Printers Salary
Median salary £31,367 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.
Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £31,000 after tax and National Insurance →
For printers, £33,019 is the typical (median) pay. That is below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -15% versus the national average.
About this role
Printers operate printing presses and digital printing equipment to produce books, magazines, newspapers, packaging, labels and commercial print materials. They set up machines, monitor print quality and ensure efficient production runs.
Key responsibilities
- Setting up and operating litho, digital, flexo or gravure printing presses
- Monitoring print quality including colour, registration and density
- Adjusting press settings to maintain consistent output
- Managing ink, paper and substrate supplies
- Maintaining and cleaning printing equipment
Qualifications and entry routes
Apprenticeship or NVQ Level 2/3 in print production. BPIF (British Printing Industries Federation) training programmes are the industry standard. Machine-specific training from manufacturers is common.
Career outlook
Print volumes are declining in some areas but packaging, labels and specialty printing remain strong. Digital print skills complement traditional press operation.
Key skills
Common industries
- Commercial printing
- Newspaper printing
- Packaging
- Label printing
- Publishing
Data coverage
Salary Range (2025)
Estimated Career Progression
Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation
Entry Level
£23,700
0-2 years
Mid Level
£23,700
3-7 years
Salary Trend (2015-2025)
Gender Pay Comparison (2025)
Full-time vs All Employees (2025)
Full-time premium: +£1,652
Printers salary: common questions
How much do printers earn in the UK?
Is £33,019 a good salary in the UK?
What is the starting salary for printers?
Have printers salaries kept up with inflation?
Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).