1

Plate Maker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Plate Maker

Warwick, RI · On-site

$30 - $32/hr

Job Title: Plate Maker Type: Full-Time Location: Warwick, RI Summary Prepare printing plates by converting customer artwork into press-ready layouts using CAD and plate-making systems. Key ...

We are hiring an experienced Pre-Press Plate Maker for our Dallas, TX manufacturing facility. Job Summary Under general supervision, the Pre-Press Plate Maker is responsible for producing high ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Plate Maker

Brooklyn Park, MN · On-site

$21 - $22/hr

Our Brooklyn Park location has an opening for a 2nd shift Plate Maker, an entry level role that requires NO EXPERIENCE in manufacturing. Hours: 1:00pm - 9:30pm The starting pay for this position is ...

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 ...

Plate Maker

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$21 - $22/hr

Our Brooklyn Park location has an opening for a 2nd shift Plate Maker, an entry level role that requires NO EXPERIENCE in manufacturing. Hours: 1:00pm - 9:30pm The starting pay for this position is ...

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 ...

Our Brooklyn Park location has an opening for a 2nd shift Plate Maker, an entry level role that requires NO EXPERIENCE in manufacturing. Hours: 1:00pm - 9:30pm The starting pay for this position is ...

Plate Maker

Brooklyn Park, MN · On-site

$21 - $22/hr

Our Brooklyn Park location has an opening for a 2nd shift Plate Maker, an entry level role that requires NO EXPERIENCE in manufacturing. Hours: 1:00pm - 9:30pm The starting pay for this position is ...

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 ...

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 Summary Under general supervision, the Pre-Press Plate Maker is responsible for producing high ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Plate Maker information

See salary details

$11

$16

$18

How much do plate maker jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for 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 a Platemaker Do?

A platemaker makes sure that printing plates have the proper format, layout, and spacing of text and images. Your duties and responsibilities in this career may include other aspects of prepress operations and preparations for printing, such as adjusting layout using computer software and formatting images so that they appear clearly on the printed page. You may also work on photography plates or use your skills to produce other printed media. Most platemakers work in the publishing industry, where they handle the preparations necessary to publish newspapers, magazines, and books.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Plate Maker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Plate Maker, you need a solid understanding of printing processes, attention to detail, and familiarity with graphic design concepts, typically supported by a high school diploma or vocational training. Experience with plate-making equipment, imaging software, and prepress systems like Adobe Creative Suite or specialized platemaking machines is common. Strong problem-solving skills, manual dexterity, and effective communication help individuals excel in this role. These skills ensure the accurate production of printing plates, which is critical for maintaining print quality and operational efficiency.

What are some common challenges faced by Plate Makers in a print production environment, and how can they be overcome?

Plate Makers often work with tight deadlines and must ensure high precision when preparing printing plates. Common challenges include handling last-minute design changes, troubleshooting imaging equipment, and maintaining quality standards under pressure. Staying organized, regularly calibrating equipment, and maintaining clear communication with prepress and press teams are effective ways to overcome these challenges. Developing strong attention to detail and being proactive in learning new plate-making technologies can also help Plate Makers excel in their roles.

What are Plate Makers?

Plate Makers are skilled workers who prepare printing plates used in various printing processes, such as offset printing or flexography. They transfer images or text onto plates made of metal, plastic, or other materials, ensuring the design is ready for mass production. The role involves using specialized equipment, chemicals, and computer software to create precise and high-quality plates. Plate Makers must pay close attention to detail and follow strict safety and quality standards. Their work is essential in the production of newspapers, packaging, books, and other printed materials.

What is the difference between Plate Maker vs Screen Printer?

AspectPlate MakerScreen Printer
CredentialsTechnical training or certification in plate makingTraining in screen printing techniques
Work EnvironmentManufacturing or print shop, working with plates and equipmentPrint shop, working with screens and inks
Industry UsagePrepares printing plates for various printing methodsApplies ink to substrates through screens for printing
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared for roles in printing preparationRelated but focuses on the actual printing process

The main difference is that a Plate Maker prepares and produces printing plates used in various printing processes, while a Screen Printer applies ink through screens to produce images on surfaces. Both roles are essential in the printing industry but focus on different stages of the printing process.

What cities are hiring for Plate Maker jobs? Cities with the most Plate Maker job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Plate Maker jobs? The top employers for Plate Maker jobs are:
What states have the most Plate Maker jobs? States with the most job openings for Plate Maker jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Plate Maker jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Plate Maker jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Plate Maker jobs? For Plate Maker jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Other

Posted 8 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.