Wages Continue to Rise for Offset Press Operators


I like statistics like this.  Above is a monthly graph of the average wage according to real job postings as they appear on indeed.com.  It shows the average wage of a web press operator against the average salary of jobs posted on their site.  The median wage is currently at about $40,000.  Not bad when you consider that this encompasses every position on the press.


This graph is very reflective of the economic conditions.  When the economy tanked in 2010, wages for offset printers tumbled in a downward spiral until about July 2011.  The good news is that ever since then, wages are on the incline for web press operators.


Now take a look at another graph from the same source below.  It shows something similar for sheetfed press operators.  Wages fell in the same way from the summer of 2010 to the fall of 2011.  The same recovery is being seen, albeit with some volatility, after July 2011.  Average wage is currently at $39,000.  Just a little under web press operators, but I've discussed the reasons for that before.




There are of course many more factors that can skew the interpretation of such a graph.  Factors such as the state or country you live in as well as the position on the press you work at.  Take a look at here at how wages are broken down by state.  At the very least, this overall trend is promising.


Print is not dead, not yet anyways.  Perhaps it's a good time to ask for a raise.


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