Graphic and Printing Equipment Operator: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
This program equips students with the technical expertise needed to manage and execute complex graphic communications projects across commercial and industrial environments. Emphasis is placed on mastering modern printing technologies and production workflows, ensuring graduates are ready to thrive in dynamic visual media settings.
- Graphic Production Processes: Learn the end-to-end workflow of transforming digital designs into physical print outputs, from file preparation to final delivery.
- Printing Equipment Operation: Gain hands-on experience with mechanical, electronic, and digital printing systems, including offset, digital, and large-format presses.
- Prepress Techniques: Develop skills in image editing, color management, file formatting, and proofing to ensure print-ready accuracy and consistency.
- Finishing and Binding Methods: Understand post-print processes such as cutting, folding, binding, laminating, and die-cutting used to complete professional-grade printed materials.
- Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Acquire the ability to perform routine equipment servicing and diagnose technical issues to minimize downtime and maintain production quality.
- Industry-Standard Software Integration: Become proficient in tools used for layout, imaging, and workflow automation that support efficient and precise graphic production.
Graphic and Printing Equipment Operator Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Graphic and Printing Equipment Operator Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Graphic and Printing Equipment Operator degrees, including Prepress Technicians and Workers, Printing Press Operators and Data Entry Keyers. 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 303,460 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 |
| Data Entry Keyers 43-9021 | $39,850 | $30,100 - $56,930 | 135,280 | $19.16 |
Graphic and Printing Equipment Operator Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $30,983 in Oklahoma to $88,803 in District of Columbia—a 187% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 303,460 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 Graphic and Printing Equipment Operator by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 20 institutions offering Graphic and Printing Equipment Operator 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 Graphic and Printing Equipment Operator is found at Columbus State Community College (CSCC) (111 graduates), Central Texas College (CTC) (34 graduates), University of Puerto Rico (UPRC), Carolina (32 graduates), William Rainey Harper College (23 graduates), and Tarrant County College District (TCCD) (17 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 314 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus State Community College (CSCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
111 | Columbus, Ohio | Public | cscc.edu |
| Central Texas College (CTC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
34 | Killeen, Texas | Public | ctcd.edu |
| University of Puerto Rico (UPRC) |
Bachelor's
|
32 | Carolina, Puerto Rico | Public | uprc.edu |
| William Rainey Harper College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
23 | Palatine, Illinois | Public | harpercollege.edu |
| Tarrant County College District (TCCD) |
Associate's
|
17 | Fort Worth, Texas | Public | tccd.edu |
| Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) |
Other Award
|
17 | Green Bay, Wisconsin | Public | nwtc.edu |
| Orange County Community College (SUNY Orange) |
Associate's
|
16 | Middletown, New York | Public | sunyorange.edu |
| Rock Valley College (RVC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
12 | Rockford, Illinois | Public | rockvalleycollege.edu |
| Fulton-Montgomery Community College (FMCC) |
Associate's
|
12 | Johnstown, New York | Public | fmcc.edu |
| Flint Hills Technical College (FHTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
11 | Emporia, Kansas | Public | fhtc.edu |
| Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology (TSCT) |
Associate's
|
11 | Lancaster, Pennsylvania | Public | stevenscollege.edu |
| Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas (PCCUA) |
Other Award
|
5 | Helena, Arkansas | Public | pccua.edu |
| Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
3 | Cape Girardeau, Missouri | Public | capectc.org |
| Scottsdale Community College (SCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
2 | Scottsdale, Arizona | Public | scottsdalecc.edu |
| Fullerton College |
Associate's
|
2 | Fullerton, California | Public | fullcoll.edu |
| Mineral Area College (MAC) |
Associate's
|
2 | Park Hills, Missouri | Public | mineralarea.edu |
| Fresno City College (FCC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Fresno, California | Public | fresnocitycollege.edu |
| Saddleback College |
Associate's
|
1 | Mission Viejo, California | Public | saddleback.edu |
| Erie Community College (SUNY Erie) |
Associate's
|
1 | Buffalo, New York | Public | ecc.edu |
| Southwest College for the Deaf (SWCD) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Big Spring, Texas | Public | howardcollege.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Graphic and Printing Equipment Operator programs
How much can I earn with a Graphic and Printing Equipment Operator degree?
Salaries for Graphic and Printing Equipment Operator 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 $88,803 compared to $30,983 in Oklahoma. Approximately 303,460 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 Graphic and Printing Equipment Operator programs?
Currently 20 accredited institutions offer Graphic and Printing Equipment Operator degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Columbus State Community College (CSCC) (111 graduates), Central Texas College (CTC) (34 graduates), and University of Puerto Rico (UPRC), Carolina (32 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 Graphic and Printing Equipment Operator growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 747 in 2010 to a peak of 376 in 2020, before declining slightly to 314 in 2023-24. This represents a 58% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, 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 Graphic and Printing Equipment Operator degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Prepress Technicians and Workers, Printing Press Operators, and Data Entry Keyers. Related occupations employ approximately 303,460 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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