Top 10 Printing Jobs in the USA: If you are interested in working in the printing industry but don’t have a college degree, there are still plenty of job opportunities available. The printing sector is vast and offers many roles that don’t require formal higher education but do provide a decent salary and career growth. This article will cover the top 10 printing jobs in the USA that don’t require a college degree or your job experience. These jobs offer a chance to build a rewarding career with hands-on experience, skills development, and the potential to earn well.
Top 10 Printing Jobs in the USA: Why You Should Apply?
If you’re thinking about starting a career in printing but don’t have experience, don’t worry! Many printing jobs in the USA don’t require years of experience. The industry values hands-on training and is open to people who are eager to learn. Here’s why you should apply for these jobs even without experience:
On-the-Job Training: Most printing jobs provide on-the-job training. You’ll learn how to operate machines, prepare materials, and handle the printing process as you work.
Quick Career Growth: The printing industry offers plenty of opportunities for growth. Starting at an entry-level position can lead to higher-paying roles once you gain experience.
High Demand: Printing jobs are in demand, especially with the rise of digital printing. There’s always a need for workers in the industry, even for those just starting out.
Variety of Roles: There are many types of printing jobs like printing press operator, bindery worker, and digital printing specialist. You can try different roles to see what interests you most.
No Degree Required: Many printing jobs don’t require a college degree. A high school diploma and the willingness to learn are often enough to get started.
Applying for printing jobs without experience is a great way to start your career and build valuable skills. Some of the top printing jobs include roles that involve working with machines, designing, or selling printing services. Here are the Top 10 Printing Jobs in the USA:
1. Printing Press Operator
A printing press operator is responsible for setting up and operating printing presses. These professionals ensure that the press runs smoothly, the ink is applied correctly, and the printing job meets the customer’s requirements. Operators work with different types of printing presses, such as offset, flexographic, and digital presses.
Printing press operators can earn between $35,000 and $50,000 annually depending on their experience and the type of press they operate. The job involves hands-on work, and while formal education is not necessary, technical training or certification in printing technology can improve your chances.
How to start:
Most printing press operators learn on the job, though some attend trade schools or apprenticeships. A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required.
2. Bindery Worker
Bindery workers are in charge of finishing printed products. Their tasks include cutting, folding, binding, and packaging printed materials. Bindery workers play an essential role in making sure printed sheets are properly folded, trimmed, and ready for distribution.
The average salary for bindery workers is $30,000 to $45,000 per year. Although you don’t need a degree, you will need to learn about the different types of binding and finishing equipment.
How to start:
Many bindery workers receive on-the-job training. Experience in a related role like a printing assistant can help you move up to this position.
3. Printing Equipment Technician
Printing equipment technicians maintain and repair printing machinery. They ensure the printing equipment is running properly, which can involve performing regular checks, cleaning, and fixing machines when they break down.
The salary for a printing equipment technician can range from $40,000 to $60,000 per year. Experience in mechanical or electrical fields is helpful, but formal education in these areas isn’t strictly necessary if you have hands-on experience.
How to start:
Many technicians learn through apprenticeships or by working under experienced professionals. Some technical schools offer specialized programs for print equipment maintenance.
4. Prepress Technician
Prepress technicians are responsible for preparing the digital files and documents for printing. They check the design for any errors, convert files into formats suitable for printing, and make sure the color and layout are correct before the printing press starts running.
Prepress technicians typically earn $35,000 to $50,000 per year. While many jobs in this field don’t require a degree, experience with graphic design software and understanding print production processes are essential.
How to start:
Most prepress technicians learn by working alongside more experienced colleagues, though completing a certification in digital printing or graphic design software like Adobe Creative Suite can help speed up the process.
5. Digital Printing Specialist
Digital printing specialists work with digital printing machines that print from digital files without the need for printing plates. These specialists ensure that the machine is working properly and the prints are of high quality. With the rise of digital printing, there are many opportunities in this field.
Digital printing specialists can expect to make $35,000 to $55,000 annually. While no degree is needed, digital printing experience or certifications in digital printing processes can give candidates an advantage.
How to start:
Hands-on training or technical school programs can help you get the skills needed for this job. Working in a print shop and learning the machinery on the job is also a common path.
6. Screen Printing Technician
This type of printing involves creating designs on materials like t-shirts, posters, and banners. Screen printing technicians operate the equipment that applies ink to surfaces. They must be skilled at setting up and adjusting machines, ensuring the quality of prints, and troubleshooting equipment when necessary.
Screen printing technicians typically make $30,000 to $50,000 per year, and experienced technicians can earn more. This job doesn’t require a college degree, but it requires a good understanding of the screen printing process and machinery.
How to start:
Training can be done on the job, but attending a short course in screen printing techniques can help you get started faster.
7. Packaging Printer
Packaging printers specialize in printing on various materials used for packaging products. These materials include boxes, bags, labels, and more. Packaging printers need to ensure the design and information on the packaging is printed clearly and correctly.
Packaging printers typically earn $40,000 to $60,000 annually. While a college degree isn’t needed, knowledge of printing techniques, attention to detail, and experience with packaging materials will be useful in this role.
How to start:
You can gain experience in the field by working in a packaging plant or completing an apprenticeship. Learning about different printing methods and materials will help you excel in this job.
8. Print Sales Representative
A print sales representative works with clients to sell printing services. They need to understand the company’s offerings and the client’s needs to provide the best solutions for print jobs. This position requires good communication and customer service skills.
Print sales representatives earn $45,000 to $70,000 per year, but this can increase significantly with commissions. While a degree isn’t necessary, a background in sales or marketing can be helpful.
How to start:
You can begin in entry-level sales positions and work your way up. Familiarizing yourself with the printing industry and building strong relationships with customers will be key to success.
9. Print Shop Assistant as One of the Top 10 Printing Jobs in the USA
Print shop assistants help in various tasks within a printing facility. Their responsibilities can range from assisting with the preparation of materials to operating basic printing equipment, and performing general maintenance.
The average salary for a print shop assistant is $30,000 to $40,000 per year. This entry-level position doesn’t require a degree, but it provides opportunities to learn different aspects of the printing process.
How to start:
Print shop assistants are typically trained on the job. This position offers a good opportunity to learn about printing, which can lead to higher-level roles in the future.
10. Mailing Specialist
Mailing specialists handle the packaging and distribution of printed materials. They ensure that everything is organized, labeled, and ready for shipment to customers. This job involves working with mailing lists, sorting, and addressing packages.
Mailing specialists make around $30,000 to $45,000 annually. The role doesn’t require a degree, but knowledge of shipping processes and organizational skills are essential.
How to start:
Many mailing specialists start by working in a print shop or a mailing company. On-the-job training helps build the skills necessary for this role.
Before You Apply…Top 10 Printing Jobs in the USA
There are many well-paying printing jobs in the USA that don’t require a college degree. From printing press operators to digital printing specialists, the printing industry offers numerous opportunities for people who prefer hands-on work and technical skills. Many of these roles offer on-the-job training, and you can increase your earning potential by gaining experience and certifications in specific printing processes.
If you’re looking for a career in the printing industry but don’t want to invest years into a college degree, these jobs could be a great fit. The printing industry is always evolving, and with the right skills and training, you can build a successful and rewarding career.