ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Color Separation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

mul

Graphics Prepress Specialist

North Highlands, CA · On-site

$25/hr

Understanding color theory and color separation. * Specific vision abilities required including color perception, depth, and focus adjustment. * Must be detail oriented, well organized, and take ...

mul

Graphics Prepress Specialist

North Highlands, CA · On-site

$25/hr

Understanding color theory and color separation. * Specific vision abilities required including color perception, depth, and focus adjustment. * Must be detail oriented, well organized, and take ...

mul

Digital Prepress Technician

North Highlands, CA

$30 - $40/hr

Understanding color theory and color separation. * Specific vision abilities required including color perception, depth, and focus adjustment. * Must be detail oriented, well organized, and take ...

Johnny Was

Textile Designer

Los Angeles, CA

$70K - $90K/yr

... color separation, and textile production Knowledge of woven, knit, and embroidery techniques Excellent eye for color, detail, and composition Strong organizational and time management skills Ability ...

Join the Imagine team!

Color Artist

Burbank, CA · On-site

$40 - $50/hr

The Color Artist performs image finishing, retouching, enhancement, improvement, and composition ... Create CMYK separations (including regulating GCR and total ink density), PMS plates, and white ink ...

Johnny Was

Textile Designer

Los Angeles, CA

$70K - $90K/yr

... color separation, and textile production Knowledge of woven, knit, and embroidery techniques Excellent eye for color, detail, and composition Strong organizational and time management skills Ability ...

Johnny Was

Textile Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

... color separation, and textile production Knowledge of woven, knit, and embroidery techniques Excellent eye for color, detail, and composition Strong organizational and time management skills Ability ...

Johnny Was

Textile Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

... color separation, and textile production Knowledge of woven, knit, and embroidery techniques Excellent eye for color, detail, and composition Strong organizational and time management skills Ability ...

swat fame

Be Seen First

Apparel Graphic Artist -- Denim Prints Specialist (2+ Years Experience)

Vernon, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Execute precise color separations for screen-print-ready art and recolor existing prints and artwork. * Prepare final print-ready artwork and digital assets for external vendors, e-commerce, and ...

Cotton Citizen

Junior Graphic Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$21.75 - $29/hr

Prepare production-ready artwork, including color separations, scaling, formatting, and print specifications. * Create mockups to visualize designs on T-shirts, hoodies, denim, and accessories.

Cotton Citizen

Junior Graphic Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$21.75 - $29/hr

Prepare production-ready artwork, including color separations, scaling, formatting, and print specifications. * Create mockups to visualize designs on T-shirts, hoodies, denim, and accessories.

eJam

CPG Brand Packaging Designer

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Design and iterate on product packaging, labels, and inserts for retail, Amazon, and DTC - working within print production requirements (dielines, bleeds, color separations, substrate considerations)

eJam

CPG Brand Packaging Designer

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Design and iterate on product packaging, labels, and inserts for retail, Amazon, and DTC -- working within print production requirements (dielines, bleeds, color separations, substrate considerations)

eJam

CPG Brand Packaging Designer

Santa Ana, CA

$65K - $75K/yr

Design and iterate on product packaging, labels, and inserts for retail, Amazon, and DTC - working within print production requirements (dielines, bleeds, color separations, substrate considerations)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsColor Separation JobsColor Separation Jobs in California

Color Separation information

See California salary details

$9

$28

$59

How much do color separation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for color separation in California is $28.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.77 and $33.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is color separation work?

Color separation work involves dividing a full-color image into individual color components, typically cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (CMYK), to prepare it for printing or manufacturing. This process ensures accurate color reproduction and often requires knowledge of graphic design software and printing standards.

Why is Gen Z struggling to get jobs?

Gen Z faces challenges in securing jobs due to high competition, evolving skill requirements, and limited work experience. For roles like color separation, employers often seek proficiency in industry-standard software and relevant certifications, which can be barriers for entry-level candidates. Building technical skills and gaining practical experience can improve job prospects for this age group.

What jobs make $10,000 a month without a degree?

In the field of color separation, high-paying roles such as freelance color separation specialists or digital artists can earn $10,000 or more monthly through freelance projects or contracts, especially with advanced skills in graphic design software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Success often depends on experience, portfolio quality, and client base, rather than formal education.

What careers use color theory?

Color separation professionals, such as graphic designers and print technicians, use color theory to ensure accurate color reproduction in printing and digital media. Knowledge of color relationships, contrast, and harmony helps these careers create visually effective designs and maintain color consistency across various platforms and materials.

What are the typical responsibilities of someone working in color separation?

Color separation professionals are primarily responsible for preparing digital images and artwork for printing by dividing them into separate color components, ensuring that each aligns with specific printing requirements. This involves reviewing customer files, adjusting color balances, trapping, and creating proofs to guarantee accurate print reproduction. You’ll often collaborate with prepress, design, and production teams to resolve technical issues and meet tight deadlines. Additionally, staying updated with the latest color management technologies and techniques is important to maintain high-quality results and client satisfaction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Color Separation position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Color Separation specialist, you need a solid understanding of color theory, prepress processes, and experience with industry-standard design software, such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and specialized RIP software. Familiarity with color management systems, spectrophotometers, and digital proofing tools is important, as are certifications in graphic arts or printing technology. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and clear communication with colleagues and clients are essential soft skills. These skills are crucial to ensure accurate color reproduction, efficient workflow, and high-quality output in print and packaging industries.

What is a Color Separation job?

A Color Separation job involves preparing artwork or images for printing by dividing them into separate color components, typically CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) or spot colors. This process ensures accurate color reproduction in printing methods such as screen printing, offset printing, or digital printing. A color separator uses specialized software to adjust hues, contrast, and trapping to achieve the best possible print quality.

What are the most commonly searched types of Color Separation jobs in California? The most popular types of Color Separation jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Color Separation jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Color Separation jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Color Separation jobs? Cities in California with the most Color Separation job openings:
Color Separation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Color Separation job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,413 per year, or $28.1 per hour.
Digital Prepress Technician

Digital Prepress Technician

Multi-Color Corporation

Napa, CA • On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Build your Career with an Industry Leader
Multi-Color Corporation is the global leader of premium printed label solutions, helping brands stand out in a competitive marketplace while inspiring positive consumer experiences. With a truly global network of over 12,000 teammates and facilities spanning across more than 25 countries, we strive to combine our global reach with the personalized touch of local service. Come join us as we revolutionize the packaging industry in supporting our customers to help create emotional connections with iconic brands.
The Digital Prepress Technician focuses on ensuring the accurate construction and processing of all artwork files for various printing methods, including lithography, flexography, gravure, and digital label printing. Expertise in printing processes is paramount for this role, as the candidate adeptly configures jobs to meet customer specifications, ensuring swift turnaround times without compromising quality.
The primary emphasis of this position lies in the technical aspects of preparing files for printing, showcasing proficiency in optimizing files for flawless execution on the chosen printing platform. It's important to note that this is not a design position.
Why work at MCC:
  • Compensation $30-$40 per hour
  • Generous benefits package including medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance and 401(k)
  • Paid Holidays: New Years, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, plus two floating Holidays

Responsibilities:
  • Execute electronic art separations to customer-supplied artwork following internal job tickets while adhering to printer specifications for all print types and materials. This includes, but is not limited to application of traps, overprints, pullbacks, and positive or reverse line requirements, etc.
  • Outputs electronic proofs & hard color proofs.
  • Convert approved proof files to final stepped files for plate output.
  • inspect finished files, including the completion of QA checklist.
  • Interacts with customer representatives or other teammates concerning job specifications or special requirements.
  • Manage multiple jobs in various production stages.
  • Operate Macintosh workstations utilizing company ERP, Graphics Systems, and strong knowledge of manufacturing operations.
  • Assist with external communication and file transfers.
  • Complete required documentation in an accurate and prompt manner.

Additional Responsibilities:
  • Interact directly with customers or graphics separators for queries, feedback on specifications, etc.
  • Participate in researching and developing new technology.
  • Ability to make color adjustment decisions at press
  • Perform routine maintenance and manage computers and equipment.
  • Comply with established facility safety policies and procedures and other regulations as applicable.
  • Adheres to MCC company code of ethics.
  • Participate in continuous improvement / Kaizen teams.
  • Attends department meetings and internal training classes.
  • Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications:
  • Associate degree or 2 years of equivalent combination of education and experience in Graphics Reproduction, Customer Service, or related fields.
  • Advanced computer skills are essential, including proficiency with business operating systems, prepress/preflight software, internet applications, as well as word processing and spreadsheet software.
  • Demonstrated proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud.
  • Proficiency in MS Office applications.
  • Experience with Esko, GMG or HP Indigo software a plus.
  • Demonstrated ability to learn new technology including new/upgraded software and hardware.
  • Understanding color theory and color separation.
  • Specific vision abilities required including color perception, depth, and focus adjustment.
  • Must be detail oriented, well organized, and take pride in delivering quality work.
  • Ability to multi-task and work well under pressure with tight deadlines.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to translate technical information into actionable tasks.
  • Willingness to work a flexible schedule and overtime as needed.
  • Ability to problem-solve and work with minimal supervision.

Diversity & Inclusion:
MCC fosters an inclusive culture that respects and embraces our teammates' diverse backgrounds and experiences, so that everyone can achieve their full potential here. We aspire for our company to truly reflect the diversity of our customers and the markets we serve. We are committed to equal opportunity for everyone, regardless of peoples' gender identity/expression, age, language, sexual orientation, ability, race, socioeconomic status, national origin or other characteristics.
The physical demands require standing, using hands to finger, feel and touch; reach with arms and hands; talk and hear. This position requires frequent walking. Occasionally employee is required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Must be able to regularly lift or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision requirements are close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
For over a century, Multi-Color Corporation (MCC) has crafted premium labels for the world's most iconic and recognizable brands. Our labels elevate emotional connections with consumers and help brands stand out in competitive markets. Honoring our rich history as a market leader, we focus on the future by developing sustainable packaging solutions and consumer-driven innovations.
MCC combines global reach with the personalized touch of local service through our network of facilities across 25+ countries. More than 12,000 teammates come together to make our industry-leading work possible and bring our True Colors to life. Join us at MCC, where every product is Labeled with Care. Learn more at www.mcclabel.com.
If you need assistance or an accommodation in applying, please contact our Human Resources Department at recruiting@mcclabel.com.
Multi-Color is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Apply