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Packaging Prepress Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Prepress Operator

Brooklyn, OH ยท On-site

$28 - $30/hr

Join Our Team Are you an experienced Prepress Operator with a passion for packaging and label ... production? We're looking for a detail-oriented professional to join our team and play a key role ...

Prepress Operator

Cleveland, OH ยท On-site

$18.75 - $25.25/hr

Join Our TeamAre you an experienced Prepress Operator with a passion for packaging and label production? We're looking for a detail-oriented professional to join our team and play a key role in ...

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Prepress Technician

Brooklyn, NY ยท On-site

$30 - $38/hr

Premier specialty packaging and commercial printing company on LI that caters to high end clients ... Record detailed documentation of prepress procedures and workflow adjustments to streamline future ...

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Prepress Technician

Deer Park, NY ยท On-site

$30 - $36/hr

Premier specialty packaging and commercial printing company that caters to high end clients is ... Record detailed documentation of prepress procedures and workflow adjustments to streamline future ...

Prepress Technician

Sturgis, MI ยท On-site

$17 - $22.75/hr

Job title Prepress Technician Reports to Prepress Manager Job purpose The Prepress Technician is ... Prepare artwork for Offset printing, commercial and carton packaging. * Prepare artwork for Flexo ...

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Prepress Technician

Massapequa, NY ยท On-site

$30 - $36/hr

Premier specialty packaging and commercial printing company on LI that caters to high end clients ... Record detailed documentation of prepress procedures and workflow adjustments to streamline future ...

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Prepress Technician

Hauppauge, NY ยท On-site

$30 - $36/hr

Premier specialty packaging and commercial printing company that caters to high end clients is ... Record detailed documentation of prepress procedures and workflow adjustments to streamline future ...

Join Our Team Are you an experienced Prepress Operator with a passion for packaging and label ... production? We're looking for a detail-oriented professional to join our team and play a key role ...

This role is highly technical and detail-driven, requiring deep expertise in packaging prepress, mechanical file setup, and printing processes-especially for beverage applications and aluminum can ...

Prepress Operator (CLE)

Brooklyn, OH ยท On-site

$18.75 - $25.25/hr

Join Our Team Are you an experienced Prepress Operator with a passion for packaging and label ... production? We're looking for a detail-oriented professional to join our team and play a key role ...

Prepress Technician

West Valley City, UT ยท On-site

$17.75 - $23.75/hr

Prepress Technician Calyx Containers | Salt Lake City, UT | Full-Time, On-Site Compensation is ... About Calyx Calyx Containers is a 10-year-old packaging company serving the cannabis industry from ...

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Prepress Technician

Melville, NY ยท On-site

$30 - $36/hr

Premier specialty packaging and commercial printing company that caters to high end clients is ... Record detailed documentation of prepress procedures and workflow adjustments to streamline future ...

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Prepress Technician

Hempstead, NY ยท On-site

$30 - $36/hr

Premier specialty packaging and commercial printing company in LI that caters to high end clients ... Record detailed documentation of prepress procedures and workflow adjustments to streamline future ...

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Packaging Prepress information

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$13

$22

$31

How much do packaging prepress jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for packaging prepress in the United States is $22.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a packaging prepress specialist?

To thrive as a Packaging Prepress Specialist, you need expertise in graphic design, color theory, and print production processes, typically supported by a degree in graphic arts or a related field. Proficiency in industry-standard software like Adobe Creative Suite, Esko ArtPro, and knowledge of color management systems is essential. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help ensure files meet technical print requirements and client expectations. These skills are crucial to delivering high-quality, print-ready packaging artwork that meets stringent specifications and tight deadlines.

What is a packaging prepress?

Packaging Prepress jobs involve preparing digital artwork and layouts for packaging materials before they go to print. This includes tasks such as color correction, proofing, trapping, and ensuring that designs meet the technical requirements of various printing processes. Professionals in this field work closely with designers, printers, and clients to ensure the final printed packaging accurately reflects the intended design and brand standards. A thorough understanding of printing technologies, color management, and file preparation is essential for success in packaging prepress roles.

What is the difference between Packaging Prepress vs Packaging Designer?

AspectPackaging PrepressPackaging Designer
Primary FocusPreparing print-ready files, color management, proofingCreating packaging concepts, graphic design, layout
Skills & CertificationsPrepress software, color management, printing processesGraphic design, Adobe Creative Suite, branding
Work EnvironmentPrint production facilities, prepress departmentsDesign studios, marketing departments
Industry UsagePrinting companies, packaging manufacturersPackaging design agencies, brands

Packaging Prepress specialists focus on preparing files for printing, ensuring color accuracy and proofing, while Packaging Designers develop the visual concepts and layouts for packaging. Both roles require design skills, but Packaging Prepress emphasizes technical print preparation, whereas Packaging Designers focus on creative design and branding.

What are some common challenges faced in a packaging prepress role, and how can they be addressed?

A key challenge in Packaging Prepress is ensuring accurate color management and file preparation across various substrates and printing methods. Attention to detail is crucial, as even small errors can lead to costly production issues. Collaborating closely with designers, printers, and clients helps catch potential problems early, while staying updated on the latest prepress software and proofing technologies improves workflow efficiency. Building strong communication skills and a thorough review process are essential to consistently deliver high-quality packaging results.
More about Packaging Prepress jobs
What states have the most Packaging Prepress jobs? States with the most job openings for Packaging Prepress jobs include:
Infographic showing various Packaging Prepress job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,664 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Prelim/Prepress Operator (2nd Shift)

RR Donnelley

De Pere, WI โ€ข On-site

Full-time, Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Company Description

RRD is a leading global provider of marketing, packaging, print, and supply chain solutions that elevate engagement across the complete customer journey. The company offers the industry’s most trusted portfolio of creative execution and world-wide business process consulting, with services designed to lower environmental impact. With 22,000 clients, including 93% of the Fortune 100, and 32,000 employees across 28 countries, RRD brings the expertise, execution, and scale designed to transform customer touchpoints into meaningful moments of impact.

Job Description

RRD's De Pere, Wisconsin location is seeking a dynamic, driven and experienced Prelim/Prepress Operator to join the team!  This is a 2nd shift position in a climate controlled environment.  Reliability, critical thinking and teamwork are critical to being successful in this role.

In addition to base pay, this position is eligible for a $2.00 hr shift premium.

  • Create final production files using prepress applications (Adobe Creative Suite) bleeds and color separate final production files (Final Plate Copy)

  • Import, trap, bleed, screen, and color separate final production files Verification of barcodes (Quality Control)

  • Create a stepping template and add printer-specified press marks

  • Make alterations and revisions to existing production files, including light typesetting. Operate Mac, production file server, proof output devices, RIPs, and workflows

  • Perform color corrections to process color files for Flexo print processes

  • Generate hard or soft copy proofs for internal reviews. Follow Standard Operating Procedures

  • Record Time and Materials accurately (Priority List, signing out of orders)

  • Work in a neat, orderly manner, maintain supply levels, and request equipment repair as necessary.

  • Maintain equipment (general and minor maintenance)

  • Ability to solve problems with minimal supervision: Read and comprehend job instructions, short correspondence, and emails

  • Participate in Pre-Production meetings occasionally with other production staff

  • Ensure jobs meet scheduling and quality requirements

  • Apply knowledge of packaging prepress to production workflows

  • Facilitate the resolution of production-related problems in a timely manner and elevates appropriately when necessary

  • Use ethical business practices in dealing with customers, employees, and vendors.

  • Proofreading 

  • Docket Verification for the Production area

  • Ability to support the plate-making department: making, verifying, and marking materials needed for production

  • Understand basic plate-making skills

  • Responsible for training new and existing team members.

Qualifications
  • Associate or Bachelor's degree in a graphic discipline related to functional work or role with 3-5 years of relevant work experience OR demonstrated ability to meet the job requirements through a comparable number of years of applicable work experience

  • Demonstrated knowledge of packaging prepress and print specifications for Flexo print processes

  • Experience working with different packaging substrate types for Flexo print processes experience with software associated with packaging prepress (Adobe Creative Suite: Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign)

  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, along with the ability to listen for understanding

  • Ability to problem solve, analyze potential solutions, and use good sound judgment to make decisions.


Additional Information

Disclosure:

The salary range for this role at the noted RRD location is $19.50 - $31.00/ hour. Starting pay decisions are determined based on multiple factors including but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, skills, experience, certifications, proficiency, performance, shift, location, and other business needs. Typically, roles follow step progressions to a target rate or set increments over time. Depending on the role, in addition to the hourly rate of pay, the total compensation package may also include  overtime, shift differential, call-in, and/or stand-by pay. RRD’s benefit offerings include medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, disability insurance, 401(k) with company match, life insurance and other voluntary supplemental insurance coverages, plus parental leave, adoption assistance, tuition assistance and employer/partner discounts.

All employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of both a pre-employment background and drug screen.

RRD is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans