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The differences between compositors and print production specialists 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 a print production specialist. Additionally, a compositor has an average salary of $45,101, which is higher than the $33,102 average annual salary of a print production specialist.
The top three skills for a compositor include VFX, visual effects and animation. The most important skills for a print production specialist are production equipment, billing purposes, and data entry.
| Compositor | Print Production Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $45,101 | $33,102 |
| Hourly rate | $21.68 | $15.91 |
| Growth rate | - | -4% |
| Number of jobs | 154 | 58,622 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 58% |
| 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.
A print production specialist is in charge of overseeing the daily printing operations of a company. Although the extent of their responsibilities depends on their place or industry of employment, it typically includes identifying and understanding the clients' needs, preparing and processing materials for printing, operating devices and equipment, reviewing document specifications, and maintaining an active communication line with staff. They must also communicate and assist clients by answering inquiries, offering suggestions and promotions, and resolving issues and concerns promptly and efficiently.
Compositors and print production specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Compositor | Print Production Specialist | |
| Average salary | $45,101 | $33,102 |
| Salary range | Between $23,000 And $85,000 | Between $24,000 And $45,000 |
| Highest paying City | Pittsfield, MA | Renton, WA |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | Washington |
| Best paying company | Dassault Systèmes | Staples |
| Best paying industry | - | Finance |
There are a few differences between a compositor and a print production specialist in terms of educational background:
| Compositor | Print Production Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 58% |
| Most common major | Animation | Graphic Design |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between compositors' and print production specialists' demographics:
| Compositor | Print Production Specialist | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 62.7% Female, 37.3% | Male, 60.2% Female, 39.8% |
| 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, 10.3% Unknown, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.4% Asian, 7.2% White, 61.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |