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What does a digital print operator do?

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

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.

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Digital print operator responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real digital print operator resumes:

  • Manage day-to-day operations and supervise employees to ensure the studio run smoothly.
  • Experience in PDF, VIP, PPML, and VPS files.
  • Maintain and troubleshoot printer and machine base.
  • Operate and troubleshoot high speed digital print equipment.
  • Print customer and in-house jobs over network .!
  • Operate the Rotoflex die-cutting machine, UV and water-base.
  • Format client's PDF documents for effective and efficient printing.
  • Maintain and operate screen press, heat press and embroidery machinery.
  • Submit and direct jobs from main Oce prisma server to various printer queues.
  • Prepare digital files for high resolution output to plates from QuarkXPress & InDesign.
  • Print images on material, organize and pack material, reclaiming screens, other tasks.
  • Gather correct inks for job, and gather materials and have QA check before starting.
  • Work as digital operator and run binary equipment to produce invites, books, pamphlets etc.
  • Assist clientele and facilitate in typesetting, design and preflight of client files in high-volume printing service bureau
  • Utilize mainframe computers and printers for data output, which are then deliver to internal and external customers.

Digital print operator skills and personality traits

We calculated that 14% of Digital Print Operators are proficient in Quality Checks, Image Quality, and Quality Standards.

We break down the percentage of Digital Print Operators that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Quality Checks, 14%

    Pull reference folders, impose digital printing, quality check, delivered finish product to customers in San Antonio.

  • Image Quality, 13%

    Examined printed copy for any image quality defects and bad fonts, position on paper and registration.

  • Quality Standards, 12%

    Checked and verified printed output against defined high quality standards or against key information and indicators.

  • Routine Maintenance, 6%

    Perform daily and routine maintenance on the press to keep high quality.

  • Troubleshoot, 5%

    Gathered material, feed machines, set up jobs and troubleshoot any problems, Also trained on Continuous.

  • Perform Routine Maintenance, 4%

    Perform routine maintenance on IBM 4100 High Speed Printer & IBM 1140 Printers.

Most digital print operators use their skills in "quality checks," "image quality," and "quality standards" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential digital print operator responsibilities here:

Most common digital print operator skills

Choose from 10+ customizable digital print operator resume templates

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Digital Print Operator Resume
Digital Print Operator Resume
Digital Print Operator Resume
Digital Print Operator Resume
Digital Print Operator Resume
Digital Print Operator Resume
Digital Print Operator Resume
Digital Print Operator Resume
Digital Print Operator Resume
Digital Print Operator Resume
Digital Print Operator Resume
Digital Print Operator Resume
Digital Print Operator Resume
Digital Print Operator Resume
Digital Print Operator Resume
Digital Print Operator Resume

Compare different digital print operators

Digital print operator vs. Pressman

A pressman is responsible for maintaining the printing press operations, maintaining the efficiency of the equipment and machinery to produce high-quality outputs. Pressmen ensure the readability and completeness of the content before distribution. They must be knowledgeable of the mechanical industry, spotting inconsistencies with the equipment, and performing immediate repairs or component replacement to avoid delays in operation. A pressman works closely with other printing operators to ensure that the outputs meet the clients' specifications and business' printing guidelines.

The annual salary of pressmen is $8,245 higher than the average salary of digital print operators.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both digital print operator and pressman positions are skilled in quality standards, routine maintenance, and uv.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between digital print operators and pressman. For instance, digital print operator responsibilities require skills such as "quality checks," "image quality," "minor maintenance," and "troubleshoot." Whereas a pressman is skilled in "safety regulations," "preventative maintenance," "web press," and "multi." This is part of what separates the two careers.

On average, pressmen reach similar levels of education than digital print operators. Pressmen are 0.6% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.4% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Digital print operator vs. 2nd pressman

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 career as a 2nd pressman brings a higher average salary when compared to the average annual salary of a digital print operator. In fact, 2nd pressmen salary is $8,210 higher than the salary of digital print operators per year.Only some things about these jobs are the same. Take their skills, for example. Digital print operators and 2nd pressmen both require similar skills like "routine maintenance," "troubleshoot," and "uv" to carry out their responsibilities.

Each career also uses different skills, according to real digital print operator resumes. While digital print operator responsibilities can utilize skills like "quality checks," "image quality," "quality standards," and "minor maintenance," 2nd pressmen use skills like "lean manufacturing," "ink fountains," "preventative maintenance," and "kba."

In general, 2nd pressmen achieve similar levels of education than digital print operators. They're 0.9% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.4% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Digital print operator vs. Compositor

A screen making technician performs installations and repairs to maintain the smooth flow of operations at manufacturing facilities. Their responsibilities typically include conducting measurements and assessments, setting guidelines, troubleshooting problems, gathering and analyzing data, and maintaining records of all procedures and adjustments. They must also maintain an active communication line with co-workers to ensure a safe and efficient work environment. Moreover, a screen making technician provides technical support to different teams while implementing company standards and regulations.

On average scale, compositors bring in higher salaries than digital print operators. In fact, they earn a $13,352 higher salary per year.digital print operators and compositors both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "adobe photoshop," "stitching," and "color correction," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a digital print operator is likely to be skilled in "quality checks," "image quality," "quality standards," and "routine maintenance," while a typical compositor is skilled in "vfx," "visual effects," "animation," and "cg."

Most compositors achieve a similar degree level compared to digital print operators. For example, they're 4.9% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Digital print operator vs. Screen making technician

Screen making technicians average a higher salary than the annual salary of digital print operators. The difference is about $680 per year.Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. A digital print operator uses "quality checks," "image quality," "quality standards," and "minor maintenance." Screen making technicians are more likely to have duties that require skills in "customer service," "hand tools," "plumbing," and "caulking. "screen making technicians enjoy the best pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $35,358. For comparison, digital print operators earn the highest salary in the manufacturing industry.The average resume of screen making technicians showed that they earn similar levels of education compared to digital print operators. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 2.1% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.1%.

Types of digital print operator

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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