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Color Separation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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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

$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 ...

G3

Digital Prepress Operator 2, TAPP Label

Napa, CA · On-site

$21 - $26.75/hr

... and color separation for Offset and Flexo presses. • Provides technical expertise and insight to help maximize capabilities and efficiencies within Digital Prepress. • Communicates well with ...

Gallery Dept

Production Graphic Designer

Los Angeles, CA

$19.25 - $23.75/hr

Create garment CADs, placement mockups, color separations, and repeat patterns. * Review strike-offs and garment samples and provide revision callouts as needed. * Coordinate with internal teams and ...

Gallery Dept

Production Graphic Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Create garment CADs, placement mockups, color separations, and repeat patterns. * Review strike-offs and garment samples and provide revision callouts as needed. * Coordinate with internal teams and ...

Gallery Dept.

Production Graphic Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$19.25 - $23.75/hr

Create garment CADs, placement mockups, color separations, and repeat patterns. * Review strike-offs and garment samples and provide revision callouts as needed. * Coordinate with internal teams and ...

Quince

Production Art & Digitizing Lead

Santa Fe Springs, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Prepare file specs for all decoration types - color separations for heat transfer, specs for embossing/tags/print; optimize for production machinery. * Enforce zero tolerance on art defects ...

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.

MPI Label Printing

Prepress Operator

Stockton, CA · On-site

$23.09 - $29.13/hr

Prepare final, color-separated 1-bit TIFF files or PDF/VT files for output to the Computer-to-Plate (CTP) imager or the Digital Front End (DFE) of the digital presses. * Archive Management: Maintain ...

MPI Label Systems

Prepress Operator

Stockton, CA

$23.09 - $29.13/hr

Prepare final, color-separated 1-bit TIFF files or PDF/VT files for output to the Computer-to-Plate (CTP) imager or the Digital Front End (DFE) of the digital presses. * Archive Management: Maintain ...

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Color Separation information

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$28

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How much do color separation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 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 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?

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.

How does color separation work?

Color separation in the context of a color separation specialist involves dividing a full-color image into individual color components, typically cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (CMYK), to prepare it for printing. This process uses software like Adobe Photoshop or specialized RIP (Raster Image Processor) tools to ensure accurate color reproduction and alignment during printing. Precise color separation is essential for high-quality print production and often requires knowledge of color theory and print workflows.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,413 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Graphics Prepress Specialist - 2nd Shift

mul

North Highlands, CA

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Build your Career with an Industry Leader

As the global leader of premium labels, MCC helps brands stand out in competitive markets and inspire positive consumer experiences. Backed by over a century of printing experience, MCC is focused on the future by developing consumer-driven innovations and sustainable packaging solutions. Working for our team, you can truly make a difference.

The Graphics Prepress Specialist 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: Competitive Compensation
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 Hybrid, 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.
  • This position may require sporadic travel as necessary.

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