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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Printing Press Operator in Iowa is $36,539 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.
However, a Printing Press Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Printing Press Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $39,679 | $3,307 | $763 | $19 |
| Average | $36,539 | $3,045 | $703 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,014 | $2,751 | $635 | $16 |
RR Donnelley - Des Moines, IA
LIVIT Staffing - Newton, IA
Access Dubuque - Dubuque, IA
Gannett Co. , Inc. - Des Moines, IA
A Printing Press Operator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Printing Press Operator's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Printing Press Operator | $35,952 |
| Intermediate Level Printing Press Operator | $37,034 |
| Senior Level Printing Press Operator | $39,080 |
| Specialist Level Printing Press Operator | $39,379 |
| Expert Level Printing Press Operator | $39,529 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Printing Press Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Printing Press Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Telecom and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Printing Press Operator positions in Retail & Wholesale or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Printing Press Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Telecom | $45,674 | $22.0 | 25% |
| Biotechnology | $43,847 | $21.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $43,847 | $21.0 | 20% |
| Internet | $42,020 | $20.0 | 15% |
| Software & Networking | $42,020 | $20.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a Printing Press Operator's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $39,679 | $3,307 | $763 | $19 |
| Average | $36,539 | $3,045 | $703 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,014 | $2,751 | $635 | $16 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Printing Press Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Des Moines Register
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines Register | Des Moines, IA
Job Description. Job Description. PRESS OPERATOR I. Gannett Publishing Services/USA TODAY CO. The Des Moines Register. $22.00 per hour. $2,250 Sign-on Bonu... more
8 Days Ago
R.R. Donnelley
Osage, IA
R.R. Donnelley | Osage, IA
Press Operator - 3rd ShiftRRD is a leading global provider of marketing, packaging, print, and supply chain solutions that elevate engagement across the co... more
8 Days Ago
Gannett
Des Moines, IA
Gannett | Des Moines, IA
Press Operator I. Gannett Publishing Services/USA TODAY CO. Des Moines, IA. This position pays $22 per hour based on background and experience. We are also... more
8 Days Ago
RR Donnelley
Osage, IA
RR Donnelley | Osage, IA
Press Operator (3rd Shift). Full-time. Navy MOS: LI:Lithographer. Marine MOS: 4619:Combat Lithographer. Army MOS: 83F:Printing and Bindery Specialist. Depa... more
8 Days Ago
RR Donnelley
Osage, IA
RR Donnelley | Osage, IA
Press Operator - 2nd Shift. Full-time. Navy MOS: LI:Lithographer. Marine MOS: 4619:Combat Lithographer. Army MOS: 83F:Printing and Bindery Specialist. Depa... more
9 Days Ago
Deco Products
Decorah, IA
Deco Products | Decorah, IA
Production - Trim Press Operator Zinc Die Cast ManufacturingWe are hiring a Trim Press Operator to prepare zinc die cast parts coming off casting machines.... more
8 Days Ago
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