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The differences between printers 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 printer and an offset press operator. Additionally, an offset press operator has an average salary of $43,637, 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 an offset press operator are hand tools, troubleshoot, and general maintenance.
| Printer | Offset Press Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $33,219 | $43,637 |
| Hourly rate | $15.97 | $20.98 |
| Growth rate | 10% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 1,756 | 30,089 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | High School Diploma, 44% |
| 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.
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.
Printers and offset press operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Printer | Offset Press Operator | |
| Average salary | $33,219 | $43,637 |
| Salary range | Between $22,000 And $49,000 | Between $31,000 And $60,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | - |
| Highest paying state | - | - |
| Best paying company | - | - |
| Best paying industry | - | - |
There are a few differences between a printer and an offset press operator in terms of educational background:
| Printer | Offset Press Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | High School Diploma, 44% |
| Most common major | Graphic Design | Graphic Communications |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between printers' and offset press operators' demographics:
| Printer | Offset Press Operator | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 66.2% Female, 33.8% | Male, 84.8% Female, 15.2% |
| 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, 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% |