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The differences between digital print operators and press operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a digital print operator, becoming a press operator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a press operator has an average salary of $34,568, 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 are quality standards, press machine, and quality checks.
| Digital Print Operator | Press Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $31,749 | $34,568 |
| Hourly rate | $15.26 | $16.62 |
| Growth rate | - | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 46,110 | 55,215 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 35% | High School Diploma, 51% |
| Average age | 48 | 46 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
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 is responsible for the maintenance of printing machines and other equipment to ensure smooth operations while meeting the clients' needs with the highest quality standards. Press operators duties' include performing troubleshooting, replacing defective machine components, upgrading the systems for efficiency, analyzing blueprints and instructional guides, determining product suitability, and inspecting irregularities before and after the use of press machines. Press operators must have a comprehensive knowledge of the mechanical industry and the ability to work under pressure and strict deadlines.
Digital print operators and press operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Digital Print Operator | Press Operator | |
| Average salary | $31,749 | $34,568 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $37,000 | Between $27,000 And $42,000 |
| Highest paying City | Clifton, NJ | Westfield, MA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | Quad | ProAmpac |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a digital print operator and a press operator in terms of educational background:
| Digital Print Operator | Press Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 35% | High School Diploma, 51% |
| Most common major | Graphic Design | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between digital print operators' and press operators' demographics:
| Digital Print Operator | Press Operator | |
| Average age | 48 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 74.8% Female, 25.2% | Male, 76.6% Female, 23.4% |
| 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, 7.9% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 13.4% Asian, 1.7% White, 71.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 3% |