Printing Press Operators
Set up and operate digital, letterpress, lithographic, flexographic, gravure, or other printing machines. Includes short-run offset printing presses.
How AI Impacts Each Task
23 tasks analyzed
Collect and inspect random samples during print runs to identify any necessary adjustments.
Examine job orders to determine quantities to be printed, stock specifications, colors, or special printing instructions.
Verify that paper and ink meet the specifications for a given job.
Start presses and pull proofs to check for ink coverage and density, alignment, and registration.
Change press plates, blankets, or cylinders, as required.
Obtain or mix inks and fill ink fountains.
Feed paper through press cylinders and adjust feed and tension controls.
Load presses with paper and make necessary adjustments, according to paper size.
Secure printing plates to printing units and adjust tolerances.
Clean ink fountains, plates, or printing unit cylinders when press runs are completed.
Adjust digital files to alter print elements, such as fonts, graphics, or color separations.
Monitor automated press operation systems and respond to fault, error, or alert messages.
Clean or oil presses or make minor repairs, using hand tools.
Adjust ink fountain flow rates.
Input production job settings into workstation terminals that control automated printing systems.
Maintain time or production records.
Download completed jobs to archive media so that questions can be answered or jobs replicated.
Download or scan files to be printed, using printing production software.
Direct or monitor work of press crews.
Monitor environmental factors, such as humidity and temperature, that may impact equipment performance and make necessary adjustments.
Monitor inventory levels on a regular basis, ordering or requesting additional supplies, as necessary.
Set up or operate auxiliary equipment, such as cutting, folding, plate-making, drilling, or laminating machines.
Control workflow scheduling or job tracking, using computer database software.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Collect and inspect random samples during print runs to identify any necessary adjustments. | 35Estimated | 47.0% | 8% | |
| Examine job orders to determine quantities to be printed, stock specifications, colors, or special printing instructions. | 92Estimated | 86.0% | 5% | |
| Verify that paper and ink meet the specifications for a given job. | 72Estimated | 78.0% | 4% | |
| Start presses and pull proofs to check for ink coverage and density, alignment, and registration. | 35Estimated | 47.0% | 8% | |
| Change press plates, blankets, or cylinders, as required. | 25Estimated | 43.0% | 6% | |
| Obtain or mix inks and fill ink fountains. | 30Estimated | 45.0% | 5% | |
| Feed paper through press cylinders and adjust feed and tension controls. | 25Estimated | 43.0% | 6% | |
| Load presses with paper and make necessary adjustments, according to paper size. | 25Estimated | 43.0% | 6% | |
| Secure printing plates to printing units and adjust tolerances. | 25Estimated | 43.0% | 5% | |
| Clean ink fountains, plates, or printing unit cylinders when press runs are completed. | 20Estimated | 41.0% | 5% | |
| Adjust digital files to alter print elements, such as fonts, graphics, or color separations. | 92Estimated | 86.0% | 2% | |
| Monitor automated press operation systems and respond to fault, error, or alert messages. | 92Estimated | 86.0% | 8% | |
| Clean or oil presses or make minor repairs, using hand tools. | 10Estimated | 13.0% | 4% | |
| Adjust ink fountain flow rates. | 40Estimated | 49.0% | 4% | |
| Input production job settings into workstation terminals that control automated printing systems. | 97Estimated | 88.0% | 4% | |
| Maintain time or production records. | 97Estimated | 88.0% | 3% | |
| Download completed jobs to archive media so that questions can be answered or jobs replicated. | 97Estimated | 88.0% | 2% | |
| Download or scan files to be printed, using printing production software. | 97Estimated | 88.0% | 2% | |
| Direct or monitor work of press crews. | 20Estimated | 23.0% | 4% | |
| Monitor environmental factors, such as humidity and temperature, that may impact equipment performance and make necessary adjustments. | 92Estimated | 86.0% | 2% | |
| Monitor inventory levels on a regular basis, ordering or requesting additional supplies, as necessary. | 97Estimated | 88.0% | 3% | |
| Set up or operate auxiliary equipment, such as cutting, folding, plate-making, drilling, or laminating machines. | 25Estimated | 43.0% | 2% | |
| Control workflow scheduling or job tracking, using computer database software. | 97Estimated | 88.0% | 2% |
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
AI-Resistant Skills (11)
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Manual Dexterity is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Equipment Maintenance is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Persuasion is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
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Score History
Risk score over 2 scoring runs
overall change
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Education Level
Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
Related News
Recent articles about AI affecting this occupation
Wired Ends UK Print Edition Amid Digital Media Restructuring
Condé Nast is shutting down the UK print edition of Wired magazine to consolidate its focus on global digital subscriptions. The move signals further contraction in traditional print media jobs as publishers pivot to digital-first models.
Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis