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The differences between printer operators and printers 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 printer. Additionally, a printer operator has an average salary of $36,411, which is higher than the $33,219 average annual salary of a printer.
The top three skills for a printer operator include troubleshoot, quality checks and quality standards. The most important skills for a printer are customer service, data entry, and quality standards.
| Printer Operator | Printer | |
| Yearly salary | $36,411 | $33,219 |
| Hourly rate | $17.51 | $15.97 |
| Growth rate | - | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 43,730 | 1,756 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 37% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| 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 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.
Printer operators and printers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Printer Operator | Printer | |
| Average salary | $36,411 | $33,219 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $53,000 | Between $22,000 And $49,000 |
| Highest paying City | Providence, RI | - |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | - |
| Best paying company | Quad | - |
| Best paying industry | Technology | - |
There are a few differences between a printer operator and a printer in terms of educational background:
| Printer Operator | Printer | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 37% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Most common major | Business | Graphic Design |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between printer operators' and printers' demographics:
| Printer Operator | Printer | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 68.1% Female, 31.9% | Male, 66.2% Female, 33.8% |
| 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, 9.8% Unknown, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 7.4% White, 61.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |