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The differences between press operators and molder operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a press operator has an average salary of $34,568, which is higher than the $31,707 average annual salary of a molder operator.
The top three skills for a press operator include quality standards, press machine and quality checks. The most important skills for a molder operator are GMP, quality checks, and dexterity.
| Press Operator | Molder Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $34,568 | $31,707 |
| Hourly rate | $16.62 | $15.24 |
| Growth rate | -5% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 55,215 | 66,217 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 51% | High School Diploma, 51% |
| Average age | 46 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 2 | - |
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.
A molder operator sets up for the production of millwork, which is a crucial and major output of precision wood products. This position requires experience with all machinery associated with the woodworking industry. The responsibilities of a molder operator include setting up and operating the molder, inspecting the stock being cut, and verifying the dimensions of cut material to ensure they match specifications.
Press operators and molder operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Press Operator | Molder Operator | |
| Average salary | $34,568 | $31,707 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $42,000 | Between $26,000 And $38,000 |
| Highest paying City | Westfield, MA | Milford, CT |
| Highest paying state | New Hampshire | Alaska |
| Best paying company | ProAmpac | BD |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a press operator and a molder operator in terms of educational background:
| Press Operator | Molder Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 51% | High School Diploma, 51% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between press operators' and molder operators' demographics:
| Press Operator | Molder Operator | |
| Average age | 46 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 76.6% Female, 23.4% | Male, 66.6% Female, 33.4% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 10.0% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 7.3% White, 62.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 3% |