How To Become A Digital Print Operator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a digital print operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Digital print operators prepare materials for print. They consult clients and create layouts according to their needs and specifications. They often operate printing machines as well, producing high-quality copies based on digital files.

Working in this position, you will carry out orders you receive via email or through briefings in person. You will have to make sure your assignments are completed within deadlines, so knowing how to prioritize your tasks will be essential. You will follow up with customers for adjustments, and log your tasks and interactions with customers.

You will have to know how your printer works, and fix it in case it breaks or restock it when out of ink or paper. Maintaining your equipment in good condition will also be your job. You have to be creative with good visual skills to take on this role. A GED is usually the minimum requirement, but a sensitivity for color and visual aesthetics is sought after in candidates, as well as experience and expertise in digital print technologies.

ScoreDigital Print OperatorUS Average

Salary

2.5

Avg. Salary $31,749

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity

4.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.50%

Asian 7.37%

Black or African American 9.78%

Hispanic or Latino 17.60%

Unknown 3.47%

White 61.29%

Gender

female 25.20%

male 74.80%

Age - 50

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 50

Stress Level

7.6

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

8.4

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

5.3

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a digital print operator

Explore digital print operator education requirements

Most common digital print operator degrees

Bachelor's

35.0 %

Associate

29.1 %

High School Diploma

20.9 %

Start to develop specific digital print operator skills

Skills	Percentages
Quality Checks	14.42%
Image Quality	12.62%
Quality Standards	12.36%
Routine Maintenance	6.36%
Troubleshoot	4.68%

Complete relevant digital print operator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New digital print operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a digital print operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real digital print operator resumes.

Research digital print operator duties and responsibilities

Manage day-to-day operations and supervise employees to ensure the studio run smoothly.
Experience in PDF, VIP, PPML, and VPS files.
Maintain and troubleshoot printer and machine base.
Operate and troubleshoot high speed digital print equipment.

Prepare your digital print operator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your digital print operator resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a digital print operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Digital Print Operator Resume templates

Build a professional Digital Print Operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Digital Print Operator resume.

Apply for digital print operator jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a digital print operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams