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Printer operator vs bindery operator

The differences between printer operators and bindery 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 operator and a bindery operator. Additionally, a bindery operator has an average salary of $36,599, which is higher than the $36,411 average annual salary of a printer operator.

The top three skills for a printer operator include troubleshoot, quality checks and quality standards. The most important skills for a bindery operator are machine operation, collating, and hand tools.

Printer operator vs bindery operator overview

Printer OperatorBindery Operator
Yearly salary$36,411$36,599
Hourly rate$17.51$17.60
Growth rate-7%
Number of jobs43,73046,373
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 37%High School Diploma, 44%
Average age4849
Years of experience44

What does a printer operator do?

A printer operator is tasked to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot all printing equipment in a company. This person performs all necessary printing requests coming from customers and the company and is expected to have a working knowledge of various printing equipment and printing techniques to assure quality. The printer operator must also know about design, use of color, and other creative aspects to provide last-minute adjustments on printing jobs to avoid later revisions. The printer operator is vital personnel in businesses like publishing companies and creative houses.

What does a bindery operator do?

In the publishing industry, a bindery operator is primarily in charge of operating the machine that binds the pages of magazines, books, and other products. They are also responsible for following guidelines and schedules, maintaining records, conducting regular maintenance checks on machines, and performing basic repairs and adjustments when necessary. Moreover, a bindery operator must maintain a clear communication line with staff while adhering to the company's safety standards and regulations for a smooth and efficient workflow.

Printer operator vs bindery operator salary

Printer operators and bindery operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Printer OperatorBindery Operator
Average salary$36,411$36,599
Salary rangeBetween $24,000 And $53,000Between $30,000 And $44,000
Highest paying CityProvidence, RIMaple Grove, MN
Highest paying stateNew JerseyMinnesota
Best paying companyQuadFreedom Graphic Systems
Best paying industryTechnologyManufacturing

Differences between printer operator and bindery operator education

There are a few differences between a printer operator and a bindery operator in terms of educational background:

Printer OperatorBindery Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 37%High School Diploma, 44%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Printer operator vs bindery operator demographics

Here are the differences between printer operators' and bindery operators' demographics:

Printer OperatorBindery Operator
Average age4849
Gender ratioMale, 68.1% Female, 31.9%Male, 72.7% Female, 27.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 7.2% White, 60.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 16.7% Asian, 8.9% White, 61.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage5%8%

Differences between printer operator and bindery operator duties and responsibilities

Printer operator example responsibilities.

  • Manage day-to-day operations and supervise employees to ensure the studio run smoothly.
  • Operate UV and solvent printers.
  • Collate and bind print materials.
  • Record HD masters, clones.
  • Print operator using high speed OCE printers.
  • Handle rush orders and short delivery windows.
  • Show more

Bindery operator example responsibilities.

  • Manage mail heads, stackers and print pockets and train crew members on same.
  • Set up and run InkJet labeler to label newspapers and magazines.
  • Perform repairs and preventative maintenance on bindery machines, including cleaning, adjusting and oiling.
  • Require math and measuring skills.
  • Set up and run UV coating machine.
  • Set up and operate MBO and Stahl folders.
  • Show more

Printer operator vs bindery operator skills

Common printer operator skills
  • Troubleshoot, 14%
  • Quality Checks, 9%
  • Quality Standards, 9%
  • Basic Math, 8%
  • Windows, 5%
  • Preventive Maintenance, 5%
Common bindery operator skills
  • Machine Operation, 20%
  • Collating, 18%
  • Hand Tools, 15%
  • Control Surfaces, 7%
  • Bindery Equipment, 6%
  • Troubleshoot, 4%

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