From Offset to Digital: The Evolution of Printing Careers
Key Takeaways
- Print estimators calculate the costs involved in producing print jobs.
- Accuracy and attention to detail are essential.
- Knowledge of printing processes can give you a major advantage.
- Estimators work closely with sales, production, suppliers, and customers.
- Experience can lead to broader opportunities in print production and management.
When you see the final price of a printed product, there’s a good chance a printing estimator helped work it out.
A printing estimator calculates how much it will cost to produce a job, from materials and labour to printing and finishing. Their work helps printing businesses create accurate quotes and keep projects profitable.
If you enjoy numbers, problem-solving, and the printing process, printing estimator jobs could be worth considering.
What Does a Printing Estimator Do?
A print estimator reviews a customer’s requirements and works out the resources needed to complete the job.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Reviewing job specifications and artwork
- Calculating material and production costs
- Estimating labour and machine time
- Working out finishing and delivery costs
- Preparing customer quotes
- Checking supplier and material prices
- Working with sales and production teams
The job requires accuracy because even a small mistake in an estimate can affect the final cost and production schedule.
Skills You Need
You don’t necessarily need years of experience to start, but several skills can help you succeed.
Attention to Detail
Estimators deal with measurements, quantities, materials, and specifications. Being careful and accurate is essential.
Print Knowledge
Understanding printing methods such as digital, offset, and flexographic printing makes it easier to estimate jobs correctly.
Numeracy and Problem-Solving
Estimators need to compare costs and find practical ways to produce a job within a customer’s budget.
Communication
You may work with customers, sales representatives, suppliers, designers, and production teams, so clear communication is important.
Organisation
Print businesses can handle several quotes at once. Good time management helps ensure estimates are completed accurately and on time.
What Software Do Estimators Use?
Modern estimators often use technology to speed up calculations and manage jobs.
Depending on the workplace, you may work with:
- Print estimating and MIS software
- Microsoft Excel
- Adobe Acrobat
- Production management systems
- CRM and quoting platforms
Being comfortable learning new software can give you an advantage when applying for printing estimator jobs.
How Do You Become a Printing Estimator?
There isn’t one set pathway into the role.
Some estimators start in print production, prepress, customer service, or administration before moving into estimating. Others develop their skills through training, apprenticeships, or hands-on experience.
A good understanding of printing materials, machinery, finishing, and production processes can be just as valuable as formal qualifications.
Is Printing Estimating a Good Career?
If you enjoy combining numbers, technology, communication, and print production, estimating can offer a varied career path.
With experience, you may progress into roles such as:
- Senior Print Estimator
- Production Coordinator
- Production Manager
- Operations Manager
- Print Account Manager
The role can also give you a strong understanding of how a print business operates from the initial customer enquiry through to production.
Start Your Print Career
Printing estimators play an important role behind the scenes, helping turn customer requirements into realistic and profitable print projects.
If you’re interested in printing estimator jobs or other opportunities across the industry, explore current printing jobs in Australia on PrintJobs and take the next step in your career.
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