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The differences between digital print operators and press operators assistant can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a digital print operator and a press operator assistant. Additionally, a press operator assistant has an average salary of $32,707, which is higher than the $31,749 average annual salary of a digital print operator.
The top three skills for a digital print operator include quality checks, image quality and quality standards. The most important skills for a press operator assistant are customer service, data entry, and logistics.
| Digital Print Operator | Press Operator Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $31,749 | $32,707 |
| Hourly rate | $15.26 | $15.72 |
| Growth rate | - | -8% |
| Number of jobs | 46,110 | 65,464 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 35% | Bachelor's Degree, 56% |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A digital print operator is primarily in charge of preparing and processing custom prints according to client orders, ensuring efficiency and client satisfaction. It is their duty to identify and take note of the client's needs and preferences, operate printing machines and equipment, and complete orders within deadlines. They also assist clients by answering inquiries, offering recommendations or alternatives, and promptly and professionally solving complaints. Moreover, a digital print operator must also handle calls and correspondence, maintain records of all transactions, monitor supply inventories, perform regular maintenance checks on equipment, and conduct basic repairs when necessary.
A press operator assistant is responsible for conducting various tasks such as maintaining the quality of machines, replenishing and securing the supplies attached, and operating printing equipment. Aside from this, they also have administrative duties ranging from overseeing the workflow and the workforce, conducting quality control inspections, producing progress reports, monitoring inventory, and even procuring supplies. There are also instances where a press operator assistant must clean devices and monitor efficiency to ensure smooth daily operations.
Digital print operators and press operators assistant have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Digital Print Operator | Press Operator Assistant | |
| Average salary | $31,749 | $32,707 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $37,000 | Between $24,000 And $43,000 |
| Highest paying City | Clifton, NJ | Vancouver, WA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Quad | ZS |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Energy |
There are a few differences between a digital print operator and a press operator assistant in terms of educational background:
| Digital Print Operator | Press Operator Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 35% | Bachelor's Degree, 56% |
| Most common major | Graphic Design | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between digital print operators' and press operators assistant' demographics:
| Digital Print Operator | Press Operator Assistant | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 74.8% Female, 25.2% | Male, 52.9% Female, 47.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.8% Unknown, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.6% Asian, 7.4% White, 61.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 10.1% Unknown, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino, 18.1% Asian, 7.5% White, 60.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |