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The differences between press operators printing and offset press 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 an offset press operator. Additionally, an offset press operator has an average salary of $43,637, which is higher than the $40,520 average annual salary of a press operator printing.
The top three skills for a press operator printing include quality standards, quality checks and flexo. The most important skills for an offset press operator are hand tools, troubleshoot, and general maintenance.
| Press Operator Printing | Offset Press Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $40,520 | $43,637 |
| Hourly rate | $19.48 | $20.98 |
| Growth rate | -5% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 34,403 | 30,089 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 51% | High School Diploma, 44% |
| 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.
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.
Press operators printing and offset press operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Press Operator Printing | Offset Press Operator | |
| Average salary | $40,520 | $43,637 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $52,000 | Between $31,000 And $60,000 |
| Highest paying City | Harrisonburg, VA | - |
| Highest paying state | Washington | - |
| Best paying company | Sonoco | - |
| Best paying industry | Energy | - |
There are a few differences between a press operator printing and an offset press operator in terms of educational background:
| Press Operator Printing | Offset Press Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 51% | High School Diploma, 44% |
| Most common major | Business | Graphic Communications |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between press operators printing' and offset press operators' demographics:
| Press Operator Printing | Offset Press Operator | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.5% Female, 16.5% | Male, 84.8% Female, 15.2% |
| 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, 10.5% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.7% Asian, 6.7% White, 63.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |