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Prepress Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

Cascades

Senior Graphic Designer

Concord, ON · Hybrid

CA$65K - CA$75K/yr

At least 5 years of experience in graphic design, prepress, print production, packaging graphics, or a related field * Strong proficiency with Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop * Experience ...

New

Cascades

Pre-Press Mac Operator

Etobicoke, ON

CA$55K - CA$60K/yr

Perform trapping, prepress adjustments, image manipulation, and file preparation activities * Support flexographic printing processes and ensure files are optimized for production * Collaborate with ...

m&h

Production Artist (Freelance)

Toronto, ON · On-site

You have good knowledge of four-colour, prepress processes and good organizational skills, rigour and agility * You have the ability to prioritize and work under pressure while meeting deadlines

AGFA

Electronical Assembler

Mississauga, ON

Commercial, newspaper and packaging printers count on us for the most extensive range of prepress solutions, including hardware, software and consumables. These include a.o. user-friendly chemistry ...

PepsiCo

Commercialization - Prime Mover

Mississauga, ON · On-site

CA$63K - CA$103K/yr

Monitor timely execution of approvals at each stage to ensure all elements to reach packaging and prepress vendor * Responsible for running and distribution of Preliminary and Final Manufacturing ...

PepsiCo

Commercialization - Prime Mover

Mississauga, ON · On-site

CA$63K - CA$103K/yr

Monitor timely execution of approvals at each stage to ensure all elements to reach packaging and prepress vendor * Responsible for running and distribution of Preliminary and Final Manufacturing ...

All JobsPrepress JobsPrepress Jobs in Ontario

Prepress information

See Ontario salary details

$11

$20

$29

How much do prepress jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for prepress in Ontario is $20.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is prepress?

Prepress refers to the processes and procedures that occur between the creation of a print layout and the actual printing. This includes preparing digital files, correcting colors, proofing, and making printing plates or digital setups. The goal of prepress is to ensure that the final print product matches the intended design as closely as possible, while identifying and fixing any issues before printing begins. Prepress professionals work with graphic designers, printers, and software to manage file formats, image resolution, and other technical requirements.

What are the qualifications to get a prepress job?

The qualifications to get a prepress job depend on your specific responsibilities. If you are an artist, digital platemaker, or graphics technician, you are responsible for designing and setting images using digital tools, so you should have a strong working knowledge of software like QuarkXPress and Adobe InDesign. Prepress operators need to have a high school diploma or GED certificate and several years of training in a printing operation. You can also go to a vocational school or community college to get more technical experience. Important skills include an eye for detail and mechanical aptitude.

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

To thrive as a Prepress Specialist, you need a strong understanding of graphic design principles, color theory, and print production processes, often backed by a degree in graphic arts or related experience. Proficiency with industry-standard software like Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) and prepress workflow systems is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for ensuring files are print-ready and collaborating with designers and printers. These skills are vital for minimizing errors, streamlining production, and delivering high-quality printed materials on time.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by prepress professionals and how can they be addressed?

Prepress professionals often encounter challenges such as managing tight deadlines, ensuring color accuracy across different devices, and catching file errors before printing. These issues can be addressed by maintaining strong attention to detail, using standardized checklists, and staying current with software updates and industry best practices. Regular communication with designers, print operators, and clients also helps to clarify requirements and prevent costly mistakes, making collaboration a key part of the role.

What is the difference between Prepress vs Print Production?

AspectPrepressPrint Production
Primary FocusPreparing digital files for printing, including layout, color correction, and proofingManaging the actual printing process, including press operation and finishing
Skills & CertificationsGraphic design, Adobe Creative Suite, prepress workflowsPress operation, equipment maintenance, quality control
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, prepress departmentsPrinting presses, production facilities
Industry UsageUsed in commercial printing, publishing, packagingUsed in printing plants, large-scale production

Prepress involves preparing digital files for printing, focusing on design, layout, and color accuracy. Print production manages the actual printing process, including operating presses and ensuring quality. Both roles are essential in the printing industry but focus on different stages of the printing workflow.

How much does a prepress technician make?

Prepress technicians typically earn between $35,000 and $55,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and skill level. Entry-level roles may start lower, while experienced technicians with skills in software like Adobe Creative Suite and knowledge of printing processes can earn higher salaries.

Is prepress a stressful job?

Prepress is a detail-oriented role that involves preparing digital files for printing, which can be stressful during tight deadlines or when correcting errors. The job requires precision, technical skills, and sometimes long hours, especially in high-volume printing environments.
More about Prepress jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Prepress jobs in Ontario?

The most popular types of Prepress jobs in Ontario are:

What are popular job titles related to Prepress jobs in Ontario?

For Prepress jobs in Ontario, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Prepress jobs in Ontario look for?

The top searched job categories for Prepress jobs in Ontario are:

What cities in Ontario are hiring for Prepress jobs?

Cities in Ontario with the most Prepress job openings:

Prepress jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prepress job openings in Ontario 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 $42,662 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Prepress Technician -- PCL Graphics

Markham, ON • On-site

PCL Graphics
See more jobs at PCL Graphicsexternal

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Prepress Technician — PCL Graphics
Markham, ON · Full-time · Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

About the Role

PCL Graphics is a large-format printing and graphics engineering company with over 40 years of production experience. We work on demanding commercial projects — architectural graphics, retail environments, fleet graphics, wayfinding systems, and specialty signage — and we're looking for a detail-oriented Prepress Technician to join our team.

This is a hands-on production role. You'll be responsible for preparing and optimizing artwork files for output across a wide range of substrates and print processes. If you have a strong eye for detail, thrive in a fast-moving production environment, and live in Adobe Illustrator, this role is for you.

What You'll Do

  • Receive, review, and prepare client-supplied artwork for large-format digital output
  • Set up files for production in Adobe Illustrator with correct bleed, trim, and colour profiles
  • Perform colour management and output preparation, including soft-proofing
  • Identify and correct common artwork issues: low resolution, RGB-to-CMYK conversion, font errors, overprints, and spot colour conflicts
  • Communicate file issues and corrections with account managers and clients professionally
  • Prepare cut contour paths and variable data layouts as needed
  • Maintain organized file naming, job folders, and version control
  • Support press operators with file handoff and output verification
  • Adapt artwork for multi-panel installations, tiling, and seam alignment

What You Bring

  • Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator — this is the core tool of the role
  • Working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Acrobat / PDF preflight
  • Strong understanding of colour theory, ICC profiles, and colour space management
  • Experience with InDesign is an asset
  • 2+ years of prepress, reprographics, or production design experience in a print environment
  • Post-secondary training in Graphic Design, Print Technology, or equivalent hands-on experience
  • Comfortable working to tight deadlines in a high-volume production environment
  • High attention to detail — able to catch file issues before they reach the press

Why PCL Graphics

  • Established company with 40+ years in the industry — stable, well-equipped facility
  • Exposure to a wide variety of substrates, applications, and production methods
  • Collaborative team environment with experienced operators and account staff
  • Markham location — convenient for GTA east and York Region candidates

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