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As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Press Operator in Illinois is $51,171 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.
However, a Press Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Press Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $57,166 | $4,764 | $1,099 | $27 |
| Average | $51,171 | $4,264 | $984 | $25 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,350 | $3,863 | $891 | $22 |
Staff Management SMX - Geneva, IL
PROMAN Staffing - Romeoville, IL
Marmon - Sauget, IL
Danville Metal Stamping Co., Inc. - Danville, IL
A 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.
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 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 Press Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Media and Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Press Operator positions in MFG Durable or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Press Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Media | $66,522 | $32.0 | 30% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $61,405 | $30.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $56,288 | $27.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a 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 | $57,166 | $4,764 | $1,099 | $27 |
| Average | $51,171 | $4,264 | $984 | $25 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,350 | $3,863 | $891 | $22 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Press Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Staff Management | SMX
Geneva, IL
Staff Management | SMX | Geneva, IL
Press Operator. With Staff Management | SMX, you'll get a weekly paycheck, learn new skills, meet new people, and work with a great management team in a cl... more
2 Days Ago
Three Z Printing Company
Teutopolis, IL
Three Z Printing Company | Teutopolis, IL
Three Z Printing Job. Three Z is one of the largest family-owned commercial web printers in the U.S and located in Teutopolis, Illinois. For more than 40 y... more
2 Days Ago
Novolex
Chicago, IL
Novolex | Chicago, IL
Novolex - - Responsibilities: Operate flexographic printing press. Mount print plates and adjust cylinders. Maintain quality and avoid smearing. Log produc... more
2 Days Ago
Pactiv Evergreen
Chicago, IL
Pactiv Evergreen | Chicago, IL
Pactiv Evergreen - - Responsibilities: Read job orders and mount print plates. Operate flexographic printing press. Maintain print quality and alignment. R... more
2 Days Ago
PPC Flexible Packaging
Buffalo Grove, IL
PPC Flexible Packaging | Buffalo Grove, IL
Press Operator. Press Operator is responsible to safely operate, set up, and care for the printing press machines and direct the press assistants to ensure... more
3 Days Ago
Freedom Graphic Systems
Aurora, IL
Freedom Graphic Systems | Aurora, IL
Commercial Web Press Operators. Freedom is proud to be one of the largest, privately held direct mail service providers in the United States. We are a fami... more
3 Days Ago
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