Printing Management: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Printing Management equips professionals with the strategic and technical expertise needed to lead and optimize end-to-end printing operations. This program integrates creative design principles with advanced operational oversight, preparing graduates to manage complex production workflows from concept to delivery.
- Graphic Communications Design and Production: Explores the foundational elements of visual content creation, layout, typography, and pre-press processes essential for high-quality print outputs.
- Quality Control Systems: Focuses on standardized inspection protocols, defect detection, and continuous improvement methods to ensure consistency and excellence across print runs.
- Printing Operations Management: Covers the coordination of press operations, workflow efficiency, equipment calibration, and process optimization in industrial printing environments.
- Computerization in Print Production: Addresses digital workflow integration, software platforms, automation tools, and data management systems that drive modern printing operations.
- Printing Plant Management: Provides insight into facility planning, equipment lifecycle management, safety compliance, and environmental sustainability in print manufacturing settings.
- Business Finance and Marketing: Builds competencies in budgeting, cost analysis, pricing strategies, and market positioning tailored to the graphic communications sector.
- Logistics and Distribution: Examines supply chain coordination, order fulfillment, warehousing, shipping protocols, and delivery timelines for printed goods.
- Personnel Supervision and Leadership: Develops skills in team management, conflict resolution, performance evaluation, and fostering a productive, collaborative workplace culture.
- Professional Standards in Graphic Communications: Outlines industry regulations, ethical practices, intellectual property rights, and certification frameworks that uphold integrity and innovation in the field.
Printing Management Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Printing Management Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Printing Management degrees, including Prepress Technicians and Workers and Printing Press Operators. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 168,180 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepress Technicians and Workers 51-5111 | $47,300 | $34,270 - $65,530 | 23,070 | $22.74 |
| Printing Press Operators 51-5112 | $45,160 | $31,450 - $63,060 | 145,110 | $21.71 |
Printing Management Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $28,720 in Oklahoma to $107,275 in District of Columbia—a 274% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 168,180 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Printing Management by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 3 institutions offering Printing Management programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Printing Management is found at Pittsburg State University (34 graduates), University of Minnesota (UMD), Duluth (17 graduates), and Ferris State University (FSU) (8 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 59 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburg State University |
Bachelor's
|
34 | Pittsburg, Kansas | Public | pittstate.edu |
| University of Minnesota (UMD) |
Bachelor's
|
17 | Duluth, Minnesota | Public | d.umn.edu |
| Ferris State University (FSU) |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Big Rapids, Michigan | Public | ferris.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Printing Management programs
How much can I earn with a Printing Management degree?
Salaries for Printing Management graduates vary by role and location. Prepress Technicians and Workers earn a median of $47,300 annually, while Printing Press Operators earn around $45,160. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $107,275 compared to $28,720 in Oklahoma. Approximately 168,180 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Printing Management programs?
Currently 3 accredited institutions offer Printing Management degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Pittsburg State University (34 graduates), University of Minnesota (UMD), Duluth (17 graduates), and Ferris State University (FSU) (8 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Printing Management growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 50 in 2010 to a peak of 78 in 2020, before declining slightly to 59 in 2023-24. This represents a 18% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Printing Management degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Prepress Technicians and Workers, Printing Press Operators, . Related occupations employ approximately 168,180 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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