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The differences between printer technicians and printers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a printer technician, becoming a printer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a printer technician has an average salary of $36,677, which is higher than the $33,219 average annual salary of a printer.
The top three skills for a printer technician include latent prints, troubleshoot and preventative maintenance. The most important skills for a printer are customer service, data entry, and quality standards.
| Printer Technician | Printer | |
| Yearly salary | $36,677 | $33,219 |
| Hourly rate | $17.63 | $15.97 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 50,147 | 1,756 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 39% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Average age | 42 | 48 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
The printer technician primarily does the installation of new printers. Proper printer configuration on the network ensures and maintains the function of individual printers, scanners, or network printers. The printer technician regularly takes care and does routine repairs, including printer replacements of new ink cartridges. They are also comfortable copying, faxing, producing images, and other related printer issues. It is part of their responsibility to identify and resolve malfunctions, procurement, including the installation of those parts and resolving hardware failures.
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 technicians and printers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Printer Technician | Printer | |
| Average salary | $36,677 | $33,219 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $50,000 | Between $22,000 And $49,000 |
| Highest paying City | Aurora, CO | - |
| Highest paying state | Colorado | - |
| Best paying company | HP | - |
| Best paying industry | Technology | - |
There are a few differences between a printer technician and a printer in terms of educational background:
| Printer Technician | Printer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 39% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Most common major | Graphic Design | Graphic Design |
| Most common college | Stanford University | - |
Here are the differences between printer technicians' and printers' demographics:
| Printer Technician | Printer | |
| Average age | 42 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 75.6% Female, 24.4% | Male, 66.2% Female, 33.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 10.5% White, 55.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | 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 | 11% | 5% |