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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

Digital Prepress Technician

North Highlands, CA · On-site

$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 ...

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 · 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 ...

Brook & Whittle

PrePress Technician

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Follows standard operating procedures for the use of graphic programs to generate a proof tem-plate layout, typesetting, copy changes, digital image corrections, color separation, and basic trap-ping ...

Brook & Whittle LTD

PrePress Technician

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Follows standard operating procedures for the use of graphic programs to generate a proof tem-plate layout, typesetting, copy changes, digital image corrections, color separation, and basic trap-ping ...

B&W Operating LLC

PrePress Technician

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Follows standard operating procedures for the use of graphic programs to generate a proof tem-plate layout, typesetting, copy changes, digital image corrections, color separation, and basic trap-ping ...

Hunter

Graphic Designer (Hybrid)

San Marcos, CA · On-site

$31.75 - $36/hr

Demonstrates knowledge of different file and font formats, color separation, pre-press, and printing processes. * Meets with project requestors to determine objectives and uses research to gather ...

AlphaGraphics

PrePress Graphic Designer

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Working knowledge of spot-color / four-color separations, dieline creation and trapping * Knowledge of USPS mail requirements, variable data printing, Excel, MS Office is a plus. Qualifications:

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 · 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)

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Color Separation information

See California salary details

$9

$28

$59

How much do color separation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 1, 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 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 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 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.
More about Color Separation jobs
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 are popular job titles related to Color Separation jobs in California? For Color Separation jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 24% Full Time, 73% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,413 per year, or $28.1 per hour.
Graphic Prepress Technician

Graphic Prepress Technician

Pacific Southwest Container LLC

Modesto, CA

$53K - $68K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Pacific Southwest Container rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 109 rated packaging manufacturers

Job description

Job Summary:
Pacific Southwest Container, LLC is a world-class, ISO 9001 manufacturer of custom packaging and a market leader in the design and conversion of corrugated packaging, folding cartons, single-face lamination, foam protective packaging, and point-of-purchase displays. Our facilities serve a wide variety of customers who value creativity, flexibility, speed to market, and best total system cost.
The Graphic Prepress Technician is responsible for preparing customer artwork for production by performing color separation, file preparation, image correction, and proofing for packaging applications. This position ensures that all graphics meet customer specifications, print requirements, and company quality standards prior to production. The technician works closely with Graphics, Sales, Structural Design, and Production to support efficient and accurate manufacturing.
Our culture is built on four core principles: 360° Health, Teamwork, Quality, and Sustainability.
Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship is required.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Perform color separation and color correction for packaging graphics.
  • Edit images and prepare files for flexographic, lithographic, and digital printing processes.
  • Assemble production-ready files for corrugated, folding carton, laminated, and display packaging.
  • Apply trapping, screening, and stepping as required for print production.
  • Create and output proofs using inkjet digital proofing devices.
  • Verify artwork against customer specifications and internal job requirements.
  • Apply ICC color profiles to ensure accurate color reproduction.
  • Work with CAD layouts and packaging structures to ensure proper artwork placement.
  • Maintain organized digital files and follow established workflow procedures.
  • Communicate with internal departments to resolve artwork or layout issues.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned to support production and graphics operations.
Required Skills and Abilities
  • Experience with packaging structures including:
    • Corrugated boxes
    • Folding cartons
    • Labels and lamination
    • Point-of-purchase displays
  • Proficiency in:
    • Adobe Illustrator
    • Adobe Photoshop
  • Experience with:
    • Color correction
    • Image editing
    • Electronic separation
    • Trapping
    • Screening and stepping
  • Understanding and application of ICC color profiles.
  • Experience using inkjet digital proofing devices.
  • Strong communication skills and positive attitude.
  • Ability to follow instructions and complete assignments accurately.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Skills
  • Familiarity with additional Adobe Creative Cloud applications.
  • Experience with Esko workflow and DeskPack tools.
  • Experience working in corrugated packaging, printing, or prepress environment.
  • Knowledge of flexographic or lithographic printing processes.
Education and Experience
  • High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
  • College, technical school, or trade school training preferred but not required.
  • Previous prepress, graphics, or packaging experience preferred.
Physical Requirements:
In typical 8 hr. day, position requires
1-2 hours
3-4 hours
5-6 hours
7-8 hours
Standing
x
Sitting
x
Walking
x
Speaking
x
Lifting
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Pushing
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Pulling
x
Stooping
x
Bending
x
Manual Dexterity
x
Vision
x
Hearing
x
Reading
x
Heat (Extreme)
x
Cold (Extreme)
x

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