Career comparison
Packaging Machine Operator vs. Printing Press Operator
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Printing press operators earn more at the median ($45,780 vs. $43,220), while packaging machine operators usually get to work faster (A few weeks to months on the job of training). Packaging machine operators run machines that fill, seal, label and package products. Printing press operators run printing presses that produce packaging, labels, books and marketing materials.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Packaging Machine Operator | Printing Press Operator | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $43,220 ($20.78/hr) | $45,780 ($22.01/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $33,390 – $60,030 | $33,330 – $63,520 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +4.1% (about as fast as average) | -8.7% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 41,400 | 12,100 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | A few weeks to months on the job | A few months to years on the job |
| Key credential | PMMI training | PIA training |
| Work setting | Operators work on packaging lines in plants and warehouses.. | Operators work in print plants and packaging facilities.. |
What each job does
Packaging Machine Operator
- Run packaging lines
- Set up changeovers
- Load packaging materials
- Check weights and seals
- Clear jams
Printing Press Operator
- Set up presses
- Mount plates
- Mix and load ink
- Adjust color and registration
- Monitor runs
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, shift work, and teamwork. Both are part of the mechanics, maintenance & manufacturing field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose packaging machine operator if…
- I like machines
- I work fast
- I like teamwork
Choose printing press operator if…
- I like machines
- I have a good eye for color
- I solve problems
Still torn? Take the Packaging Machine Operator fit quiz and the Printing Press Operator fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, packaging machine operator or printing press operator?
Printing Press Operators earn more at the median: $45,780 versus $43,220 for packaging machine operators, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Packaging Machine Operators typically train faster (A few weeks to months on the job) than printing press operators (A few months to years on the job).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects packaging machine operators to grow +4.1% from 2025–35, compared with -8.7% for printing press operators.