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Plate Maker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Xylem

Plate Gasket Assembly All Shifts

Cheektowaga, NY · On-site

$21.16/hr

The Plate Gasketer will be responsible for assembling plates and gaskets in our Plate Product Line within the Cheektowaga facility. In this role, the ideal candidate will also be required to stand at ...

Modern Litho Inc

Platemaker

Jefferson City, MO · On-site

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 production. You'll ...

Modern Litho, Inc.

Platemaker

Jefferson City, MO · On-site

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 production. You'll ...

Modern Litho

Platemaker

Jefferson City, MO · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

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 production. You'll ...

Modern Litho

Platemaker

Jefferson City, MO · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

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 production. You'll ...

Printron

Photopolymer Platemaker, 1st Shift

Neenah, WI · On-site

$18/hr

Printron is looking for a Plate Maker to join our team. Here at Printron, we're looking for people who: * Understand structure, layout, and how things are built * Take pride in accuracy and ...

TMI ACQUISITION LLC

Screen Maker

Tucson, AZ · On-site

Description Job Summary The Screen Maker is responsible for the preparation, coating, imaging, exposure, development, inspection, repair, and storage of screens used in Sakurai screen press ...

TMI ACQUISITION LLC

Screen Maker

Tucson, AZ · On-site

Description: Job Summary The Screen Maker is responsible for the preparation, coating, imaging, exposure, development, inspection, repair, and storage of screens used in Sakurai screen press ...

Downeast Cider House

Cider Maker I

East Boston, MA · On-site

Cider Maker I Location: East Boston, MA (Boston Harbor Shipyard) Status: Full-Time | Current Opening Schedule: 1st Shift (6am-2pm) or 2nd Shift (12pm-8pm) Compensation: Starting at $20/hr (Scaling ...

Downeast Cider House

Cider Maker I

East Boston, MA · On-site

$20/hr

Cider Maker I Location: East Boston, MA (Boston Harbor Shipyard) Status: Full-Time | Current Opening Schedule: 1st Shift (6am-2pm) or 2nd Shift (12pm-8pm) Compensation: Starting at $20/hr (Scaling ...

lakesidebook

Platemaking - Platemaker

Willard, OH

$21.25/hr

Operate CTP equipment to expose sensitized metal plate from digital files to produce offset printing plates. * Review images produced on plate for defects or errors that will manifest during the ...

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Plate Maker information

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How much do plate maker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 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 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 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 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.
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Plate Maker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plate Maker job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,749 per year, or $16.2 per hour.
Material prep/Plate maker/ General Factory Worker/ Production

Material prep/Plate maker/ General Factory Worker/ Production

Mark Trece

Whippany, NJ • On-site

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description


FULL TIME - Material Prep/ Print Plate Maker

REPORTS TO : Produation Manager

The Position requires measuring and cutting different types of material with a razor blade and sewing strips of plastic together using an industrial sewing machine. Must be dependable and willing to work OT without a lot of notice.

Physical Requirements:

  • Must know how to read specs
  • Frequent lifting and carrying from one area of production to another
  • ability to stand through an entire shift

Knowledge and Skills:

  • Ability to read a tape measure
  • Minimal knowledge of power tool operation
  • work independently

Key Responsibilities:

  • Exposing light-sensitive printing plates through negative flats
  • developing printing plates in automated processors
  • mounting the negatives and plates in cameras to expose the plates to light
  • punching plates and plate jackets
  • inspecting plates for flaws and verifying conformity with master plates
  • ensure plates meet company quality and performance standards
  • repairing defective plates with missing dots

Other Duties:

  • sorting out film and cleaning glass
  • maintaining files of the completed client plates
  • ordering supplies and mixing chemical solutions
  • may need to assist in bindery, pressroom, or composing room when required.
  • strong attention to detail
  • ability to operate and maintain plate equipment
  • good communication skills
  • ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines for clients

Environmental working conditions:

  • constant noise
  • chemical and dust levels
  • ability to lift sometimes 50lbs.