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Pressman vs offset press operator

The differences between pressmen 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 pressman and an offset press operator. Additionally, an offset press operator has an average salary of $43,637, which is higher than the $39,994 average annual salary of a pressman.

The top three skills for a pressman include safety regulations, preventative maintenance and UV. The most important skills for an offset press operator are hand tools, troubleshoot, and general maintenance.

Pressman vs offset press operator overview

PressmanOffset Press Operator
Yearly salary$39,994$43,637
Hourly rate$19.23$20.98
Growth rate--5%
Number of jobs67330,089
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 53%High School Diploma, 44%
Average age4848
Years of experience44

What does a pressman do?

A pressman is responsible for maintaining the printing press operations, maintaining the efficiency of the equipment and machinery to produce high-quality outputs. Pressmen ensure the readability and completeness of the content before distribution. They must be knowledgeable of the mechanical industry, spotting inconsistencies with the equipment, and performing immediate repairs or component replacement to avoid delays in operation. A pressman works closely with other printing operators to ensure that the outputs meet the clients' specifications and business' printing guidelines.

What does an offset press operator do?

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.

Pressman vs offset press operator salary

Pressmen and offset press operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

PressmanOffset Press Operator
Average salary$39,994$43,637
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $51,000Between $31,000 And $60,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between pressman and offset press operator education

There are a few differences between a pressman and an offset press operator in terms of educational background:

PressmanOffset Press Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 53%High School Diploma, 44%
Most common majorGraphic DesignGraphic Communications
Most common college--

Pressman vs offset press operator demographics

Here are the differences between pressmen' and offset press operators' demographics:

PressmanOffset Press Operator
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 96.3% Female, 3.7%Male, 84.8% Female, 15.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 6.1% White, 63.6% 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 Percentage5%5%

Differences between pressman and offset press operator duties and responsibilities

Pressman example responsibilities.

  • Lead a team of three employees to help ensure production run smoothly.
  • Operate 40 Heidelberg 8-color CD with aqueous coater, CPC 2 & 3 and CP Tronics.
  • Operate a 110 gear less web Flexo press.
  • Adjust nip rollers and trolleys on upper formers.
  • Remove printed materials from stackers and prepare for shipping.
  • Adjust folder nips and trolleys for best paper delivery.
  • Show more

Offset press operator example responsibilities.

  • Manage shop, warehouse & inventories, supervise employees, schedule production, maintain and run equipment when need.
  • Operate a 64"7 color, UV capable Planeta press, and a 51"7 color KBA Rapida.
  • Perform all functions and duties pertaining to the operation of multi color printing presses.
  • Monitor and troubleshoot problems during the head sheet run that affect press runability or quality.
  • Monitor MVS mainframe system to ensure network availability and problem determination / resolution.
  • Press operator on misc multicolore Heidelberg and Komori presses

Pressman vs offset press operator skills

Common pressman skills
  • Safety Regulations, 10%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 6%
  • UV, 6%
  • Web Press, 6%
  • Multi, 5%
  • Bindery Equipment, 5%
Common offset press operator skills
  • Hand Tools, 14%
  • Troubleshoot, 11%
  • General Maintenance, 9%
  • Offset Printing, 9%
  • Water Balance, 9%
  • Offset Press, 7%

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