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The differences between printers and compositors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a printer and a compositor. Additionally, a compositor has an average salary of $45,101, which is higher than the $33,219 average annual salary of a printer.
The top three skills for a printer include customer service, data entry and quality standards. The most important skills for a compositor are VFX, visual effects, and animation.
| Printer | Compositor | |
| Yearly salary | $33,219 | $45,101 |
| Hourly rate | $15.97 | $21.68 |
| Growth rate | 10% | - |
| Number of jobs | 1,756 | 154 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A printer is primarily responsible for printing materials according to project requirements. Although the extent of their responsibilities depends on their company or employment industry, it typically includes identifying the project needs, utilizing machines and tools, cutting materials according to size guidelines, and submitting materials to clients or managers promptly. Moreover, a printer typically works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.
Compositors are the creators of a frame, shot, or sequence final image. They usually combine various digital elements to produce a believable picture. Following the direction of the style chosen for the set is part of these compositors' responsibilities. These workers create their visual effects and high-quality composites using special effects (SFX) like 2D and 3D animation and CGIs. They use these digital elements to create convincing shadows, enhance a picture's lighting, and static background plates.
Printers and compositors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Printer | Compositor | |
| Average salary | $33,219 | $45,101 |
| Salary range | Between $22,000 And $49,000 | Between $23,000 And $85,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Pittsfield, MA |
| Highest paying state | - | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | - | Dassault Systèmes |
| Best paying industry | - | - |
There are a few differences between a printer and a compositor in terms of educational background:
| Printer | Compositor | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Graphic Design | Animation |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between printers' and compositors' demographics:
| Printer | Compositor | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 66.2% Female, 33.8% | Male, 62.7% Female, 37.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.8% Unknown, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 7.4% White, 61.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 9.0% Unknown, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino, 19.2% Asian, 7.3% White, 60.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |