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The differences between offset press 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 an offset press operator, becoming a press operator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an offset press operator has an average salary of $43,637, which is higher than the $34,568 average annual salary of a press operator.
The top three skills for an offset press operator include hand tools, troubleshoot and general maintenance. The most important skills for a press operator are quality standards, press machine, and quality checks.
| Offset Press Operator | Press Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $43,637 | $34,568 |
| Hourly rate | $20.98 | $16.62 |
| Growth rate | -5% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 30,089 | 55,215 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 44% | High School Diploma, 51% |
| Average age | 48 | 46 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
Offset Press Operators print different printed materials by setting up, adjusting, and operating offset printing presses. They adjust, clean, and lubricate the offset printing presses to attain successful printing operation. These professionals ensure the ink and plates have the correct registration and the critical pressure to give the printed material a clean and straightforward impression. Offset Press Operators inspect finished materials and work in progress to maintain the printing accuracy and quality standards. Also, they perform other assigned duties within the pressroom.
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.
Offset press operators and press operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Offset Press Operator | Press Operator | |
| Average salary | $43,637 | $34,568 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $60,000 | Between $27,000 And $42,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Westfield, MA |
| Highest paying state | - | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | - | ProAmpac |
| Best paying industry | - | Automotive |
There are a few differences between an offset press operator and a press operator in terms of educational background:
| Offset Press Operator | Press Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 44% | High School Diploma, 51% |
| Most common major | Graphic Communications | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between offset press operators' and press operators' demographics:
| Offset Press Operator | Press Operator | |
| Average age | 48 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 84.8% Female, 15.2% | Male, 76.6% Female, 23.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.5% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.7% Asian, 6.7% White, 63.8% 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% |