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The differences between digital print operators 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 digital print operator and a print production specialist. Additionally, a print production specialist has an average salary of $33,102, 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 print production specialist are production equipment, billing purposes, and data entry.
| Digital Print Operator | Print Production Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $31,749 | $33,102 |
| Hourly rate | $15.26 | $15.91 |
| Growth rate | - | -4% |
| Number of jobs | 46,110 | 58,622 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 35% | Bachelor's Degree, 58% |
| 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 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.
Digital print operators and print production specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Digital Print Operator | Print Production Specialist | |
| Average salary | $31,749 | $33,102 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $37,000 | Between $24,000 And $45,000 |
| Highest paying City | Clifton, NJ | Renton, WA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Quad | Staples |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Finance |
There are a few differences between a digital print operator and a print production specialist in terms of educational background:
| Digital Print Operator | Print Production Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 35% | Bachelor's Degree, 58% |
| Most common major | Graphic Design | Graphic Design |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between digital print operators' and print production specialists' demographics:
| Digital Print Operator | Print Production Specialist | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 74.8% Female, 25.2% | Male, 60.2% Female, 39.8% |
| 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, 10.3% 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% |