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Prepress Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Prepress Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Digital Department (Prepress) Manager Super Color Digital has been successfully developing graphic solutions for over a quarter century. Our unique displays and innovative solutions are highly ...

Prepress Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Digital Department (Prepress) Manager Super Color Digital has been successfully developing graphic solutions for over a quarter century. Our unique displays and innovative solutions are highly ...

Prepress Technician Job Profile (MPI Label Systems) This profile outlines the typical duties ... Archive Management: Maintain an organized digital file structure, ensuring that all revised ...

Prepress Technician

Stockton, CA · On-site

$23.09 - $29.13/hr

Prepress Technician Job Profile (MPI Label Systems) This profile outlines the typical duties ... Archive Management: Maintain an organized digital file structure, ensuring that all revised ...

Manage multiple jobs in various production stages. * Operate Macintosh workstations utilizing ... systems, prepress/preflight software, internet applications, as well as word processing and ...

Digital Prepress Operator 2, TAPP Label

Napa, CA · On-site

$21 - $26.75/hr

Essential Functions This reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not ... prepress; typeset, layout, preflight, imposition and proofing. • Knowledge and experience in ...

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Prepress Manager information

See California salary details

$33.6K

$62.5K

$84.9K

How much do prepress manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for prepress manager in California is $62,476.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,800.00 and $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Prepress Manager, you need a strong background in graphic design, print production processes, color management, and prepress software, typically supported by a degree in graphic arts or a related field. Expertise with industry-standard tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, preflighting software, RIP systems, and workflow management platforms is essential. Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to lead and communicate effectively with both creative and production teams are vital soft skills. These competencies ensure error-free, high-quality print outputs and efficient project delivery in the fast-paced print industry.

What are Prepress Managers?

Prepress Managers are professionals who oversee the prepress process in printing and publishing environments. They are responsible for managing the preparation of digital files, layouts, and proofs before actual printing begins. Their duties often include supervising prepress staff, ensuring quality control, coordinating with clients and designers, and troubleshooting technical issues. Prepress Managers play a critical role in ensuring printed materials meet quality standards and production deadlines.

What are some typical challenges a Prepress Manager might face in coordinating between design and production teams?

A Prepress Manager often navigates challenges such as ensuring files are print-ready, resolving discrepancies between designers' concepts and production capabilities, and maintaining tight deadlines. Effective communication is key, as the role requires translating creative ideas into technical instructions that the production team can execute. Additionally, staying updated with evolving software and printing technologies helps mitigate costly errors and ensures high-quality output.

What is the difference between Prepress Manager vs Prepress Technician?

AspectPrepress ManagerPrepress Technician
CredentialsRelevant certifications (e.g., Adobe Certified Expert), experience in print productionSimilar certifications, focus on technical skills and software proficiency
Work EnvironmentOversees prepress department, manages staff, coordinates workflowsPerforms technical tasks, prepares files, operates prepress equipment
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in printing companies, publishing, advertising agenciesCommonly employed in similar settings, often reporting to Prepress Managers

The Prepress Manager oversees the entire prepress process, managing staff and workflows, while the Prepress Technician focuses on executing technical tasks like file preparation and equipment operation. Both roles require similar skills and certifications, but differ in responsibility level and scope within the print production process.

What Is a Prepress Manager?

As a prepress manager, you work at a printing press where you oversee the development of a printing project before it enters large-scale printing. Your responsibilities are specifically to ensure that the graphics or other designs are properly prepared and that the technical specifications are clear to the press operator. You also proofread material and format the project according to the specifications provided to you by the clients. As a manager, you also hire and train new prepress technicians and teach them how to operate prepress equipment and perform other duties for the department.

What are the most commonly searched types of Prepress jobs in California? The most popular types of Prepress jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Prepress Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Prepress Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Prepress Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Prepress Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Prepress Manager job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,476 per year, or $30 per hour.
Prepress Manager

Prepress Manager

Super Color Digital, LLC

Irvine, CA • On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 hours ago


Job description

Digital Department (Prepress) Manager 

   Super Color Digital has been successfully developing graphic solutions for over a quarter century. Our unique displays and innovative solutions are highly regarded within the retail, design and advertising industries, and our products continue to shine within the printing community. With production locations coast to coast, we continue to be one of the largest grand-format printing companies in the nation. 

   We believe that every question has a solution, and we are determined to find it for our clients. Our passion for graphic technology has inspired us to integrate creativity, design, and technique to develop the best, most sophisticated products. Our production facilities operate 24 hours, 7 days a week, so our clients can rest easy knowing they are in reliable hands. 

   Super Color Digital is driven for excellence, with our unparalleled customer service, competitive prices, premium quality products and materials, and on-time delivery of every project. 

Reports To: 

This position reports directly to:  Director of Operations 

This position works closely with: Digital, Preflight, Color and Production Managers 

This position also functions for: Digital and Preflight 

Job Summary: 

Employees who manage the Digital/Graphics Department are responsible for ensuring that files moving on into Production are correct and that all necessary adjustments have been made. They are in charge of coordinating a workflow that promotes Work Orders being finished at the correct time. The Digital Department Manager must be looking ahead planning for future Work Orders as well. Constant and informative communication must occur with the Production Managers and all issues with Digital, Preflight or Color Management must be resolved by this employee in accordance with other managers. 

Job Duties: 

  • Prepare reports, spreadsheet and/or daily updates for Director of Operations 

  • Carry out Production flow from Preflight to Printing 

  • Provide updates on the status of Work Orders 

  • Track multiple projects in a fast-paced environment 

  • Maintain and update standard operating procedures in Digital department 

  • Ensure that Preflight is completed within four hours of receiving the Work Order 

  • Maintain protocols for secured graphic projects 

  • Oversee all daily requirements and scheduling for next shift 

  • Train personnel on Digital workflow with the ability to lead, coach and inspire a team to excel and meet deadlines 

  • Communicate frequently with Production Managers and department leads regarding current Work Orders 

  • Check that all information regarding Work Order is correct before accepting job, make sure that employees perform duties perfectly and check that all information is correct regarding Work Order/Lasers before giving the job to the next stage of Production 

Job Competencies: 

  • Keen sense of urgency 

  • Common Sense 

  • Ability to recommend and implement solutions to problems with Production 

  • Energized and ready to grow with an outstanding organization 

  • Meticulous attention to detail, effective planning and organizational skills 

  • Highly time conscientious 

  • Must lead by example 

  • Understand the basics of industrial Safety, health and environmental impacts and proactively affect the Production staff 

  • Must have strong people skills, and the ability to motivate and promote teamwork 

  • Ability to plan and implement improvements 

  • Ability to identify and anticipate production and operation needs 

  • Have strong printing knowledge of Vutek and Press Vu capabilities 

  • Have a good color eye and the ability to see inaccuracies in color on a file 

  • Willingness to learn new and emerging technologies 

  • Ability to resolve problems, document all issues and put best practices in place to prevent future problems 

  • Firm grasp of computer/graphics terminology 

Qualifications: 

  • Associate or BA degree in related field, Graphic Preflight preferred 

  • 4+ years in related Preflight field; Knowledge of Preflight delivery formats 

  • 5+ years of management in the graphics industry 

  • Minimum 7 years’ experience with Photoshop, Illustrator, and Creative Suite 

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills 

  • Excellent organizational skills 

  • Strong knowledge of file ripping software, media storage and ICC profiles 

  • Proficiency in all aspects of PC/MAC-based computers 

  • Ability to coordinate and implement efficient scheduling to meet deadlines 

  • Available by company cell phone during off hours 

Safety Requirements: 

  • Ability to sit throughout shift and look at a Work Order on a computer screen for long periods, without straining