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The differences between offset press 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 an offset press operator and a print production specialist. Additionally, an offset press operator has an average salary of $43,637, which is higher than the $33,102 average annual salary of a print production specialist.
The top three skills for an offset press operator include hand tools, troubleshoot and general maintenance. The most important skills for a print production specialist are production equipment, billing purposes, and data entry.
| Offset Press Operator | Print Production Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $43,637 | $33,102 |
| Hourly rate | $20.98 | $15.91 |
| Growth rate | -5% | -4% |
| Number of jobs | 30,089 | 58,622 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 44% | Bachelor's Degree, 58% |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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 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.
Offset press operators and print production specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Offset Press Operator | Print Production Specialist | |
| Average salary | $43,637 | $33,102 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $60,000 | Between $24,000 And $45,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Renton, WA |
| Highest paying state | - | Washington |
| Best paying company | - | Staples |
| Best paying industry | - | Finance |
There are a few differences between an offset press operator and a print production specialist in terms of educational background:
| Offset Press Operator | Print Production Specialist | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 44% | Bachelor's Degree, 58% |
| Most common major | Graphic Communications | Graphic Design |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between offset press operators' and print production specialists' demographics:
| Offset Press Operator | Print Production Specialist | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 84.8% Female, 15.2% | Male, 60.2% Female, 39.8% |
| 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, 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% |