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Printer vs copier technician

The differences between printers and copier technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a printer, becoming a copier technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a copier technician has an average salary of $38,796, 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 copier technician are customer service, parts inventory, and excellent time management.

Printer vs copier technician overview

PrinterCopier Technician
Yearly salary$33,219$38,796
Hourly rate$15.97$18.65
Growth rate10%8%
Number of jobs1,756109,862
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 36%Bachelor's Degree, 38%
Average age4844
Years of experience42

What does a printer do?

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.

What does a copier technician do?

A copier technician is responsible for the maintenance of various copy machines and office equipment. Copier technicians' duties include replacing defective parts, upgrading and installing new components, assembling and identifying malfunctions accurately, and advising comprehensive instructions for the users in any case of inconsistencies. A copier technician also monitor inventories, stock up supplies, and purchase new systems as necessary. Copier technicians must have extensive knowledge as well as mechanical principles of machines and office equipment to diagnose problems and enhance its quality performance.

Printer vs copier technician salary

Printers and copier technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

PrinterCopier Technician
Average salary$33,219$38,796
Salary rangeBetween $22,000 And $49,000Between $29,000 And $51,000
Highest paying City-New York, NY
Highest paying state-New York
Best paying company-Los Alamos National Laboratory
Best paying industry-Technology

Differences between printer and copier technician education

There are a few differences between a printer and a copier technician in terms of educational background:

PrinterCopier Technician
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 36%Bachelor's Degree, 38%
Most common majorGraphic DesignElectrical Engineering
Most common college-Stanford University

Printer vs copier technician demographics

Here are the differences between printers' and copier technicians' demographics:

PrinterCopier Technician
Average age4844
Gender ratioMale, 66.2% Female, 33.8%Male, 74.3% Female, 25.7%
Race ratioBlack 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, 8.9% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 20.0% Asian, 8.8% White, 56.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage5%7%

Differences between printer and copier technician duties and responsibilities

Printer example responsibilities.

  • Manage one assistant, giving task and helping troubleshoot any issues with vector artwork.
  • Operate CNC and print press.
  • Operate large scale Epson printer for student use.
  • Assist in the set up and tearing down of presses, match colors with PMS book.
  • Clean screens and operate embroidery machines independently.
  • Maintain maintenance and system operability for manufacturing printers, steamers and washers.
  • Show more

Copier technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage all printer relate services with a strong SLA base objective.
  • Manage internal reprographics systems for this architectural firm.
  • Monitor copiers, run laminators, binding machines, cutting machines, stamp machines, etc.
  • Repair and perform periodic maintenance on all analog desktop and production print copiers in the Toshiba brand.
  • Distribute paper for both MFP & printer fleet.
  • Help update InDesign files to process variable print.
  • Show more

Printer vs copier technician skills

Common printer skills
  • Customer Service, 41%
  • Data Entry, 35%
  • Quality Standards, 5%
  • PMS, 3%
  • Automatic Press, 2%
  • Clean Screens, 2%
Common copier technician skills
  • Customer Service, 25%
  • Parts Inventory, 6%
  • Excellent Time Management, 5%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 5%
  • Service Calls, 5%
  • Xerox, 4%

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