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Platemaker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION Sun Chemical, a member of the DIC Group, is a leading producer of packaging and graphic solutions, color and display technologies, functional products, electronic materials ...

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION Sun Chemical, a member of the DIC Group, is a leading producer of packaging and graphic solutions, color and display technologies, functional products, electronic materials ...

Experience working with Kodak Achieve platemaker systems If you meet the required qualifications and are interested in this role, please apply today. The Solomon Page Distinction Solomon Page offers ...

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Platemaker information

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$11

$16

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How much do platemaker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 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.
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 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.
Photopolymer Platemaker

Other

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

SUMMARY: Produce photopolymer plates to meet production schedule and customer ship dates. Coordinate activities associated with the production of photopolymer plates, including the use of electronic software applications to prepare files for plate imaging and the operation and maintenance of all processing equipment involved in the platemaking process.  

Essential Functions: The following are indicative of the essential functions required to perform this job successfully.

  • Work safely and adhere to all safety guidelines. 

  • Read/process photopolymer plate orders as scheduled. 

  • Ability to understand and follow standard operating procedures. 

  • Process photopolymer plates, adhering to the highest standards of quality while controlling waste in the platemaking process. 

  • Operate/maintain equipment and manage consumables utilized in the platemaking process. 

  • Handle inventory levels, accept deliveries and put inventory in correct placement and arrangement. Follow procedures for receipt of packing lists and related documentation. 

  • Inspect/label/package plates for shipment and other shipping duties. Includes visual quality check, using micrometer, BetaFlex, and other inspection devices as required. 

  • Operate and perform shipping responsibilities including contact couriers for local shipments and enter data in Lynx, FedEx, and UPS systems for shipment. Schedule freight pickups for other carriers. 

  • Responsible for ongoing personal development including cross training in the plate room and other areas as required. 

  • Keep work area clean and orderly. Maintain a clean work area and department, employing good work habits and adhering to established procedures. 

  • Crosscheck films/files with customer approved specifications prior to producing plates. 

  • Communication between shifts is key to our success in order to meet our customers’ expectations. 

  • Perform other duties as instructed - Lead and primary techs are required to; 

  • Attend and contribute to the daily production meetings and platemaking department meetings. 

  • Provide communication between shifts via daily emails and utilize messaging applications (Teams) to communicate with other department coworkers during normal production hours. 

  • Accurately and consistently record and maintain data in department spreadsheets and where requested including- 

  • Daily Polymer Log - flats, actual material size, waste, dimensions, spoilage, etc. 

  • Scrap Material log • Light Exposure Tests • BetaFlex Quality Measurements 

  • Create and provide updates to SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for all existing operations; review semi-annually and certify that all techs understand and adhere to these standards. 

  • Cross train between shifts to provide support including PM and shipping responsibilities. 

  • Strive to improve upon waste and increase productivity. 

  • Provide quality (QC) checks for all produced plates including established shop order ticket document signoffs for yourself and as a secondary check for fellow plate techs. 

 

The above description is NOT an all-inclusive job description. We are a lean manufacturing operation and often personnel must work in other departments and perform other duties during their workday. Personnel are expected to cover other areas when others are out or otherwise unavailable. Employees are expected to develop their proficiency of tasks, continuously improve within the scope of work and activities, and provide teammate support and coaching.  

A professional business attitude and respect for your coworkers is expected.


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About Bryce

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Plastics packaging film and sheet (including laminated) manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Memphis, TN, US

Year founded

1976