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Prepress Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Response Dynamics Inc

Be Seen First

Print Production Designer / Production Artist (Vienna, VA)

Vienna, VA · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

Manage projects from design through prepress and final production * Communicate and collaborate effectively with in-house print production staff and internal teams * Ensure files meet USPS/mail ...

Specialty

Graphic Design/Prepress

Purcellville, VA · On-site

ON SITE -- Graphic Design / Pre-press Technician This person is responsible for preparing print-ready files, producing finished output on digital presses and high-volume copiers, and providing ...

Specialty

Graphic Design/Prepress

Purcellville, VA · On-site

ON SITE - Graphic Design / Pre-press Technician This person is responsible for preparing print-ready files, producing finished output on digital presses and high-volume copiers, and providing ...

Specialty

Graphic Design/Prepress

Purcellville, VA

ON SITE -- Graphic Design / Pre-press Technician This person is responsible for preparing print-ready files, producing finished output on digital presses and high-volume copiers, and providing ...

Moore

Pre-Press Assistant II

Henrico, VA

$15.25 - $20/hr

Prepress Software Operation: Utilizing prepress software such as Adobe. * Creative Cloud (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) to process and adjust files,set up jobs, and communicate with both digital ...

Towne Bank

Production Artist

Suffolk, VA

$65K - $75K/yr

File Management & Prepress * Prepare print-ready files, including proper formatting, color correction, and resolution optimization. * Manage version control and organization of creative assets and ...

Moore DM Group LLC

Pre-Press Assistant II

Henrico, VA · On-site

$50K - $53K/yr

Prepress Software Operation: Utilizing prepress software such as Adobe. * Creative Cloud (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) to process and adjust files, set up jobs, and communicate with both digital ...

Navistar Direct Marketing

Pre-Press Assistant II

Henrico, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $20/hr

Prepress Software Operation: Utilizing prepress software such as Adobe. * Creative Cloud (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) to process and adjust files, set up jobs, and communicate with both digital ...

INTIHAR HOLDING CO

Manager Trainee

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$45K - $55K/yr

You'll work across print production, prepress design, inside sales, and direct customer communication, gaining hands-on experience in every corner of our operation. This is a production-heavy role ...

MasterTech

Field Service Technician

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Previous printing, corrugated, prepress, postpress, flexo presses, folding and other printing/boxing equipment is extremely beneficial. * Experience in industrial, manufacturing, and/or any kind of ...

Towne Family of Companies

Production Artist

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

File Management & Prepress * Prepare print-ready files, including proper formatting, color correction, and resolution optimization. * Manage version control and organization of creative assets and ...

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All JobsPrepress JobsPrepress Jobs in Virginia

Prepress information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$21

$32

How much do prepress jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for prepress in Virginia is $21.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.64 and $23.61 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 jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

Prepress roles in the printing and graphic design industry can pay around $3,000 per month, especially with experience and specialized skills like Adobe Creative Suite. Other jobs such as commercial truck drivers, sales representatives, or certain skilled trades may also reach this income level without requiring a college degree, often relying on certifications, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training.

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.

How much does a prepress specialist make?

Prepress specialists typically earn a median annual salary of around $40,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with skills in graphic design and printing software can earn higher wages.

What is prepress in the printing industry?

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 a prepress job?

A prepress job involves preparing digital files for printing by checking, editing, and converting them into the correct format. It requires knowledge of design software, color management, and printing processes to ensure high-quality output before production begins.

Is prepress a stressful job?

Prepress professionals often work under tight deadlines to prepare print materials, which can create periods of stress. The job requires attention to detail, technical skills with design and printing software, and the ability to manage multiple projects efficiently, but overall stress levels vary depending on workload and workplace environment.
More about Prepress jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Prepress jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Prepress jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Prepress jobs in Virginia? For Prepress jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Prepress jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Prepress jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Prepress jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Prepress job openings:
Prepress jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prepress job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,202 per year, or $21.7 per hour.
Graphics Project Manager

Graphics Project Manager

Design and Production Incorporated

Lorton, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Design and Production Inc. is a nationally recognized museum fabrication firm delivering complex, large-scale exhibit environments. Our projects are multidisciplinary, technically demanding, and executed in collaboration with leading design agencies and cultural institutions.
Our design partners create the vision.
Our role is to bring that vision to life — accurately, efficiently, and with technical precision. We operate at the intersection of architecture, fabrication, graphic production, and installation.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
We are seeking a Graphics Project Manager who combines strong project management fundamentals with a working knowledge of large-format and signage production, installation, and prepress.
This is not a design position.
The role requires someone who can translate creative intent into buildable, printable, and installable solutions — while communicating clearly and diplomatically with design teams, vendors, and internal fabrication partners.
The ideal candidate values creative problem-solving in execution, understands production realities, and takes ownership of delivering technically sound outcomes in complex environments.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
Translate Design into Production Reality
  • Review renderings, drawings, and design files for production feasibility
  • Identify technical risks (scale, resolution, curved surfaces, substrates, lighting integration)
  • Communicate issues diplomatically and propose buildable solutions
  • Support value engineering while preserving design intent
Prepress amp; File Readiness Oversight
  • Maintain strong working knowledge of prepress standards (resolution, color space, bleed, scaling)
  • Review production files for technical readiness
  • Manage proofing workflows and color approvals
  • Communicate effectively with print vendors and fabrication partners
  • Provide file adjustments or prepress assistance when necessary
Project amp; Production Management
  • Prepare detailed square-footage and material-based estimates
  • Track graphic components from submittal through installation
  • Coordinate internal and external production schedules
  • Manage budgets and timelines in technically challenging environments
Quality amp; Installation Support
  • Maintain quality standards from submittal through final installation
  • Participate in site coordination when required
  • Ensure compliance with preservation and performance standards
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR IN YOUR RESUME
  • Technically literate in large-format or signage production
  • Comfortable reviewing and discussing production file preparation standards
  • Organized and disciplined in tracking complex workflows
  • Resourceful in solving production challenges
  • Calm under schedule pressure
  • Skilled at communicating technical concerns constructively and diplomatically
You understand that protecting design intent requires both technical clarity and professional tact. You are comfortable balancing competing deadlines while maintaining high standards of execution.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
  • 5–7+ years in large-format graphics production, exhibit fabrication, or environmental graphics
  • Strong working knowledge of prepress and file preparation
  • Ability to read architectural and fabrication drawings
  • Experience estimating graphic packages (materials, finishes, square footage)
  • Strong Excel skills
  • Experience managing concurrent projects with competing deadlines
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
  • Familiarity with Procore or similar project management platforms
  • Experience coordinating installation teams
  • Working knowledge of large-format print systems and related production software
WORK ENVIRONMENT amp; EXPECTATIONS
This position operates within a fast-paced fabrication environment supporting high-profile museum and cultural clients. Projects often involve custom fabrication, unique substrates, large-scale installations, and strict preservation requirements.
The role requires adaptability, strong communication skills, and the ability to collaborate across departments including engineering, fabrication, detailing, and installation.
Occasional site visits may be required to support installation coordination and ensure quality standards are maintained.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Design and Production Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other protected class status.

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