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Graphics Prepress Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ... Verifies quality of layout prints, proofs, and files by evaluating spelling, content, and prepress ...

Mechanical/prepress preparation * Print specifications * Large-format/environmental graphics * Coordinating and directing vendor execution Digital & Emerging Media * Apply best practices for web ...

Digital Prepress Operator 2, TAPP Label

Napa, CA · On-site

$21 - $26.75/hr

... Graphic Production. • Required to lift up to 35 pounds. • Required to work overtime and ... prepress; typeset, layout, preflight, imposition and proofing. • Knowledge and experience in ...

Understanding of print production and packaging fundamentals (dielines, color, prepress). * Strong ... Experience with motion graphics or short-form video, retail media creative, or Shopify theme ...

Understanding of print production and packaging fundamentals (dielines, color, prepress). * Strong ... Experience with motion graphics or short-form video, retail media creative, or Shopify theme ...

Understanding of print production and packaging fundamentals (dielines, color, prepress). * Strong ... Experience with motion graphics or short-form video, retail media creative, or Shopify theme ...

Color Artist

Burbank, CA · On-site

$40 - $50/hr

A diverse understanding of the graphic arts industry as it applies to digital, prepress, and printing. * Expert knowledge of desktop publishing tools including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and ...

Graphic Designer

Vista, CA · On-site

$32 - $35/hr

Responsibilities * Assist in establishing and maintaining professional graphics and identify ... Responsible for print and prepress service specifications, purchasing, approvals and quality ...

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Graphics Prepress information

See California salary details

$13

$21

$32

How much do graphics prepress jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for graphics prepress in California is $21.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $23.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a prepress graphic designer do?

A prepress graphic designer prepares digital files for printing by checking layouts, color accuracy, and resolution, ensuring they meet printing specifications. They use design software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator and collaborate with printers to ensure high-quality output before production.

Is prepress a stressful job?

Prepress specialists, including those in graphics prepress, often work under tight deadlines to prepare print files, which can create stressful situations. The job requires attention to detail, technical skills with design and printing software, and the ability to manage multiple projects efficiently, but workload and environment vary by employer.

What is the highest paying graphic design job?

Senior roles such as Art Director, Creative Director, or Visual Design Manager typically offer the highest salaries in graphic design, often exceeding six figures with extensive experience and leadership responsibilities. Specialized skills in branding, user experience, or motion graphics can also command higher pay, especially in large organizations or agencies.

What is a Graphics Prepress job?

A Graphics Prepress job involves preparing digital files for printing by ensuring they meet the technical requirements of the printing process. This includes checking resolution, color profiles, bleeds, and fonts, as well as making necessary adjustments or corrections. Prepress professionals also create proofs, impose layouts, and generate print-ready files such as PDFs or plates for offset, digital, or screen printing. Their role is crucial in maintaining print quality and preventing costly errors during production.

What are some common challenges Graphics Prepress professionals face on the job?

Graphics Prepress professionals often encounter challenges related to ensuring color accuracy, managing tight deadlines, and troubleshooting file compatibility issues. They must pay close attention to specifications like bleeds, resolution, and color profiles, and frequently collaborate with designers, print operators, and clients to resolve discrepancies. Adapting quickly to changing project requirements and staying updated on evolving print technologies are also key aspects of the role. Overcoming these challenges is essential for producing high-quality print materials and maintaining efficient production workflows.

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

To thrive as a Graphics Prepress professional, you need strong graphic design skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with industry standards and print processes, usually supported by relevant coursework or experience. Proficiency with design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), print RIP software, and preflighting tools is essential. Excellent communication, time management, and problem-solving skills help ensure smooth collaboration and timely project completion. These capabilities are critical to delivering error-free print-ready files and maintaining high-quality production standards.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

In the field of graphics prepress, experienced professionals with strong skills in design software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator can earn around $3,000 or more per month, especially with freelance work or in senior roles. Outside of this, jobs such as graphic designers, digital marketers, or print production specialists often reach this income level without requiring a college degree, relying instead on a strong portfolio, technical skills, and industry experience.
What are popular job titles related to Graphics Prepress jobs in California? For Graphics Prepress jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Graphics Prepress job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,996 per year, or $21.6 per hour.
PrePress Technician

PrePress Technician

Brook & Whittle

Anaheim, CA • On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Brook + Whittle rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 114 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

Description:

Essential Functions:

  • Prepare artwork and database files for flexographic flexible packaging printing
  • Modifies electronic, customer-supplied art files making color, text, and digital image corrections to assure proper format, appearance, and layout per job details and press specifications.
  • 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 to produce flexographic, or Digital, print-ready optimized art files to meet customer expecta-tions.
  • Verifies quality of layout prints, proofs, and files by evaluating spelling, content, and prepress standards with consistency across brands and projects.
  • Incorporates all press specifications in files including marks, registration, gain curves, and profiles in order to achieve press matches.
  • Communicate and emphasize care in areas where customer deems critical
  • Performs related duties as needed by supervision
  • Makes recommendations for process improvement

Skills

  • Working knowledge of the flexographic printing process and its related specifications and limitations; specifically, ink lay down order and trapping, and a working knowledge of step and repeat as it directly relates to cylinder size, in order to accurately layout plates.
  • Working knowledge of basic HP Digital Print file requirements and HP DFE functions.
  • Review job tickets for production; plan and process accordingly
  • Handle multiple jobs in various production stages
  • Review proofs and artwork from customers and returns to prepress
  • Analyze customer files for fonts, images, integrity and printability
  • Ability to apply common sense and understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form.
  • Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
  • Adhere to quality control procedures
  • Performs other duties when assigned
  • Offer suggestions on a better way to execute production plan or reduce costs
  • Ability to effectively communicate with fellow employees.

Qualifications:

  • At least 5 years of experience in Pre-Press in the printing industry.
  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent work experience.


Physical Demands:

  • Physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Required to sit, stand, reach, bend and move about the facility including office and production areas; may be required to lift up to 20 pounds


About Us:


About Us: Brook & Whittle Ltd. is one of North America’s leading Sustainable Labeling Solutions providers, producing pressure sensitive labels, shrink sleeves and flexible packaging for many of the nation’s leading brands. The company serves multiple consumer markets, including Personal Care, Beverage, Food, Nutraceuti-cals, Wine & Spirits, and Household Chemicals. The company’s rapid growth can be attributed to its world-class staff of employees and its commitment to sustainability, print innovation, and the latest technological advance-ments. Wouldn’t it be cool to go into a store, pick up a product and say “we make that label!”


Our culture is first and foremost one of collaboration and teamwork. We hold ourselves to high professional, ethical, and fairness standards. We have zero tolerance for anything less. We celebrate our diverse workforce and reward good performance through our recognition program, advancement opportunities, and our compensa-tion structure.


We believe people are our greatest asset. Thus, we highly value individuals of strong character with drive, ambi-tion and creativity. Relationships are our cornerstone whether it be clients, vendors or co-workers. We are the best at what we do and are looking for an exceptional individual to join our growing organization.


AAP/EEO Statement


Brook & Whittle LTD provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment with-out regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Brook & Whittle complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hir-ing, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.


Brook & Whittle expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orienta-tion, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interfer-ence with the ability of Brook & Whittle LTD’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and in-cluding discharge.


Other Duties


Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibili-ties that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or with-out notice.




Requirements:



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