OSCA occupation

OSCA 391433: Printing Machinist

Produces books, magazines, newspapers, brochures, posters, leaflets, packaging materials and stationery using printing presses. This record sits in Printing Trades Workers. Related ANZSIC industry links are included for faster classification cross-checking. Skill level 3 is attached to this occupation record.

Should you use OSCA or ANZSCO?

OSCA 2024 is the current Australian occupation classification for storing, organising and reporting occupation information. Use this OSCA record for current Australian statistical and analytical classification work.

Some migration and administrative programs still specify ANZSCO 2022. Check the exact system named by the agency or form rather than replacing the code automatically.

Check the current ABS guidance on OSCA and ANZSCO use

Official ANZSCO correspondence

Role overview

Produces books, magazines, newspapers, brochures, posters, leaflets, packaging materials and stationery using printing presses.

Use this page to confirm the official title, the parent unit group, the task list and the related ANZSIC industry context before using the occupation in classification, reporting or migration-adjacent workflows.

Occupation facts

Skill level
3
Major group
3 Technicians and Trades Workers
Sub-major group
39 Other Technicians and Trades Workers
Minor group
391 Artistic and Cultural Technicians and Trades Workers
Unit group
3914 Printing Trades Workers

Tasks

  • Sets, adjusts and monitors substrate-feed mechanisms, delivery mechanisms, inking systems and other printing machine functions
  • Loads and unloads materials into printing machines, and monitors inventory of printing supplies and materials
  • Mixes ink and solvents to standard, and regulates paper and ink supply during print runs
  • Monitors, evaluates and determines press operations manually and by computer to check print quality standards against proofs and detect malfunctions
  • Undertakes maintenance, adjustment, repair and cleaning of machines

Skill level guidance

Skill level helps place the occupation inside the ABS hierarchy. Use it as a classification cue, then check the actual task list and occupational context before making a decision for HR, visa or reporting work.

How to use this occupation page

Start with the official OSCA title and task list. Then confirm the parent unit group and compare the related occupations on this page if the job title is broad, overlapping or used differently across employers.

The ANZSIC links are there to help when the same occupation appears across several industries and you need the business-side classification as well.

Compare before choosing

Compare OSCA 391433 with related occupations

Compare roles in the same OSCA unit group by their official definition, skill level, tasks and recognised alternative titles.

Comparison pointCurrent code391433 Printing Machinist391431 Graphic Pre-press Operator391432 Print Finisher
Official role definitionProduces books, magazines, newspapers, brochures, posters, leaflets, packaging materials and stationery using printing presses.Prepares design files for printing, ensuring appropriate colours, graphics, layouts and technical specifications for printing and other visual media.Binds books and other publications, and finishes printed products.
Skill levelSkill Level 3Skill Level 3Skill Level 3
Key tasks
  • Sets, adjusts and monitors substrate-feed mechanisms, delivery mechanisms, inking systems and other printing machine functions
  • Loads and unloads materials into printing machines, and monitors inventory of printing supplies and materials
  • Mixes ink and solvents to standard, and regulates paper and ink supply during print runs
  • Monitors, evaluates and determines press operations manually and by computer to check print quality standards against proofs and detect malfunctions
  • Operates graphic cameras and digital tools to produce high resolution, print-ready files
  • Uses computer applications to generate images, text, layouts and impositions for print and other visual media displays
  • Operates plate making equipment to reproduce images from film to printing plates, digital output devices, and presses
  • Uses digital design platforms for scanning, colour management, combining, layering and preparing visuals for print
  • Sets up and supervises the operation of automatic binding and finishing equipment
  • Binds full, half and limp-bound books, and repairs bindings
  • Folds printed sheets to prepare booklets, brochures and other printed items, and embellishes printed products
  • Operates paper guillotines for pre-press and post-press paper cutting and trimming, and programs electronically operated units
Alternative titlesNot statedNot stated
  • Bookbinder

Comparison uses occupation definitions, skill levels, tasks and title variants from the ABS OSCA data files.

Compliance risk score

4 of 4 factors passing

10 / 10
Verified official source
- ABS OSCA occupation record present
Previous edition migration
- OSCA to ANZSCO correspondence attached
Complete hierarchy
- Major, sub-major, minor and unit group links are present
Legacy crosswalk
- Legacy ANZSCO correspondence attached

How we calculate this score →

In this section

Frequently asked questions

What does OSCA 391433 do?

Printing Machinist is the current ABS occupation record used to describe a specific occupation. It sits in the OSCA hierarchy and carries skill-level context plus related titles and tasks.

How should I read the skill level?

The skill level tells you the educational or training depth that the ABS associates with the occupation. It is a classification signal, not a salary band or a qualification checklist on its own.

Why is industry context shown on an occupation page?

Industry context helps when the title is common or ambiguous. It shows where the occupation is typically employed so you can compare it with the right ANZSIC family.

Source and trust

Official source
ABS OSCA 2024 release and correspondence tables
Last reviewed
2026-04-17

This site is an independent reference resource. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the ABS, ATO or any Australian Government agency.

Please verify critical classification decisions with the official authority before using them for tax, payroll, licensing, immigration or compliance work.

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