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Plate Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pre-Press Technician

Rhinelander, WI · On-site

$18 - $24.25/hr

Job Profile Summary A Prepress Technician is responsible for the preparation and mounting of ... This dual-role position supports plate making, mounting and ink adjustment operations to ensure ...

Pre-Press Technician

Rhinelander, WI

$18 - $24.25/hr

Job Profile Summary A Prepress Technician is responsible for the preparation and mounting of ... This dual-role position supports plate making, mounting and ink adjustment operations to ensure ...

Lab Technician I - Laboratory

Hamilton, NJ · On-site

$19 - $25.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Inoculate appropriate plate with swab media; for Candida species, Urinary Pathogens, GBS ... Technician training Physical Demands: Physical, Mental and Workplace Environment Conditions

Lab Technician I - Laboratory

Trenton, NJ · On-site

$19 - $25.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Inoculate appropriate plate with swab media; for Candida species, Urinary Pathogens, GBS ... Technician training Physical Demands: Physical, Mental and Workplace Environment Conditions

Lab Technician I - Laboratory

Trenton, NJ · On-site

$19 - $25.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Inoculate appropriate plate with swab media; for Candida species, Urinary Pathogens, GBS ... Technician training Physical Demands: Physical, Mental and Workplace Environment Conditions

Lab Technician I - Laboratory

Trenton, NJ

$19 - $25.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Inoculate appropriate plate with swab media; for Candida species, Urinary Pathogens, GBS ... Technician training Physical Demands: Physical, Mental and Workplace Environment Conditions

Plating Manufacturing Engineer

Louisville, KY · On-site

$88K - $149K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Ensure process reliability by providing technical leadership and support to bargaining unit plate technicians, operations supervisors, and other engineers. * Create and maintain process ...

Showing results 41-60

Plate Technician information

See salary details

$11

$21

$31

How much do plate technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for plate technician in the United States is $21.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a plate technician?

Plate Technicians are skilled workers who prepare and maintain printing plates used in various printing processes, such as offset or flexographic printing. They are responsible for producing high-quality printing plates by operating specialized equipment, inspecting plates for defects, and ensuring they meet precise specifications. Plate Technicians also handle the maintenance and cleaning of plate-making machinery, troubleshoot technical issues, and work closely with press operators to ensure smooth production. Their role is crucial in achieving consistent and accurate print results in the printing industry.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a plate technician?

To thrive as a Plate Technician, you need a solid understanding of printing processes, attention to detail, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with plate-making equipment, imaging software, and quality control systems is essential for this role. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help Plate Technicians excel in a production environment. These skills ensure the accurate preparation of printing plates, minimize errors, and support efficient workflow in print manufacturing.

What challenges do plate technicians face when preparing printing plates?

Plate Technicians often encounter challenges such as tight deadlines, maintaining precise quality standards, and adapting to frequent changes in job specifications. Managing multiple print jobs simultaneously requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Effective communication with press operators and prepress teams is essential to ensure plates are correctly prepared and any issues are quickly resolved. Staying current with technological advancements in plate-making equipment can also help streamline workflows and reduce errors.

What is the difference between Plate Technician vs Welder?

AspectPlate TechnicianWelder
CertificationsTypically requires certifications like AWS or NCCERRequires welding certifications such as AWS Certified Welder
Work EnvironmentWorks mainly in fabrication shops, construction sites, or shipyardsWorks in manufacturing, construction, or repair settings
Job FocusFocuses on cutting, shaping, and installing metal platesFocuses on joining metals through welding processes
Tools & EquipmentUses plasma cutters, grinders, measuring toolsUses welding machines, torches, safety gear

While both roles involve working with metal and require similar certifications, a Plate Technician primarily handles cutting, shaping, and installing metal plates, whereas a Welder specializes in joining metals through welding techniques. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

More about Plate Technician jobs
Infographic showing various Plate Technician job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,888 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Pre-Press Technician

Printpack

Rhinelander, WI • On-site

$18 - $24.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Printpack rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 120 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

Job Profile Summary
A Prepress Technician is responsible for the preparation and mounting of digital photopolymer printing plates, as well as ink formulation and color matching. This dual-role position supports plate making, mounting and ink adjustment operations to ensure optimal print quality and production efficiency. This position requires a combination of technical expertise, physical capability, and attention to detail to ensure high-quality printing results while maintaining safety and efficiency standards.
Printpack is a leading manufacturer in the packaging industry, committed to delivering innovative solutions and exceptional customer service. We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Pre-Press Technician to join our dynamic team.
  • Manufacture of digital photopolymer printing plates
  • Mounting of flat plates and continuous print sleeves
  • Screening plate components for defects
  • Reading and interpreting production schedule as well as departmental schedules
  • Cleaning, stripping, and general processing of plate components
  • Troubleshooting print issues relating to plates, sleeves, and inks
  • Operation of grinding lathe
  • Production of printing ink
  • Toning of printing ink to digitally matched color standards both at the dispenser and at press-side
  • Production and handling of laminating adhesives and cold seals
  • Organization and processing of wet materials and solvents

Printpack is proudly an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment. Embracing diversity enhances our work culture and is vital to our success. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/parental status, genetic information, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, marital status, military or veteran status or affiliation, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.
To view your rights and government notices, please see the links below:
Know Your Rights - Conozca sus Derechos - Your Rights Under USERRA (dol.gov) - FMLA - FMLA (Spanish) - Polygraph Protection - Right to Work - Right to Work (Spanish)
Printpack is committed to helping individuals with disabilities participate in the workforce and ensure equal opportunity to compete for jobs. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist you with your application for employment or job search, please get in touch with us by sending an email to CorpRecruiting@Printpack.com. Please include in your email a brief description of the accommodation you are requesting and the position for which you are interested in applying.

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