Hands-on
2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert
Explore a possible path
Printing Press Operators
Set up and operate digital, letterpress, lithographic, flexographic, gravure, or other printing machines. Includes short-run offset printing presses.
How does this connect to your interests? →A look at the work
- Start presses and pull proofs to check for ink coverage and density, alignment, and registration.
- Examine job orders to determine quantities to be printed, stock specifications, colors, or special printing instructions.
- Adjust ink fountain flow rates.
- Verify that paper and ink meet the specifications for a given job.
- Collect and inspect random samples during print runs to identify any necessary adjustments.
- Feed paper through press cylinders and adjust feed and tension controls.
- Monitor automated press operation systems and respond to fault, error, or alert messages.
- Load presses with paper and make necessary adjustments, according to paper size.
A selection of source-listed tasks; duties vary by role and employer.
Interests involved in this work
These source scores describe occupational work activities. They are separate from your personal test results.
4.8 / 7
Investigative
2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert
Creative
2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert
Helping people
2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert
Enterprising
2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert
Organizing
2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert
Skills to explore
Source-reported importance on a 1–5 scale. Try a course, project or conversation to learn what these skills involve.
Quality Control Analysis
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
2020-08
Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
2020-08
Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
2020-08
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
2020-08
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
2020-08
Equipment Maintenance
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
2020-08
Troubleshooting
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
2020-08
Repairing
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
2020-08
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
2020-08
Time Management
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
2020-08
Plan a small next step
Talk to someone doing this work, look for a supervised activity, and explore the subjects that interest you. Admission, licensing and current program requirements should be confirmed with the relevant institutions.
Source preparation category: Job Zone 2 of 5 · 2026-02. This category describes typical preparation, not your eligibility.
Related study fields
Source crosswalk connections are research leads, not required qualifications.
Graphic and Printing Equipment Operator, General Production →
Graphic Communications, Other →
Explore all related study fields →Source & methodology
O*NET-SOC code 51-5112.00 · Database 31.0 · Retrieved Oct 14, 2026. Dates on individual observations describe their source periods.
How interest exploration matching works →Data: O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Used under CC BY 4.0. StudyIndex normalizes the presentation and adds exploration features; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions.