Folder operator vs press operator

The differences between folder 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 folder operator, becoming a press operator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a folder operator has an average salary of $37,807, which is higher than the $34,568 average annual salary of a press operator.

The top three skills for a folder operator include quality standards, machine operation and machine components. The most important skills for a press operator are quality standards, press machine, and quality checks.

Folder operator vs press operator overview

	Folder Operator	Press Operator
Yearly salary	$37,807	$34,568
Hourly rate	$18.18	$16.62
Growth rate	7%	-5%
Number of jobs	50,487	55,215
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 56%	High School Diploma, 51%
Average age	49	46
Years of experience	4	2

Folder operator vs press operator salary

Folder operators and press operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Folder Operator	Press Operator
Average salary	$37,807	$34,568
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $45,000	Between $27,000 And $42,000
Highest paying City	-	Westfield, MA
Highest paying state	-	New Hampshire
Best paying company	-	ProAmpac
Best paying industry	-	Automotive

Differences between folder operator and press operator education

There are a few differences between a folder operator and a press operator in terms of educational background:

	Folder Operator	Press Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 56%	High School Diploma, 51%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Folder operator vs press operator demographics

Here are the differences between folder operators' and press operators' demographics:

	Folder Operator	Press Operator
Average age	49	46
Gender ratio	Male, 73.8% Female, 26.2%	Male, 76.6% Female, 23.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.3% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 8.9% White, 61.6% 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	8%	3%

Differences between folder operator and press operator duties and responsibilities

Folder operator example responsibilities.

Manage mail heads, stackers and print pockets and train crew members on same.
Sort and count articles remove from dryers.
Fold sheets, blankets napkins, table cloths etc.
Train on Inkjet operation to ensure quality is maintained.
Gain the knowledge and experience with running a small UV coater.
Perform hand collating of short-run projects while maintaining correct sequence of order.

Press operator example responsibilities.

Work on the assembly line making tire covers for Honda and Toyota.
Maintain SPC records using a bore gauge and calipers.
Ensure quality of parts produce per ISO-9000 standards through the use of calipers, micrometers, and several custom-made gauges.
Maintain strict quality requirements using scales, calipers and micrometers.
Adjust colors to become PMS accurate, with gradations.
Assist fab with mig welding.

Folder operator vs press operator skills

Common folder operator skills

Quality Standards, 38%
Machine Operation, 10%
Machine Components, 8%
Straight Line, 7%
Customer Satisfaction, 6%
Check Quality, 5%

Common press operator skills

Quality Standards, 12%
Press Machine, 9%
Quality Checks, 8%
Preventative Maintenance, 8%
Safety Guidelines, 5%
Digital Press, 4%