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Entry Level Printing Plate Maker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

INA Solution Inc

Plate Maker

Warwick, RI · On-site

$30 - $32/hr

Warwick, RI Summary Prepare printing plates by converting customer artwork into press-ready layouts using CAD and plate-making systems. Key Responsibilities * Review work orders and create CAD ...

Cenveo

Pre-Press Plate Maker

Dallas, TX

$20 - $24/hr

Job Summary Under general supervision, the Pre-Press Plate Maker is responsible for producing high-quality printing plates using digital and conventional platemaking equipment. This role also ...

Cenveo Worldwide Limited

Pre-Press Plate Maker

Dallas, TX · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

We are hiring an experienced Pre-Press Plate Maker for our Dallas, TX manufacturing facility. Job ... Coordinate and print order jackets for scheduled jobs. * Maintain accurate production records and ...

SGS & Co

Plate Maker

Appleton, WI · On-site

$22/hr

Our Appleton, WI location has an opening for a Manufacturing Trainee (Plate Maker), an entry level role that requires NO EXPERIENCE in manufacturing. Hours: 1st shift, 6am - 2pm Pay: $22.00/hour ...

Matthews International

Plate Maker

Saint Louis, MO

POSITION SUMMARY The Plate Maker performs a variety of tasks related to producing polymer printing plates of varying thickness from polymer sheet material. JOB RESPONSIBILITIES * Sorts and ...

Schawk USA LLC

Plate Maker

Appleton, WI

$22/hr

Our Appleton, WI location has an opening for a Manufacturing Trainee (Plate Maker), an entry level role that requires NO EXPERIENCE in manufacturing. Hours: 1st shift, 6am - 2pm Pay: $22.00/hour ...

sgsco

Plate Maker

Appleton, WI · On-site

$22/hr

Our Appleton, WI location has an opening for a Manufacturing Trainee (Plate Maker), an entry level role that requires NO EXPERIENCE in manufacturing. Hours: 1st shift, 6am - 2pm Pay: $22.00/hour ...

sgsco

Plate Maker

Appleton, WI

$22/hr

Our Appleton, WI location has an opening for a Manufacturing Trainee (Plate Maker), an entry level role that requires NO EXPERIENCE in manufacturing. Hours: 1st shift, 6am - 2pm Pay: $22.00/hour ...

Modern Litho, Inc.

Platemaker

Jefferson City, MO · On-site

Freshly Printed: The Role You Have Been Looking For As a Plate Maker, you'll play a hands-on role in bringing our products to life by preparing and producing high-quality printing plates for ...

TMI ACQUISITION LLC

Screen Maker

Tucson, AZ · On-site

The Screen Maker plays a critical role in print quality, press uptime, and first-pass yield by ensuring all screens meet specification prior to release to production. Supervisory Responsibilities

Modern Litho

Platemaker

Jefferson City, MO · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Freshly Printed: The Role You Have Been Looking For As a Plate Maker, you'll play a hands-on role in bringing our products to life by preparing and producing high-quality printing plates for ...

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Entry Level Printing Plate Maker information

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How much do entry level printing plate maker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level printing plate maker in the United States is $16.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry level printing plate makers, and how can they be overcome?

Entry level printing plate makers often encounter challenges such as mastering the technical aspects of plate preparation, maintaining high quality standards, and managing tight production deadlines. Attention to detail is essential, as small errors can affect the entire printing process. These challenges can be overcome through hands-on training, seeking guidance from experienced team members, and developing strong organizational skills. Being proactive in learning about new technologies and safety protocols can also make the transition smoother and support career growth within the printing industry.

What does an entry level printing plate maker do?

An entry level printing plate maker is responsible for preparing and producing printing plates that are used in various printing processes, such as offset or flexographic printing. Their duties typically include setting up and operating plate-making equipment, following job specifications, inspecting finished plates for quality, and maintaining a clean work area. They may also assist with basic troubleshooting and learn about different types of materials and techniques used in plate making. This role is often considered a starting point for a career in the printing industry, offering hands-on experience and opportunities for advancement.

What is the difference between Entry Level Printing Plate Maker vs Printing Press Operator?

AspectEntry Level Printing Plate MakerPrinting Press Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic technical trainingHigh school diploma; on-the-job training or technical certification
Work EnvironmentPrint shops, manufacturing facilities, production areasPrint shops, commercial printing facilities, production floors
Job FocusPreparing and creating printing plates for pressesOperating printing presses to produce printed materials
Common UsageUsed in pre-press departments, focusing on plate creationUsed in production departments, focusing on printing process

While both roles are essential in the printing industry, the Entry Level Printing Plate Maker specializes in preparing printing plates, whereas the Printing Press Operator manages the actual printing process. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the printing industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Printing Plate Maker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Printing Plate Maker, you need basic mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with plate-making machinery, digital imaging software, and safety procedures is often required, with some employers providing on-the-job training or seeking candidates with relevant certifications. Strong problem-solving skills, reliability, and the ability to work efficiently as part of a team are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for producing accurate printing plates, maintaining equipment, and ensuring consistent quality in print production.
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What job categories do people searching Entry Level Printing Plate Maker jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Printing Plate Maker jobs are:
Entry Level Printing Plate Maker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Printing Plate Maker job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,749 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Plate Maker Assistant (STP)

FIVE STAR MANAGEMENT

Houston, TX

Other

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Plate Maker Assistant Level 1

The Plate Maker Level 1 is the entry level plate maker for the Platemaking and Pre-Press department. They should be able to handle all film types and equipment used in the production process of printing plates, safely, effectively and without damage to the end-product. This employee will start after training and be able to effectively handle and pass material through the manufacturing process to produce correct Quality controlled press plates as well as basic housekeeping and information logging tasks in the Platemaking department.

Key responsibilities: 

  1. Follow all Safety Rules and Regulations
  2. Lift to 35lbs when needed.
  3. Follow Plate Handling instructions.
  4. Appropriately differentiate plate types and materials.
  5. Operate the CDI to pass plates into production
  6. Safely Handle Image Plates from CDI production to the Exposure Unit.
  7. Set and Select Exposure Settings based on material.
  8. Pass Plates to the Finishing Unit for Plate Wash
  9. Set and Select Plate Wash settings per plate type
  10. Pass Plate to Cutting Unit.
  11. Process correct Plate Cutting.
  12. QC file based on instructions and Company Standards.
  13. Assemble Finished Jobs for Mounting
  14. Store and Manage Plate Storage
  15. Alert Plate Maker Level 2 or 3 or supervisor if they see visual defects.

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