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The differences between compositors and offset press operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a compositor and an offset press operator. Additionally, a compositor has an average salary of $45,101, which is higher than the $43,637 average annual salary of an offset press operator.
The top three skills for a compositor include VFX, visual effects and animation. The most important skills for an offset press operator are hand tools, troubleshoot, and general maintenance.
| Compositor | Offset Press Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $45,101 | $43,637 |
| Hourly rate | $21.68 | $20.98 |
| Growth rate | - | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 154 | 30,089 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | High School Diploma, 44% |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Compositors are the creators of a frame, shot, or sequence final image. They usually combine various digital elements to produce a believable picture. Following the direction of the style chosen for the set is part of these compositors' responsibilities. These workers create their visual effects and high-quality composites using special effects (SFX) like 2D and 3D animation and CGIs. They use these digital elements to create convincing shadows, enhance a picture's lighting, and static background plates.
Offset Press Operators print different printed materials by setting up, adjusting, and operating offset printing presses. They adjust, clean, and lubricate the offset printing presses to attain successful printing operation. These professionals ensure the ink and plates have the correct registration and the critical pressure to give the printed material a clean and straightforward impression. Offset Press Operators inspect finished materials and work in progress to maintain the printing accuracy and quality standards. Also, they perform other assigned duties within the pressroom.
Compositors and offset press operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Compositor | Offset Press Operator | |
| Average salary | $45,101 | $43,637 |
| Salary range | Between $23,000 And $85,000 | Between $31,000 And $60,000 |
| Highest paying City | Pittsfield, MA | - |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | - |
| Best paying company | Dassault Systèmes | - |
| Best paying industry | - | - |
There are a few differences between a compositor and an offset press operator in terms of educational background:
| Compositor | Offset Press Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | High School Diploma, 44% |
| Most common major | Animation | Graphic Communications |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between compositors' and offset press operators' demographics:
| Compositor | Offset Press Operator | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 62.7% Female, 37.3% | Male, 84.8% Female, 15.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.0% Unknown, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino, 19.2% Asian, 7.3% White, 60.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 10.5% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.7% Asian, 6.7% White, 63.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |