs, troubleshooting mechanical issues, and minimizing downtime. To address these, operators should develop strong problem-solving skills, stay current with equipment training, and collaborate closely with maintenance and prepress teams. Regular preventive maintenance and effective communication with supervisors and other operators can also help ensure smooth production and timely resolution of issues.

What is the difference between Web Press Operator vs Offset Press Operator?

AspectWeb Press OperatorOffset Press Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, apprenticeship or technical training
Work EnvironmentLarge printing presses, production facilitiesSheet-fed presses, print shops
Industry UsageCommercial printing, packagingCommercial printing, publishing
Job FocusContinuous roll printing, high-volume productionSheet printing, detailed color work

Web Press Operators primarily work with large roll-fed presses for high-volume printing, while Offset Press Operators handle sheet-fed presses for detailed and color-sensitive jobs. Both roles require technical skills and are essential in commercial printing industries, but they differ in equipment and printing methods.

How much do Web Press Operators make in the US?

Web Press Operators in the US typically earn an average annual salary of around $40,000 to $55,000, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the printing equipment used. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in high-volume or specialized printing environments may earn higher wages. Compensation can also include benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.

Is a Web Press Operator a stressful job?

A Web Press Operator job can be stressful due to tight deadlines, the need for precision, and operating large, complex machinery. It requires attention to detail, quick problem-solving skills, and adherence to safety protocols, which can contribute to job pressure during busy production runs.

What job categories do people searching Web Press Operator jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Web Press Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Web Press Operator job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,566 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Press Operator

PPC Flex

Buffalo Grove, IL • On-site

$22.30 - $23.41/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


PPC Flex rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

95th of 122 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

Summary:

Press Operator is responsible to safely operate, set up, and care for the printing press machines and direct the press assistants to ensure continuous improvements in customer satisfaction. 


Essential Functions:

Under the supervision and direction of the Department Manager, to successfully perform this job, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily: 

  • Read and follow daily press schedule to meet daily production needs. 
  • Legibly and accurately record activities on required documentation and in the daily activities log books. 
  • Set up and record run condition reports for each job completed. 
  • Properly and safely use all tools necessary to set up each job as efficiently and with as little waste as possible. 
  • Read and understand customer order and artwork. 
  • Track all setup, downtime and run time on the production report and by using Axapta or shop floor. 
  • Accurately scan and process all materials going on and coming off of the machine
  • Run the order as quickly and efficiently as quality allow.
  • Mark or flag all press stops, splices and misprints during the run and keep an accurate Flag report for each roll.
  • Remove and properly dispose of all flying splices and defects on rewind position or master roll.
  • Monitor print quality during the run using the auto defect detection system. (AVT SYSTEM)
  • Responsible for the cleanliness of the press and the area around the press.
  • Report any and all mechanical issue he encounters during the shift.
  • Regular attendance is required
  • Prepare and direct press assistant in the staging of the next job.
  • Help train and teach in any or all of his responsibilities.

Monitor and hold assistant accountable for their responsibilities.

Other tasks or projects as required by manager.


REQUIRED COMPETENCIES: 

  • Ability to grasp and understand product layout sheets and how to read artwork.
  • Operator must understand the difference between good and bad print based off of all provided materials: ARTWORK, PLS, WO, SEPARATIONS and COLOR MASTER FOLDER.
  • Must have a clear understanding of how to use the quality checklist and of its importance. 
  • Must understand the Spectro densitometer
  • Must have a clear understanding of the company’s digital work flow.
    • Understand with ability to perform, teach and direct the essential functions of all press positions.
    • Wide Web Flexographic Printing

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Ability to propel self across multiple surfaces, including concrete, carpeting, and linoleum. 
  • Standing 10 to 12 hours on solid surface, walking on uneven surfaces 10 to 12 hours; bending, kneeling, squatting 8 to 10 hours. 
  • Reaching with arms up and down, side to side; use hands to finger, feel, or handle objects 12 hours. 
  • Close vision, peripheral vision and depth perception with ability to discern color and texture; 10 to 12 hours.
  • Ability to hear warning bells and forklift engine; 12 hours

COGNITIVE REQUIREMENTS: 

General:   Must have good safety awareness and judgment. Effective time management skills with ability to multi-task, self-organize and prioritize tasks; high attention to detail with ability to meet deadlines; ability to work independently to reach goals and successfully partner with others to meet customer requirements; ability to obtain and maintain proficient knowledge of and capability with all tools, machines and software required to perform essential functions.

 

Computer Skills: Average ability to accurately type using a computer monitor and/or keyboard.

Language Ability:  Spanish bilingual helpful, but not required. Ability to be understood when speaking English, listen to and understand spoken English; read and interpret customer specifications written in English. Ability to write daily logs in English. Ability to speak effectively to communicate quality concerns or production issues.

 

Math Ability:  Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide units of measure using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals to ensure proper measurements before/after production.  

 

Reasoning Ability: Able to apply common sense understanding to carry out multiple instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Able to deal with problems involving several variables.  

Work Environment:  The noise level in the work environment is moderately noisy.  Must have the ability to wear required Personal Protective Equipment when required to be in production areas, including hair/beard net, cutting gloves and safety glasses, as appropriate. Must be able to stand or walk 75% or more of workday. Must have ability to work in a hot or cold environment around ink or chemicals with protection.


The requirements below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the Essential Functions.  



EDUCATION and WORK EXPERIENCE: 

  • High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required

At least 5+ years of wide web flexographic printing experience required


6pm - 6:30am

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