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Prepress Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

PCL Graphics

Prepress Technician

Markham, ON · On-site

Prepress Technician About PCL Graphics Founded in 1983, PCL Graphics is a large-format printing and graphics engineering company headquartered in Markham, Ontario. Operating out of a 35,000 sq ft ...

Veritiv Corporation

Our Digital PrePress Technician will be responsible for preparing, reviewing, and optimizing digital artwork files for print production. This role supports accurate color reproduction, efficient ...

sgsco

Metro Offsite Packaging Project Manager

Toronto, ON · On-site

CA$73K - CA$83K/yr

Their day-to-day responsibilities include managing the overall prepress timeline and working proactively to help solve printing and prepress challenges and developing strong client relationships.

Universal Music Group

Senior Designer

Toronto, ON · Hybrid

Deep understanding of print production, packaging, prepress, colour management, file preparation, vendor specifications, dielines, formats, and asset delivery protocols. * Strong digital design ...

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 ...

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 ...

AGFA

Electronical Assembler

Mississauga, ON · On-site

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 ...

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 15, 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 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 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.

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 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 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 average salary for prepress jobs?

The average salary for prepress technicians typically ranges from $40,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and skill level. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with skills in Adobe Creative Suite and proofing tools can earn higher wages.

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 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,662 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Prepress Technician

PCL Graphics

Markham, ON • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Prepress Technician

About PCL Graphics

Founded in 1983, PCL Graphics is a large-format printing and graphics engineering company headquartered in Markham, Ontario. Operating out of a 35,000 sq ft facility, we serve clients in construction, retail, architecture, and facilities management — producing everything from environmental graphics and wall systems to custom signage and fleet graphics. We're an engineering house that happens to print, and our team reflects that standard.

The role

We're looking for a detail-oriented Prepress Technician to join our production team. In this role, you'll be the critical link between client-supplied artwork and press-ready output — ensuring every file that goes to print meets our quality standards. Most artwork arrives largely direction-set by clients; your job is to assess, finesse, and perfect it. You'll also take on design work when needed, stepping in to resolve gaps or produce output where client files fall short.

Key responsibilities

Preflight, correct, and prepare client-supplied artwork files for large-format print production

Build and deliver press-ready PDF proofs for customer approval, with accurate colour profiles and bleed/trim settings

Apply colour management best practices including ICC profiling, soft proofing, and colour conversion for wide-format RIP workflows

Scale, reformat, and adapt artwork across varying substrates, substrates sizes, and media types — including rigid boards, vinyl, textiles, and wall coverings

Perform design work as required — including layout adjustments, image retouching, template builds, and artwork creation when client files are incomplete

Communicate file issues and requirements clearly to clients and internal production staff

Manage multiple jobs simultaneously while meeting tight production deadlines

What you bringProficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat
Solid understanding of large-format or commercial print production
Strong grasp of colour theory, ICC profiles, and CMYK workflows
Experience with RIP software (Caldera, EFI Fiery, or similar)
Exceptional attention to detail — you catch what others miss
Ability to work efficiently under deadline-driven production schedules
Experience with vector tracing, image upsizing, and retouching
Clear communicator — comfortable flagging issues early

Assets: Experience with InDesign; familiarity with contour cutting, nesting software, or wide-format substrate types (vinyl, PET, polycarbonate, rigid substrates)

Why PCL

PCL is not a commodity printer. We solve complex visual problems for clients who need precision — in materials, in colour, and in execution. You'll work alongside experienced tradespeople and production engineers in a well-equipped facility, on projects that span environmental graphics, architectural wall systems, fleet graphics, and specialty signage. If you take craftsmanship seriously, you'll fit here.

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