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Entry Level Printing Plate Maker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Flower City Group Inc

Platemaker

Rochester, NY · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

Review and understand press requirements, including plate grippers, sheet sizes, types of stock, minimum paper grippers, printing units, and coating capabilities. * Inspect plates for issues such as ...

Flower City Group Inc

Platemaker

Rochester, NY · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

Review and understand press requirements, including plate grippers, sheet sizes, types of stock, minimum paper grippers, printing units, and coating capabilities. * Inspect plates for issues such as ...

Flower City Group

Platemaker

Rochester, NY · On-site

Review and understand press requirements, including plate grippers, sheet sizes, types of stock, minimum paper grippers, printing units, and coating capabilities. * Inspect plates for issues such as ...

Flower City Group Inc

Platemaker

Mequon, WI · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

Review and understand press requirements, including plate grippers, sheet sizes, types of stock, minimum paper grippers, printing units, and coating capabilities. * Inspect plates for issues such as ...

Flower City Group Inc

Platemaker

Mequon, WI · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

Review and understand press requirements, including plate grippers, sheet sizes, types of stock, minimum paper grippers, printing units, and coating capabilities. * Inspect plates for issues such as ...

SEEK Careers Staffing

Production

Appleton, WI · On-site

$19/hr

Keywords: plate maker, printing, production About SEEK Careers/Staffing You are a person with unique skills, experience and education.When you want to be heard and when you want to be matched with ...

Hallmark, Inc.

Print Apprentice - 3rd

Leavenworth, KS · On-site

$24/hr

... printing. They will also learn how to mix inks and may work in the ink room. Pay for this role ... Plate Maker * Must pass color perception test * Ability to grasp, lift and carry product weighing ...

Hallmark, Inc.

Print Apprentice - 2nd

Leavenworth, KS

$24/hr

... printing. They will also learn how to mix inks and may work in the ink room. Pay for this role ... Plate Maker * Must pass color perception test * Ability to grasp, lift and carry product weighing ...

Hallmark, Inc.

Print Apprentice - 3rd

Leavenworth, KS · On-site

$24/hr

... printing. They will also learn how to mix inks and may work in the ink room. Pay for this role ... Plate Maker * Must pass color perception test * Ability to grasp, lift and carry product weighing ...

Hallmark, Inc.

Print Apprentice - 2nd

Leavenworth, KS · On-site

$24/hr

... printing. They will also learn how to mix inks and may work in the ink room. Pay for this role ... Plate Maker * Must pass color perception test * Ability to grasp, lift and carry product weighing ...

Pratt Industries

Tooling - 2nd Shift

Wapakoneta, OH

$20/hr

Pull a printing plate backlog once a shift. All items must be inspected and staged if they meet requirements. * Pre/post inspection of cutting dies - pre-inspect and tag cutting dies once a shift.

Pratt Industries

Tooling - 2nd Shift

Wapakoneta, OH · On-site

$20/hr

Pull a printing plate backlog once a shift. All items must be inspected and staged if they meet requirements. * Pre/post inspection of cutting dies - pre-inspect and tag cutting dies once a shift.

PENN UNITED TECHNOLOGIES

Experienced Tool & Die Maker

Cabot, PA · On-site

$23.75 - $29.75/hr

... product part print. The right candidate will bring their prior experience in tool & die making ... Lifts parts manually or using hoist, and positions and secures parts on surface plate or worktable ...

Penn United Technologies

Experienced Tool & Die Maker

Cabot, PA · On-site

$23.75 - $29.75/hr

... product part print. The right candidate will bring their prior experience in tool & die making ... Lifts parts manually or using hoist, and positions and secures parts on surface plate or worktable ...

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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 Aug 20, 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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level printing plate maker?

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.

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 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.

More about Entry Level Printing Plate Maker jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Printing Plate Maker jobs?

The most popular types of Printing Plate Maker jobs are:

What states have the most Entry Level Printing Plate Maker jobs?

States with the most job openings for Entry Level Printing Plate Maker jobs include:

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,749 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Platemaker

Flower City Group Inc

Rochester, NY • On-site

$19 - $23/hr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Summary/Objective:

The Platemaker is responsible for ensuring the optimal profitability and quality of print operations by creating plates for press production with precision and efficiency. This role requires attention to detail and technical expertise in preparing and maintaining printing plates to meet production schedules and quality standards.

Essential Functions:

  • Review and understand press requirements, including plate grippers, sheet sizes, types of stock, minimum paper grippers, printing units, and coating capabilities.
  • Inspect plates for issues such as spots, hickeys, holes, scratches, and other imperfections. Ensure proper file setup with appropriate grippers.
  • Communicate any problems or concerns to Prepress and Impositioning personnel.
  • Verify that plates match Job Ticket and imposed file.
  • Ensure all plates are properly identified by color, form, press, and job number.
  • Follow established procedures for remaking plates when necessary.
  • Troubleshoot issues related to press downs and perform necessary investigations for potential fixes.
  • Operate the Kodak plate setters and utilize the schedule portal for job tracking and plating schedules.
  • Stay informed about the current press schedule to meet production demands.


Plate Maintenance and Quality Control:

  • Perform scheduled preventative maintenance on the plate setters.
  • Conduct preventative maintenance on the Plate Punch as needed.
  • Maintain a clean and organized work area to support consistent plate quality and operational efficiency.

Competencies:

  • Attention to Detail: Ability to identify and correct plate errors before production.
  • Technical Proficiency: Knowledge of plate-making equipment and the ability to troubleshoot technical issues.
  • Communication: Strong ability to communicate clearly and concisely with Prepress and production teams to resolve issues and meet deadlines.
  • Specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision, and depth perception.
  • Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment with shifting deadlines and priorities.

Requirements/Qualifications:

  • 3 to 6 months related experience and/or training in a similar role

Preferred Education and Experience:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent

Physical Demands:

  • Regularly required to speak and listen actively.
  • Frequent use of hands for handling materials and operating equipment.
  • Standing and walking for extended periods; occasional reaching, kneeling, crouching, and crawling as necessary.
  • Occasionally required to lift or move objects up to 25 pounds.