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Platemaker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Platemaker is responsible for ensuring the optimal profitability and quality of print operations by creating plates for press production with precision and efficiency. This role requires ...

Platemaker

Rochester, NY · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

The Platemaker is responsible for ensuring the optimal profitability and quality of print operations by creating plates for press production with precision and efficiency. This role requires ...

Platemaker

Mequon, WI · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

The Platemaker is responsible for ensuring the optimal profitability and quality of print operations by creating plates for press production with precision and efficiency. This role requires ...

Platemaker

Rochester, NY · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

The Platemaker is responsible for ensuring the optimal profitability and quality of print operations by creating plates for press production with precision and efficiency. This role requires ...

Platemaker

Mequon, WI · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

The Platemaker is responsible for ensuring the optimal profitability and quality of print operations by creating plates for press production with precision and efficiency. This role requires ...

Platemaker

New London, WI · On-site

$29.69 - $31.34/hr

AF New London Graphics WI Full time REQ_95034 ROLE OVERVIEW The Platemaker - Operative is responsible for producing plates and ensure the quality of the finished product through the utilization of QC ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Press Operator II

Rockaway, NJ

$16 - $20.75/hr

Pressroom Platemaker Gannett Publishing Services/USA TODAY CO Rockaway, NJ USAToday Corp. is seeking a Full-Time Platemaker for our Rockaway, NJ facility. This position supports daily newspaper ...

Press Operator II

Rockaway, NJ · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

Pressroom Platemaker Gannett Publishing Services/USA TODAY CO Rockaway, NJ USAToday Corp. is seeking a Full-Time Platemaker for our Rockaway, NJ facility. This position supports daily newspaper ...

Platemaker

Oberlin, OH · On-site

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

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 ...

Press Operator II

Rockaway, NJ · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

To connect with us, visit www.usatodayco.com Pressroom Platemaker Gannett Publishing Services/USA TODAY CO Rockaway, NJ USAToday Corp. is seeking a Full-Time Platemaker for our Rockaway, NJ facility.

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 ...

Platemaker

Oberlin, OH · On-site

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

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

West Jefferson, NC · On-site

$11 - $13/hr

Drive-Thru Order Plater - Smoky Mt. BBQ Position Summary The Drive-Thru Order Plater prepares, packages, and checks drive-thru orders to ensure customers receive accurate, fresh, and well-presented ...

New

Platemaker

Oberlin, OH · On-site

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

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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$11

$16

$18

How much do platemaker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 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 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 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 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.

How much does a platemaker make?

A platemaker typically earns between $40,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. The role requires skills in preparing printing plates, often using specialized equipment, and may involve shift work or overtime. Salaries can vary based on the complexity of the work and the employer.

What is the job description of a platemaker?

A platemaker prepares printing plates by processing film or digital images onto metal or plastic surfaces used in printing presses. The role involves operating specialized equipment, ensuring precise image transfer, and maintaining quality standards, often requiring knowledge of chemistry and attention to detail. This position typically requires technical skills and adherence to safety protocols in a print production environment.
More about Platemaker jobs

What are popular job titles related to Platemaker jobs?

For Platemaker jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Platemaker job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,749 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Platemaker / Proofer

Linemark Printing, Inc.

Upper Marlboro, MD • On-site

Other

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Platemaker

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
  • Layout and Formatting
  • Plate Preparation
  • Plate Processing
  • Quality Control
  • Troubleshooting

Types of Printing Plates and Processes:

  • Offset Printing
  • Thermography

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.