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Pre Press Operator Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

RR Donnelley

Press Operator 2 (sheetfed press)

Laurel, MD · On-site

$35.29/hr

Perform all make-ready tasks associated with the type of press operated such as hanging plates or ... All employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of both a pre-employment ...

Lakeside Book Company

Material Handler

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$18.45 - $22.80/hr

As a domestic manufacturer, we offer extensive, in-house digital pre-press capabilities and our ... From managing heavy machinery rolls to operating powered industrial vehicles, your efficiency and ...

Aerotek

Machine Operator

Hanover, MD

$22 - $25/hr

Program press brake and enter dimensional information into the software. * Make necessary ... Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital * 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax ...

Torchy's Tacos

Prep Cook/Tortilla Prep

Rockville, MD

$16.50/hr

... operating restaurants nationwide. Here's what we need: The Prep Cook is responsible for the ... Record pre- and post-weights of food items, track yields for each recipe, and label, date, and fill ...

Torchy's Tacos

Prep Cook/Tortilla Prep

Rockville, MD · On-site

$16.50/hr

... operating restaurants nationwide. Here's what we need: The Prep Cook is responsible for the ... Record pre- and post-weights of food items, track yields for each recipe, and label, date, and fill ...

Torchy's Tacos

Prep Cook

Rockville, MD

$16.50/hr

... operating restaurants nationwide. Here's what we need: The Prep Cook is responsible for the ... Record pre- and post-weights of food items, track yields for each recipe, and label, date, and fill ...

Armada Ltd

Multimedia Specialist III

Arlington, VA

... press releases, and internal/external communications. * Multimedia Specialist III manage content ... Proficient in operating digital video camera equipment and editing video software. * Ability to ...

Armada Ltd

Multimedia Specialist III

Arlington, VA · On-site

... press releases, and internal/external communications. * Multimedia Specialist III manage content ... Proficient in operating digital video camera equipment and editing video software. * Ability to ...

Total Civil Construction

Foreman

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

Inspect tools, equipment, and materials to ensure safe operating condition and proper maintenance ... Must consent to lawful pre-employment screening requirements, including drug testing and background ...

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All JobsPre Press Operator JobsPre Press Operator Jobs in Washington

Pre Press Operator information

See Washington salary details

$13

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$31

How much do pre press operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for pre press operator in Washington is $21.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.98 and $23.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is press operator a hard job?

A press operator job involves operating and maintaining printing presses, which requires attention to detail, technical skills, and safety awareness. The work can be physically demanding and may involve long periods of standing and repetitive tasks, but with proper training and experience, it becomes manageable. The difficulty level varies depending on the complexity of the equipment and the work environment.

What is the difference between Pre Press Operator vs Print Production Technician?

AspectPre Press OperatorPrint Production Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical training, certifications in printing softwareHigh school diploma, technical training, certifications in printing equipment
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, printing plants, officesPrinting facilities, production floors
Job FocusPreparing digital files, color correction, layout adjustmentsOperating printing presses, overseeing print runs
Common UsageDesign firms, commercial printersCommercial printing companies, large print shops

Pre Press Operators primarily focus on preparing digital files and ensuring print-ready materials, while Print Production Technicians handle the actual printing process and machine operation. Both roles require technical skills and certifications, but their responsibilities differ in the production workflow.

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

To thrive as a Pre Press Operator, you need a solid understanding of printing processes, color theory, and file preparation, often supported by a relevant technical diploma or equivalent experience. Proficiency with industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite, RIP software, and digital proofing systems is typically necessary. Attention to detail, time management, and strong problem-solving skills help ensure files are print-ready and production deadlines are met. These competencies are crucial to prevent costly errors and maintain high-quality print standards in a fast-paced production environment.

What are some typical challenges a Pre Press Operator might face when preparing files for print production?

Pre Press Operators often encounter challenges such as correcting file errors, managing color consistency across different media, and ensuring all fonts and images are properly embedded or linked. They must also stay up to date with evolving software and printing technologies while meeting tight deadlines. Collaboration with designers, clients, and press operators is essential to resolve issues quickly and maintain print quality throughout the process.

What is a prepress operator?

A prepress operator prepares digital files for printing by checking for errors, adjusting layouts, and creating printing plates using software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. They ensure files meet printing specifications and often work with printing presses, maintaining quality and efficiency throughout the process.

What kind of jobs in media bring in $150,000 a year?

Pre press operators typically do not earn $150,000 annually; high salaries in media-related roles often come from executive positions such as media directors, creative directors, or senior graphic designers with extensive experience and specialized skills. These roles may require advanced knowledge of design software, project management, and industry certifications, and often involve leadership responsibilities or working in large organizations.

What are Pre Press Operators?

Pre Press Operators are professionals in the printing industry who prepare digital files and materials for printing. Their responsibilities include reviewing and correcting digital artwork, making color adjustments, and ensuring that files are correctly formatted for various printing presses. They often work with specialized software to produce printing plates or digital proofs and coordinate with designers and press operators to ensure high-quality output. Their role is crucial in preventing errors and maintaining efficiency in the printing process.

What jobs pay $250 an hour?

Pre Press Operators typically do not earn $250 an hour; such high wages are more common in specialized fields like surgeons, anesthesiologists, or certain executive roles. In printing and graphic arts, wages are generally lower, but highly experienced or supervisory pre press professionals may earn higher salaries, especially with advanced skills in digital pre press tools. Overall, earning $250 an hour usually requires advanced qualifications, significant experience, or working in high-demand, specialized industries.
What are popular job titles related to Pre Press Operator jobs in Washington? For Pre Press Operator jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Pre Press Operator jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Pre Press Operator jobs in Washington are:
Pre Press Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pre Press Operator job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, and 42% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,525 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

Press Operator 2 (sheetfed press)

RR Donnelley

Laurel, MD

$35.29/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

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 industry's most trusted portfolio of creative execution and world-wide business process consulting, with services designed to lower environmental impact. With 22,000 clients, including 93% of the Fortune 100, and 32,000 employees across 28 countries, RRD brings the expertise, execution, and scale designed to transform customer touchpoints into meaningful moments of impact.
  • RRD's Mount Vernon Printing is the Mid-Atlantic hub for commercial print.  We have two Komori 6 color, 40", sheetfed presses and one Heidelberg 6 color, 40", sheetfred press.  Applicants with experience with either of these presses are encouraged to apply. We are a union shop.
Job Description
  • The position is responsible to set up, adjust, operate, and maintain a number of press equipment
  • Perform all make-ready tasks associated with the type of press operated such as hanging plates or installing cylinders, examine plates/cylinders for imperfections and checks for correct positioning of images, prepping blankets, adjusting tension and register etc.
  • Make necessary color corrections and/or press adjustments prior to production run to meet and maintain the quality specifications of the work
  • Clean, lubricate, and maintain the press, making minor repairs and replacing worn or broken parts as required
  • Performs periodic maintenance recommended by the manufacturer
Qualifications
  • Requires thorough knowledge of offset printing procedures, materials and specifiactions, equipment, and safety requirements and skills to perform assignments
  • Skill to read and understand job specifications and knowledge of press capabilities to determine the most appropriate press usage, press settings and materials needed to run the job successfully
  • Skill to make a variety of difficult precise settings of controls, settings, and adjustments, and to perform routine operational maintenance of equipment
  • Skill inroutine operational maintenance and minor repairs to equipment
  • Knowledge of the appropriate amount of packing pressure needed to obtain the proper printing pressure for the type of job being run
  • Skill in use of micrometer to mount and align the printing plate correctly
Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

The rate of pay for this role at the noted location is $35.29 / hour. In addition to base pay, depending on the role, the total compensation package may also include overtime, shift differential, call-in, and stand-by pay. RRD offers benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, disability insurance, 401(k) with match, life insurance and other voluntary supplemental insurance coverages, plus tuition assistance, maternity leave, adoption assistance, and employer/partner discounts.

All employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of both a pre-employment background and drug screen.

All employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of both a pre-employment background and drug screen.

RRD is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans

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