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Plate Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

3D Corporate Solutions

PLATE LEAD

Greeley, CO · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Job Title: Plate Freezer Lead Reports To: Production Manager Department: Production Job Status ... Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance ...

Westrock

Plate Maker Trainee

Marion, NC · On-site

The Plate Maker Apprentice is responsible for operating the CTP Plate Setter for offset printing process. This position reports directly to the Graphics Supervisor. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Morris Packaging LLC

Plate Filer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

As a Plate Filer, you will be responsible for daily maintenance and upkeep of plates, ensuring that plates are available and accessible for all areas of production. Essential Functions: • ...

Constellium

Plate Engineering Lead

Ravenswood, WV · On-site

The Plate Engineering Lead is a position responsible for the execution of Plate driven projects in ... Plant Engineering project Experience and Knowledge of Operating Departments * Working Knowledge of ...

Cimolai-HY LLC

Plate Processing Supervisor

Olean, NY

$85K - $95K/yr

Experience in setting up and operating plasma, laser amp; gang Oxy cutting machines designed to cut shapes, bevel, and drill plate material. * Candidate must have a thorough understanding of CNC ...

ProAmpac

Technician - Plate Making

Hardy, VA · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Manage raw plate materials, chemicals, and supplies, ensuring proper storage and minimal waste ... Communicate with prepress operators and pressroom staff to ensure seamless production workflows and ...

ProAmpac

Technician - Plate Making

Rocky Mount, VA · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Manage raw plate materials, chemicals, and supplies, ensuring proper storage and minimal waste ... Communicate with prepress operators and pressroom staff to ensure seamless production workflows and ...

ProAmpac

Technician - Plate Making

Axton, VA · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Manage raw plate materials, chemicals, and supplies, ensuring proper storage and minimal waste ... Communicate with prepress operators and pressroom staff to ensure seamless production workflows and ...

ProAmpac

Technician - Plate Making

Ridgeway, VA · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Manage raw plate materials, chemicals, and supplies, ensuring proper storage and minimal waste ... Communicate with prepress operators and pressroom staff to ensure seamless production workflows and ...

ProAmpac

Technician - Plate Making

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Manage raw plate materials, chemicals, and supplies, ensuring proper storage and minimal waste ... Communicate with prepress operators and pressroom staff to ensure seamless production workflows and ...

ProAmpac

Technician - Plate Making

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Manage raw plate materials, chemicals, and supplies, ensuring proper storage and minimal waste ... Communicate with prepress operators and pressroom staff to ensure seamless production workflows and ...

Jen-Coat Inc

Technician - Plate Making

Rocky Mount, VA

$16 - $19/hr

Manage raw plate materials, chemicals, and supplies, ensuring proper storage and minimal waste ... Communicate with prepress operators and pressroom staff to ensure seamless production workflows and ...

ProAmpac

Technician - Plate Making

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Manage raw plate materials, chemicals, and supplies, ensuring proper storage and minimal waste ... Communicate with prepress operators and pressroom staff to ensure seamless production workflows and ...

ProAmpac

Technician - Plate Making

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Manage raw plate materials, chemicals, and supplies, ensuring proper storage and minimal waste ... Communicate with prepress operators and pressroom staff to ensure seamless production workflows and ...

ProAmpac

Technician - Plate Making

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Manage raw plate materials, chemicals, and supplies, ensuring proper storage and minimal waste ... Communicate with prepress operators and pressroom staff to ensure seamless production workflows and ...

ProAmpac

Technician - Plate Making

Martinsville, VA · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Manage raw plate materials, chemicals, and supplies, ensuring proper storage and minimal waste ... Communicate with prepress operators and pressroom staff to ensure seamless production workflows and ...

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Plate Operator information

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$12

$19

$25

How much do plate operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for plate operator in the United States is $19.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Plate Operators face in maintaining equipment efficiency, and how are they typically addressed?

Plate Operators often encounter challenges such as equipment jams, plate misalignments, or wear and tear that can disrupt production schedules. Addressing these issues requires regular equipment inspections, prompt troubleshooting, and close collaboration with maintenance teams. Many workplaces provide ongoing training to help operators quickly identify and resolve common problems, ensuring minimal downtime and consistent product quality. Communication with supervisors and other operators is also crucial for sharing best practices and maintaining a safe, efficient work environment.

Which operator job pays the most?

Among operator roles, crane operators and heavy equipment operators tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $60,000 annually due to the specialized skills and certifications required. These positions typically involve working in construction, manufacturing, or shipping environments and may require OSHA training and licensing. Salary can vary based on experience, location, and industry demand.

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

To thrive as a Plate Operator, you need a solid understanding of industrial machinery, basic mechanical aptitude, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with manufacturing equipment, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications in forklift operation or OSHA compliance are commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure efficient production, minimize downtime, and maintain workplace safety in a manufacturing environment.

What jobs are off limits to felons?

Felons may face restrictions in certain jobs that require security clearances, involve working with children or vulnerable populations, or require specific professional licenses. However, many roles, including those in manufacturing, construction, and general labor such as a plate operator, are often accessible to individuals with felony convictions, depending on the nature of the offense and state laws. Employers may also consider factors like rehabilitation and time since conviction when hiring felons for various positions.

What is a plating operator job description?

A plating operator is responsible for operating and maintaining equipment used in electroplating or metal finishing processes. They prepare solutions, monitor process parameters, inspect finished products for quality, and ensure safety protocols are followed. This role often requires attention to detail, technical skills, and knowledge of chemical handling and safety standards.

What are Plate Operators?

Plate Operators are skilled workers responsible for operating machinery that handles metal plates or sheets in industrial settings, such as manufacturing or printing. Their duties often include setting up, adjusting, and maintaining plate-handling equipment, ensuring the correct alignment and feed of materials, and monitoring production for quality. Plate Operators must follow safety protocols and may also perform basic troubleshooting and maintenance tasks. This role requires attention to detail, technical aptitude, and adherence to safety standards.

Why were 92,000 jobs lost?

The loss of 92,000 jobs can be attributed to economic downturns, industry declines, or automation reducing the need for manual labor, including roles like plate operators. Such job reductions often result from technological advancements, shifts in demand, or company restructuring, impacting employment levels across manufacturing and industrial sectors.
More about Plate Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Plate Operator jobs? Cities with the most Plate Operator job openings:
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Plate Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plate Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,702 per year, or $19.1 per hour.
PSL Plate & Screen Making- 2nd Shift (40475)

PSL Plate & Screen Making- 2nd Shift (40475)

AMERICAN FUJI SEAL

Jeffersonville, IN • On-site

$20 - $24.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

American Fuji Seal rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 113 rated packaging manufacturers

Job description

General Responsibilities: Properly make plates and screens for the printing process

Essential Job Functions:

  • Perform print jobs related to the specifications in the internal job files and ERP system
  • Accountable for ensuring standards of the printed goods
  • Operate within cost-efficient and quality compliant production: fast set up, run and change-over, material consumption, and downtimes reduced to a minimum
  • Inform supervisors of defects and changes within job specification
  • Archive production goods
  • Detect defects of printing tools and support equipment
  • Detect potential improvements and report them to the team leaders
  • Support the production department in any arising tasks
  • Maintain a clean and safe work environment
  • Applies GMP-rules, 5S and all other programs for improvement instituted by the Company.

Work Environment: 

  • Stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, and pulling are required
  • Medium work. Exerting up to 50 pounds of force to move objects occasionally.
  • The worker is required to have visual acuity to perform activities such as operating forklift, viewing computer, and working within arm’s reach
  • The worker may be subject to hazards: various chemicals and cleaners

Required Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Strong computer skills
  • Very good machine skills
  • Readiness to work in a 3-shift operation
  • High grade of flexibility
  • Available to work OT as assigned by the Company
  • Excellent verbal and written communication

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Technical basic training
  • Prior Plate or Screen making experience
  • Experience in printing industry

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