Printing Press Operators
The short answer
Parts of this job are expected to change. AI can already assist with some of its tasks. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to shrink over the next decade, with about 605 openings expected each year.
Where your job stands
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the middle fifth for how much AI could touch it—right around the middle.
How much AI could touch this job
Looking at the job itself, AI could help with about a quarter of this job's tasks.
What this means
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the middle fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.
What AI can and can’t help with in this job
The score comes from the real, day-to-day tasks of this job—not a guess about the job as a whole. Below are the tasks that matter most in this job, split by whether AI can help with them.
AI can help with or automate about 43% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
Verify that paper and ink meet the specifications for a given job.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Collect and inspect random samples during print runs to identify any necessary adjustments.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Monitor automated press operation systems and respond to fault, error, or alert messages.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Download or scan files to be printed, using printing production software.
AI could do much of this on its own
Adjust digital files to alter print elements, such as fonts, graphics, or color separations.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Tasks AI can't do much of
Start presses and pull proofs to check for ink coverage and density, alignment, and registration.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Examine job orders to determine quantities to be printed, stock specifications, colors, or special printing instructions.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Adjust ink fountain flow rates.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Feed paper through press cylinders and adjust feed and tension controls.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Load presses with paper and make necessary adjustments, according to paper size.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Jobs you could switch to
If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.
See related jobs in
The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.
Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators
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What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
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New skills to build
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Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
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What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Control Precision
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Your current skills largely cover this move.
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Very similar work+4% pay360 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 4% more—$51,031 vs your $48,950 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Mechanical
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New skills to build
- Design
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Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Very similar work+27% pay39 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 27% more—$62,279 vs your $48,950 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
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New skills to build
- Reaction Time
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Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
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What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
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New skills to build
- Food Production
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Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Similar work+4% pay191 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 4% more—$50,811 vs your $48,950 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
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Your current skills largely cover this move.
Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Similar work+10% pay195 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 10% more—$54,006 vs your $48,950 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
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Your current skills largely cover this move.
Print Binding and Finishing Workers
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What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Near Vision
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New skills to build
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Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
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What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
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New skills to build
- Engineering and Technology
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Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
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What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Mechanical
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New skills to build
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Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
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What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Control Precision
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New skills to build
- Reaction Time
Etchers and Engravers
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What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Near Vision
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- Finger Dexterity
- Oral Comprehension
New skills to build
- Design
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Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Somewhat similar work+2% pay139 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 2% more—$50,043 vs your $48,950 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Production and Processing
- Control Precision
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Quality Control Analysis
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Office Machine Operators, Except Computer
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What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Near Vision
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New skills to build
- Administrative
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Machine Feeders and Offbearers
Somewhat similar workslightly less pay94 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays slightly less—$44,400 vs your $48,950 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Control Precision
- Production and Processing
- Operations Monitoring
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Mechanical
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Somewhat similar work+47% pay4,530 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 47% more—$71,717 vs your $48,950 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus long-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Mechanical
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New skills to build
- Engineering and Technology
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