SOC 51-5112
Printing Press Operators
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ71/100
High Risk
US Employment
๐ฅ145,110
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$45K
$31K โ $63K
Projected Growth
๐-8.1%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค59/100
Moderate exposure
๐ก Printing Press Operators face a risk score of 71/100 โ 27 points above the national average of 44. With 59/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite weak projected growth. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $45K. The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 71/100, Printing Press Operators faces significant automation pressure. Key threats include predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles and cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks. The 145,110 Americans in this role should actively develop skills in troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions and quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection to remain competitive. Workers who proactively adapt will find new opportunities even as traditional tasks are automated.
Will AI Replace Printing Press Operators?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
Industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks
AI quality inspection via computer vision systems
Automated CNC programming and machine operation
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions
Quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection
Setup and calibration of custom production runs
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
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.
๐ป Technology Skills
Industrial control software
Document management software
Graphics or photo imaging software
Desktop publishing software
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Mechanical
Production and Processing
Customer and Personal Service
English Language
Computers and Electronics
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers | 20 | $106K | 67% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 57% |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 33 | $68K | 76% |