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The differences between printer operators and digital print 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 digital print operator. Additionally, a printer operator has an average salary of $36,411, which is higher than the $31,749 average annual salary of a digital print operator.
The top three skills for a printer operator include troubleshoot, quality checks and quality standards. The most important skills for a digital print operator are quality checks, image quality, and quality standards.
| Printer Operator | Digital Print Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $36,411 | $31,749 |
| Hourly rate | $17.51 | $15.26 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 43,730 | 46,110 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 37% | Bachelor's Degree, 35% |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
A digital print operator is primarily in charge of preparing and processing custom prints according to client orders, ensuring efficiency and client satisfaction. It is their duty to identify and take note of the client's needs and preferences, operate printing machines and equipment, and complete orders within deadlines. They also assist clients by answering inquiries, offering recommendations or alternatives, and promptly and professionally solving complaints. Moreover, a digital print operator must also handle calls and correspondence, maintain records of all transactions, monitor supply inventories, perform regular maintenance checks on equipment, and conduct basic repairs when necessary.
Printer operators and digital print operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Printer Operator | Digital Print Operator | |
| Average salary | $36,411 | $31,749 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $53,000 | Between $26,000 And $37,000 |
| Highest paying City | Providence, RI | Clifton, NJ |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | Washington |
| Best paying company | Quad | Quad |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a printer operator and a digital print operator in terms of educational background:
| Printer Operator | Digital Print Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 37% | Bachelor's Degree, 35% |
| Most common major | Business | Graphic Design |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between printer operators' and digital print operators' demographics:
| Printer Operator | Digital Print Operator | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 68.1% Female, 31.9% | Male, 74.8% Female, 25.2% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 9.8% Unknown, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.6% Asian, 7.4% White, 61.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |