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Platemaker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Groupe Lacroix

Platemaker/Ink Technician Prepress

Aurora, IL · On-site

$18.25 - $24.50/hr

The Platemaker is responsible for creating plates using Prinect shooter print manager and CTP user interface software. To produce plates, the platemaker must read and understand work orders and ...

Fanatics Collectibles

Flexo & Offset Platemaker

Allen, TX

$20 - $26.50/hr

Flexo & Offset Platemaker Department: Prepress / Plate Department Reports To: Prepress Manager / Production Manager Position Summary The Flexo & Offset Platemaker is responsible for producing high ...

Fanatics Collectibles

Flexo & Offset Platemaker

Allen, TX · On-site

$20 - $26.50/hr

Flexo & Offset Platemaker Department: Prepress / Plate Department Reports To: Prepress Manager / Production Manager Position Summary The Flexo & Offset Platemaker is responsible for producing high ...

Amcor plc

Platemaker

New London, WI · On-site

$29.69 - $31.34/hr

ROLE OVERVIEW The Platemaker - Operative is responsible for producing plates and ensure the quality of the finished product through the utilization of QC tools/software. Prepare all of our imaged ...

Amcor

Platemaker

New London, WI

$29.69 - $31.34/hr

ROLE OVERVIEW The Platemaker - Operative is responsible for producing plates and ensure the quality of the finished product through the utilization of QC tools/software. Prepare all of our imaged ...

MediaNews Group, Inc.

On-Call Platemaker

Denver, CO · On-site

$26.19/hr

The Denver Post is seeking an on-call platemaker to join the team! This person will cover any team member who is out unexpectedly or on vacation. What you will do: * Process plates to be sent through ...

MediaNews Group, Inc.

On-Call Platemaker

Denver, CO · On-site

$26.19/hr

The Denver Post is seeking an on-call platemaker to join the team! This person will cover any team member who is out unexpectedly or on vacation. What you will do: * Process plates to be sent through ...

MediaNews Group, Inc.

Journeyman Platemaker

Denver, CO · On-site

$26.19/hr

Summary: The Denver Post, a subsidiary of MediaNews Group, is seeking a Journeyman Platemaker to join the team! What you will do: * Process plates to be sent through to the press * Work within ...

MediaNews Group, Inc.

Journeyman Platemaker

Denver, CO · On-site

$26.19/hr

Summary: The Denver Post, a subsidiary of MediaNews Group, is seeking a Journeyman Platemaker to join the team! What you will do: * Process plates to be sent through to the press * Work within ...

Printron

Photopolymer Platemaker, 2nd Shift

Neenah, WI

$21/hr

Start Your Career in Print Production Today Photopolymer Platemaker - Entry Level - 2nd Shift, Monday - Friday Location: Neenah, WI (on-site only) Starting Pay: $21.00 per hour (wage includes a $3.00 ...

Modern Litho

Platemaker

Jefferson City, MO · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Join a Legacy of Quality, Innovation, and Community Modern Litho is a local, family-owned printing company with over 85 years of industry-leading experience. We specialize in high-quality commercial ...

Modern Litho

Platemaker

Jefferson City, MO · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Join a Legacy of Quality, Innovation, and Community Modern Litho is a local, family-owned printing company with over 85 years of industry-leading experience. We specialize in high-quality commercial ...

Modern Litho, Inc.

Platemaker

Jefferson City, MO

Join a Legacy of Quality, Innovation, and Community Modern Litho is a local, family-owned printing company with over 85 years of industry-leading experience. We specialize in high-quality commercial ...

RR Donnelley

Platemaker_KR

Saint Charles, IL

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 ...

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Platemaker information

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How much do platemaker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for platemaker 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 some typical challenges faced by a platemaker, and how can they be addressed?

Platemakers often encounter tight production deadlines and the need to maintain high accuracy when preparing printing plates. Common challenges include managing multiple plate jobs simultaneously, troubleshooting plate exposure or quality issues, and adapting to evolving printing technologies. Staying organized, closely following job specifications, and maintaining equipment can help mitigate these challenges. Collaborating with press operators and prepress teams also ensures that any issues are resolved quickly, supporting smooth production runs.

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

To thrive as a Platemaker, you need a solid understanding of printing processes, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with prepress software, imaging equipment, and plate-making machinery is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, reliability, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are valuable soft skills. These competencies ensure the accurate production of high-quality printing plates, directly impacting print quality and workflow efficiency.

What is the difference between Platemaker vs Prepress Technician?

AspectPlatemakerPrepress Technician
CredentialsTechnical training, certifications in printing technologySimilar certifications, often with additional graphic design skills
Work EnvironmentPrinting plants, commercial print shopsPrepress departments, printing companies
Industry UsageSpecific to plate production for printing pressesBroader role including file preparation and color correction
Search/Comparison IntentUnderstanding plate production processesPrepress workflow and file management

The main difference between a Platemaker and a Prepress Technician is that a Platemaker focuses specifically on creating printing plates, while a Prepress Technician handles the entire file preparation process, including color correction and layout. Both roles require technical skills and work in printing environments, but the Prepress Technician's role is broader, encompassing more aspects of the prepress workflow.

What are platemakers?

Platemakers are skilled professionals who prepare printing plates used in various printing processes, such as offset, flexographic, or gravure printing. They work with specialized equipment and materials to create plates that transfer images and text onto paper, packaging, or other surfaces. Platemakers must ensure that the plates are accurate and high-quality, as they directly impact the final print product. Their responsibilities often include reading job specifications, operating imaging devices, and performing quality checks throughout the plate-making process.
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Platemaker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Platemaker job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,749 per year, or $16.2 per hour.
Platemaker / Proofer

Platemaker / Proofer

Linemark Printing, Inc.

Upper Marlboro, MD

Other

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

A platemaker prepares printing plates for different printing processes, ensuring the plates have the correct image, layout, and spacing for text and images. This includes tasks like adjusting layouts using computer software, formatting images, and working with various types of printing plates.
Here's a more detailed look at what a platemaker does:
Tasks and Responsibilities:

  • Image Preparation:
Platemakers ensure that the image to be printed is accurately represented on the plate, whether it's text, images, or a combination of both.
  • Layout and Formatting:
They adjust the layout and formatting of text and images to ensure they fit on the plate correctly and appear as intended on the printed page.
  • Plate Preparation:
This involves exposing sensitized metal sheets to special light through a photographic negative to create the image on the plate.
  • Plate Processing:
Platemakers may operate machines that automatically process the plates, ensuring the image is properly etched or hardened.
  • Quality Control:
They monitor the quality of the printing plates and make adjustments as needed to ensure the best possible print quality.
  • Troubleshooting:
Platemakers may troubleshoot issues that arise during the plate-making process, such as misaligned images or imperfections in the plate.
Types of Printing Plates and Processes:
  • Offset Printing:
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Platemakers are often involved in preparing plates for offset printing, a common printing process for newspapers, magazines, and books.
  • Thermography:

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Platemakers may also be involved in thermography, a printing process that creates raised ink images, which often requires offset printing.
In essence, platemakers play a crucial role in the printing process by preparing the plates that are essential for transferring images and text onto various materials.

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