Screen Printer

A screen printer operates manual and semi-automatic screen printing equipment to apply designs and graphics onto textiles, apparel, and promotional products in manufacturing or commercial print settings. They prepare screens using photographic and chemical processes, mix and match ink colours to specifications, and manage production runs to meet quality and delivery standards. The role requires technical knowledge of screen mesh, emulsion chemistry, squeegee techniques, and substrate handling to produce consistent, high-quality printed products.

Prepare screens by applying photo-emulsion, exposing artwork onto mesh using light sources, and developing screens with water or chemical washouts. Set up screen printing frames on manual or semi-automatic presses, ensuring correct registration and tension using tension meters. Mix printing inks to match colour specifications using pigments, solvents, and additives, and document colour formulas for batch consistency. Adjust squeegee angle, pressure, and stroke speed to optimise ink transfer and prevent mesh clogging or over-saturation. Position and secure substrates (garments, paper, promotional items) on the press bed or conveyor using jigs, guides, or manual placement. Operate single-colour and multi-colour screen printing runs, managing print sequences and flash curing between layers on apparel. Inspect printed products against artwork specifications for colour accuracy, registration, image sharpness, and ink opacity, and identify defects. Measure ink viscosity and screen thread count using viscosity cups and magnification tools to maintain technical specifications.

The standard entry pathway requires a Certificate IV or Certificate III with at least two years of on-the-job training (ABS skill level 3). Specific qualification requirements vary by employer and state. Some employers may accept equivalent experience. Check yourcareer.gov.au for available courses and dewr.gov.au/skills-reform/free-tafe for subsidised training options.

The work is repetitive and physically demanding with little room for pay growth. You'll spend hours standing at a press doing the same motions, and once you've mastered the technique, progression to supervisory or design roles is limited. Automation and digital printing may take over some manual screen printing over time.

Regional areas have smaller operations. Work is mostly site-based in workshops and factories, not remote. Custom print shops are scattered across metro areas but employ fewer people than large manufacturers.

• Adaptability and Flexibilitycore
• Attention to Detailcore
• Basic Arithmetic and Numerical Accuracycore
• Follow safety precautions in printingcore
• Incident Reportingcore
• Inspect printing outputcore
• Inventory Trackingcore
• Maintenance of printing machinescore
• Policy and Procedure Adherencecore
• Prepare printing formcore
• Printing materialscore
• Printing on large scale machinescore
• Problem Solvingcore
• Process Improvement Identificationcore
• Quality Assurance and Checkingcore
• Screen printing inkscore
• Team Collaborationcore
• Time Management and Prioritisationcore
• Troubleshootcore
• Verbal Communicationcore
• Workload Self-Managementcore
• Consult technical resources
• Continuous Learning and Upskilling
• Customer Order Tracking
• Follow production schedule
• Keep records of work progress
• Monitor automated machines
• Multitasking
• Perform machine maintenance
• Perform test run
• Printing techniques
• Quality standards
• Record Management
• Report defective manufacturing materials
• Stock Counting and Stocktake
• Supplier Communication
• Supply machine

• ABS OSCA 2024, occupation definition and task statements
• ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on usual place of residence (Custom Report). OSCA Experimental Estimates.

Role data is drawn from official Australian Government sources, and each figure names where it comes from. Where a role is not in the ABS classification, the page shows no government figures for it. Data may not reflect every local variation.

Where our numbers come from.

Last updated: 30 October 2026