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The differences between printer operators 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 operator and a print production specialist. Additionally, a printer operator has an average salary of $36,411, which is higher than the $33,102 average annual salary of a print production specialist.
The top three skills for a printer operator include troubleshoot, quality checks and quality standards. The most important skills for a print production specialist are production equipment, billing purposes, and data entry.
| Printer Operator | Print Production Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $36,411 | $33,102 |
| Hourly rate | $17.51 | $15.91 |
| Growth rate | - | -4% |
| Number of jobs | 43,730 | 58,622 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 37% | Bachelor's Degree, 58% |
| 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 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 operators and print production specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Printer Operator | Print Production Specialist | |
| Average salary | $36,411 | $33,102 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $53,000 | Between $24,000 And $45,000 |
| Highest paying City | Providence, RI | Renton, WA |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | Washington |
| Best paying company | Quad | Staples |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Finance |
There are a few differences between a printer operator and a print production specialist in terms of educational background:
| Printer Operator | Print Production Specialist | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 37% | Bachelor's Degree, 58% |
| Most common major | Business | Graphic Design |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between printer operators' and print production specialists' demographics:
| Printer Operator | Print Production Specialist | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 68.1% Female, 31.9% | Male, 60.2% Female, 39.8% |
| 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, 10.3% Unknown, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.4% Asian, 7.2% White, 61.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |