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Printer vs print production specialist

The differences between printers 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 printer and a print production specialist. Additionally, a printer has an average salary of $33,219, which is higher than the $33,102 average annual salary of a print production specialist.

The top three skills for a printer include customer service, data entry and quality standards. The most important skills for a print production specialist are production equipment, billing purposes, and data entry.

Printer vs print production specialist overview

PrinterPrint Production Specialist
Yearly salary$33,219$33,102
Hourly rate$15.97$15.91
Growth rate10%-4%
Number of jobs1,75658,622
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 36%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Average age4848
Years of experience44

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 print production specialist do?

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.

Printer vs print production specialist salary

Printers and print production specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

PrinterPrint Production Specialist
Average salary$33,219$33,102
Salary rangeBetween $22,000 And $49,000Between $24,000 And $45,000
Highest paying City-Renton, WA
Highest paying state-Washington
Best paying company-Staples
Best paying industry-Finance

Differences between printer and print production specialist education

There are a few differences between a printer and a print production specialist in terms of educational background:

PrinterPrint Production Specialist
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 36%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Most common majorGraphic DesignGraphic Design
Most common college--

Printer vs print production specialist demographics

Here are the differences between printers' and print production specialists' demographics:

PrinterPrint Production Specialist
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 66.2% Female, 33.8%Male, 60.2% Female, 39.8%
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, 10.3% Unknown, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.4% Asian, 7.2% White, 61.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between printer and print production specialist 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

Print production specialist example responsibilities.

  • Manage CNC operators and test the quality of cut for a variety of woods, metals, and leather.
  • Develop a vast understanding of typesetting and a sensitivity to various fonts.
  • Support local Ricoh account management and lead customer sales with solution expertise, demonstrations, prepare and present proposals.
  • Monitor and troubleshoot equipment, conduct statistical process control tracking, visual and automate wafer inspection.

Printer vs print production specialist skills

Common printer skills
  • Customer Service, 41%
  • Data Entry, 35%
  • Quality Standards, 5%
  • PMS, 3%
  • Automatic Press, 2%
  • Clean Screens, 2%
Common print production specialist skills
  • Production Equipment, 11%
  • Billing Purposes, 11%
  • Data Entry, 8%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 8%
  • Troubleshoot, 7%
  • Office Equipment, 6%

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