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The differences between press operators printing and digital print operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a press operator printing and a digital print operator. Additionally, a press operator printing has an average salary of $40,520, which is higher than the $31,749 average annual salary of a digital print operator.
The top three skills for a press operator printing include quality standards, quality checks and flexo. The most important skills for a digital print operator are quality checks, image quality, and quality standards.
| Press Operator Printing | Digital Print Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $40,520 | $31,749 |
| Hourly rate | $19.48 | $15.26 |
| Growth rate | -5% | - |
| Number of jobs | 34,403 | 46,110 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 51% | Bachelor's Degree, 35% |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A Printing Press Operator works on operating the printing machine of a publishing house. This person has advanced knowledge in the printing process, the repair, maintenance, and operation of various printing presses and provides input in color, design, and layout. The operator needs to have an idea of paper types, the quality of raw printing materials, and their uses. This person has the final decision before actual printing, and the outcome of a project rests entirely on his/her shoulders at this stage.
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.
Press operators printing and digital print operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Press Operator Printing | Digital Print Operator | |
| Average salary | $40,520 | $31,749 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $52,000 | Between $26,000 And $37,000 |
| Highest paying City | Harrisonburg, VA | Clifton, NJ |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Sonoco | Quad |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a press operator printing and a digital print operator in terms of educational background:
| Press Operator Printing | Digital Print Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 51% | Bachelor's Degree, 35% |
| Most common major | Business | Graphic Design |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between press operators printing' and digital print operators' demographics:
| Press Operator Printing | Digital Print Operator | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.5% Female, 16.5% | Male, 74.8% Female, 25.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.5% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 6.9% White, 62.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 9.8% Unknown, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.6% Asian, 7.4% White, 61.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |