1

Prepress Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

PrePress Technician

Oconomowoc, WI

$18.50 - $24.75/hr

The PrePress Technician uses MAC/PC extensively to modify and produce art and copy prints for the production of custom labels in a fast-paced, digital printing environment. Works efficiently and ...

Supervise all aspects of the prepress department, including workflow optimization and cost reductionOversee press check color matching to ensure consistent quality standards * Configure new artwork ...

New

Senior PrePress Technician

Neenah, WI

$18.75 - $25/hr

On-site At Printron, we bring packaging to life through full-service prepress solutions that support a wide range of customers and printing environments. Our Graphic Services team combines deep ...

PrePress Technician

Oconomowoc, WI

$18.50 - $24.75/hr

The PrePress Technician uses MAC/PC extensively to modify and produce art and copy prints for the production of custom labels in a fast-paced, digital printing environment. Works efficiently and ...

PrePress Technician

Oconomowoc, WI · On-site

$18.50 - $24.75/hr

The PrePress Technician uses MAC/PC extensively to modify and produce art and copy prints for the production of custom labels in a fast-paced, digital printing environment. Works efficiently and ...

PrePress Operator

Columbus, WI · On-site

$21.75 - $29.25/hr

Prepress Operator LOCATION: Columbus, WI SHIFT: 1st (7am-3pm) SUMMARY: To prepare and stage press or laminator jobs. Prepress personnel are used in any capacity needed to stage items at any machine.

PrePress Operator

Columbus, WI · On-site

$21.75 - $29.25/hr

Prepress Operator LOCATION: Columbus, WI SHIFT: 1st (7am-3pm) SUMMARY: To prepare and stage press or laminator jobs. Prepress personnel are used in any capacity needed to stage items at any machine.

next page

Showing results 1-20

Prepress information

See Wisconsin salary details

$13

$22

$33

How much do prepress jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for prepress in Wisconsin is $22.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.93 and $24.04 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Prepress jobs in Wisconsin? The most popular types of Prepress jobs in Wisconsin are:
What are popular job titles related to Prepress jobs in Wisconsin? For Prepress jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Prepress jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most Prepress job openings:
Infographic showing various Prepress job openings in Wisconsin as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,020 per year, or $22.1 per hour.
PrePress Technician

PrePress Technician

Pro Mach

Oconomowoc, WI

$18.50 - $24.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

At ProMach, we’re looking for people who want to shine. You’ll have opportunities to take your career in the direction you want. You can be creative. Strategic. Persuasive. Influential. A mechanical marvel. A customer service authority. Meticulous. A closer. A futurist.

You’ll be challenged and rewarded. Improve our customers’ packaging performance and efficiency every day. Help build the future of packaging automation. We’re proud of that and hope you will be too.

Do we have your attention? Keep reading.

CL&D has a great opportunity for an PrePress Technician in Oconomowoc, WI.

The PrePress Technician uses MAC/PC extensively to modify and produce art and copy prints for the production of custom labels in a fast-paced, digital printing environment. Works efficiently and effectively with colleagues from Graphics, Sales, R&D, Production and Customer Service.

Responsibilities:

  • Work with electronic, customer supplied art files making color, text and digital image corrections to ensure the proper format, appearance and layout of final production files.
  • Ability to change file format received from customer to current software required.
  • Ability to take instructions from Prepress Planner and follow the CL&D standard operating procedures for template layout, typesetting, copy changes, digital image corrections, separating colors, making files digital print ready to produce an optimized art file to meet customer expectations.
  • Create electronic and printed proofs per customer demand. Work with Press operator and Customer Service as necessary to signoff files for printing.
  • Prepare layout prints for internal and external customers, supervisor or other colleagues as requested.
  • Verify quality layout prints, proofs and files by checking for content accuracy and adhering to prepress standards.
  • Represent the company professionally at all times.
  • Maintain a clean and orderly work area daily.

Qualifications and Abilities:

  • Basic computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office products; Database software; Design software; and Graphics MAC software programs, as necessary. Proficient computer graphics skills including use of current and recent versions of all industry standard applications. These include but are not limited to Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Acrobat.
  • Individuals are expected to be able to produce work from within all Macintosh and Windows client/server operating systems. Experience with Esko Workflow Management is a plus.
  • Read and interpret documents in written, oral or design format such as templates, communications, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. 
  • Must have strong oral and written communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
  • Must be able to demonstrate excellent time management and organizational skills to multi-task and prioritize multiple objectives/tasks with high level of detail orientation.
  • Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.  Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry
  • Associates Degree from a related field; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Benefits:

Salary is only a part of a well-developed compensation program. As a Pro Mach employee, you receive more than just a paycheck. Total compensation includes your pay (base salary), very comprehensive medical/dental programs as well as life insurance, a generous paid time off program, a retirement savings plan with a company match and a wellness program. There is no waiting period for benefits—you are eligible on your first day of employment.

Pro Mach is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Pro Mach complies with all states mandating the use of E-Verify to verify employment eligibility of new hires to work in the United States. Pro Mach is a drug-free workplace.

About CL&D:

With facilities in Wisconsin and South Carolina, CL&D Graphics offers roll-fed film and pressure-sensitive labels, shrink sleeves, pouches, lidding, and preprinted thermoform solutions to consumer packaged goods companies across North America. They provide complex, high-quality graphics for most unsupported film applications in the marketplace, along with research and development expertise in new product design as well as on-site technical support for packaging solutions to ensure consistent, attention-grabbing products in the marketplace. Additionally, CL&D Digital produces short run, production quality prototypes and promotional samples to help bring products to market quickly with no minimum orders and rapid delivery for companies of all sizes.

#CLD