How Much Does a Print Production Specialist Make? (2025)
A print production specialist manages the entire printing process from concept to completion by coordinating production schedules, print specifications, and vendor relations. They prepare cost estimates, review artwork and proofs for accuracy, and ensure high-quality results for materials like direct mail, sales collateral, and promotional prints.
The salary for print production specialists is greatly influenced by factors such as experience and location. For 2025, Salary.com projects the average annual salary for a print production specialist in the United States to be $67,701, making it a great career path for professionals.
Here are additional insights into print production specialist salary trends, top-paying cities in the US, ways to increase earnings, and common questions about the job.
Average Print Production Specialist Salary
As mentioned, the projected annual average salary for print production specialists in the United States for 2025 is $67,701, which is 3.34% higher than the 2024 median wage of $65,510.
As of October 10, 2025, the print production specialist salary range in the U.S. is $51,271 to $82,794, with most earnings between $59,101 to $75,601 annually.
2025 Print Production Specialist Average Salary: $67,701 per year ($33 per hour)
A print production specialist's monthly salary is $5,642 on average, while the weekly rate is $1,302 on average. Meanwhile, a print production specialist's salary per hour is $33, according to a Salary.com report.
| Percentile | By Hour | By Week | By Month | By Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $25 | $986 | $4,273 | $51,271 |
| 25th Percentile | $28 | $1,137 | $4,925 | $59,101 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $33 | $1,302 | $5,642 | $67,701 |
| 75th Percentile | $36 | $1,454 | $6,300 | $75,601 |
| 90th Percentile | $40 | $1,592 | $6,899 | $82,794 |
Print Production Specialist Salaries State by State
Print production specialist salaries can be highly variable across states, depending on factors such as local economic conditions, cost of living, and the strength of industry sectors. Search for your state to see how salaries may differ.
For example, the highest average annual salary for a print production specialist in the United States is $74,901 in the District of Columbia, while the lowest is $60,401 in Mississippi.
| State | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $73,201 |
| Alabama | $62,201 |
| Arkansas | $61,101 |
| Arizona | $65,901 |
| California | $74,601 |
| Colorado | $69,001 |
| Connecticut | $72,301 |
| District of Columbia | $74,901 |
| Delaware | $68,501 |
| Florida | $64,001 |
| Georgia | $65,301 |
| Hawaii | $70,701 |
| Iowa | $64,801 |
| Idaho | $63,201 |
| Illinois | $69,001 |
| Indiana | $65,001 |
| Kansas | $64,401 |
| Kentucky | $63,701 |
| Louisiana | $64,301 |
| Massachusetts | $73,601 |
| Maryland | $69,801 |
| Maine | $66,001 |
| Michigan | $66,601 |
| Minnesota | $69,201 |
| Missouri | $64,301 |
| Mississippi | $60,401 |
| Montana | $63,901 |
| North Carolina | $64,301 |
| North Dakota | $66,801 |
| Nebraska | $63,801 |
| New Hampshire | $68,401 |
| New Jersey | $73,301 |
| New Mexico | $62,701 |
| Nevada | $67,001 |
| New York | $71,901 |
| Ohio | $65,901 |
| Oklahoma | $62,601 |
| Oregon | $68,701 |
| Pennsylvania | $67,401 |
| Rhode Island | $70,201 |
| South Carolina | $63,401 |
| South Dakota | $61,501 |
| Tennessee | $63,201 |
| Texas | $66,001 |
| Utah | $64,801 |
| Virginia | $68,101 |
| Vermont | $66,401 |
| Washington | $73,401 |
| Wisconsin | $66,601 |
| West Virginia | $60,901 |
| Wyoming | $64,901 |
What are the Best-Paying Cities for Print Production Specialists?
Apart from state differences, print production specialist salaries also vary by city due to the cost of living, demand, and local jobs. Applications for top roles are typically posted online, and issues in demand can affect salary.
For example, employers in cities in California, such as San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland, offer some of the highest average annual pay for print production specialists, making these cities attractive locations for professionals in the field. Work in these cities can provide valuable experience and exposure.
| City | Average Pay |
|---|---|
| San Jose, California | $85,301 |
| San Francisco, California | $84,501 |
| Oakland, California | $82,601 |
| New York, New York | $78,401 |
| Queens Village, New York | $77,901 |
| Paramus, New Jersey | $77,401 |
How Experience Affects Print Production Specialist Salary?
The salary for print production specialists can also increase with experience. In the report, an entry-level print production specialist earns about $64,943 annually. With under 2 years of experience, the pay increases to $65,194. Those who have started in the field gain time to develop skills that impact salary growth.
Specialists with 2 to 4 years of experience earn around $68,305, while senior specialists with 5 to 8 years make about $71,691. Those with over 8 years of experience earn a median salary of $71,932.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Print Production Specialist | $64,943 |
| Intermediate Level Print Production Specialist | $65,194 |
| Senior Level Print Production Specialist | $68,305 |
| Specialist Level Print Production Specialist | $71,691 |
| Expert Level Print Production Specialist | $71,932 |
How to Increase Salary as a Print Production Specialist?
For print production specialists seeking to improve their salary, prioritizing career advancements and acquiring highly compensated skills is essential.
Print Production Specialist Advancements
- Education: Earning a bachelor's degree can make a significant difference. It not only enhances your technical knowledge and leadership skills but also makes you more competitive for higher-paying roles in print management and production coordination.
- Location: Consider relocating to cities that offer higher pay. Areas like San Jose, CA ($85,301), San Francisco, CA ($84,501), and Oakland, CA ($82,601) provide some of the top earning opportunities, followed by New York, NY ($78,401), Queens Village, NY ($77,901), and Paramus, NJ ($77,401).
- Skills: Developing in-demand skills can significantly boost your salary as a print production specialist. Skills such as color management (+8.49%), cost control (+7.85%), and quality control (+7.81%) lead to higher pay, while expertise in customer satisfaction, desktop publishing, and project coordination also contributes to steady salary growth.
Print Production Specialist Skills
Print production specialists with certain in-demand skills can increase their salaries. According to the Real-time Job Posting Salary Data Report, a print production specialist with color management skills can earn an 8.49% salary increase, while those with quality control experience may see a 7.81% increase.
Other skills that can boost a print production specialist's salary include:
| Skill | Demand | Salary Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Color Management | 10.20% | +8.49% |
| Cost Control | 10.40% | +7.85% |
| Quality Control | 10.00% | +7.81% |
| Customer Satisfaction | 10.00% | +7.38% |
| Desktop Publishing | 10.50% | +7.30% |
| Project Coordination | 10.50% | +7.28% |
| Logistics Management | 10.00% | +6.61% |
| Print Production | 10.50% | +6.37% |
Print Production Specialist Salary FAQs
Here are some common questions about the job title:
What is the average salary for a Print Production Specialist?
As of this writing, the average annual salary of a print production specialist is $67,701, or $33 per hour, $1,302 per week, or $5,642 monthly.
What is the highest salary for a Print Production Specialist?
Based on a Salary.com report, the highest salary for a print production specialist can reach $82,794 annually, or $40 per hour. However, keep in mind that this depends on factors such as skills, experience, and geographic location.
What does a Print Production Specialist do?
A print production specialist manages the entire printing process, from coordinating schedules and reviewing specifications to ensure final products meet quality standards. They also initiate competitive bids, negotiate with vendors, prepare cost estimates, and review artwork and proofs to guarantee accuracy and proper formatting before printing. Each day, the specialist handles multiple tasks and data to maintain efficiency and quality.
