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The differences between press operators printing 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 a press operator printing and a print production specialist. Additionally, a press operator printing has an average salary of $40,520, which is higher than the $33,102 average annual salary of a print production specialist.
The top three skills for a press operator printing include quality standards, quality checks and flexo. The most important skills for a print production specialist are production equipment, billing purposes, and data entry.
| Press Operator Printing | Print Production Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $40,520 | $33,102 |
| Hourly rate | $19.48 | $15.91 |
| Growth rate | -5% | -4% |
| Number of jobs | 34,403 | 58,622 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 51% | Bachelor's Degree, 58% |
| 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 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.
Press operators printing and print production specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Press Operator Printing | Print Production Specialist | |
| Average salary | $40,520 | $33,102 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $52,000 | Between $24,000 And $45,000 |
| Highest paying City | Harrisonburg, VA | Renton, WA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Sonoco | Staples |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Finance |
There are a few differences between a press operator printing and a print production specialist in terms of educational background:
| Press Operator Printing | Print Production Specialist | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 51% | Bachelor's Degree, 58% |
| Most common major | Business | Graphic Design |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between press operators printing' and print production specialists' demographics:
| Press Operator Printing | Print Production Specialist | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.5% Female, 16.5% | Male, 60.2% Female, 39.8% |
| 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, 10.3% 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% |