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Prepress Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

JOHNS BYRNE CO

Prepress Operator

Niles, IL · On-site

$22 - $40/hr

Prepress Operator Position Summary The Prepress Operator is responsible for preparing customer artwork and production files for printing by ensuring all files meet company, customer, and press ...

JOHNS BYRNE CO

Prepress Operator

Niles, IL · On-site

$22 - $40/hr

Prepress Operator Position Summary The Prepress Operator is responsible for preparing customer artwork and production files for printing by ensuring all files meet company, customer, and press ...

W3Global Inc.

Prepress Technician

Bensenville, IL · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Full We are looking for a detail-oriented and skilled Prepress Specialist to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for receiving and preparing client files, ensuring accuracy, and ...

FastSigns

Prepress Graphic Designer

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Paid time off Prepress Graphic Designer Location: FASTSIGNS of Gurnee - Waukegan, IL Type: Full-Time About Us: FASTSIGNS of Gurnee is a leader in custom signage and visual communication solutions ...

RR Donnelley

Prelim/Prepress Operator III

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$29.30 - $38.50/hr

Company Description RRD is a leading global provider of marketing, packaging, print, and supply chain solutions that elevate engagement across the complete customer journey. The company offers the ...

RR Donnelley

Prelim/Prepress Operator III

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$29.30 - $38.50/hr

Company Description RRD is a leading global provider of marketing, packaging, print, and supply chain solutions that elevate engagement across the complete customer journey. The company offers the ...

sg360

Project Manager - Digital Print

Wheeling, IL · On-site

Serve as the primary liaison among customers, Sales, Estimating, Data Services, Prepress, Scheduling, Production, Mailing, Shipping, and Billing. * Manage multiple client projects simultaneously from ...

sg360

Project Manager - Digital Print

Wheeling, IL · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Serve as the primary liaison among customers, Sales, Estimating, Data Services, Prepress, Scheduling, Production, Mailing, Shipping, and Billing. * Manage multiple client projects simultaneously from ...

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All JobsPrepress JobsPrepress Jobs in Chicago, IL

Prepress information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$13

$22

$33

How much do prepress jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for prepress in Chicago, IL is $22.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.32 and $24.52 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 Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Prepress jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Prepress jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Prepress jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Prepress jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Prepress jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Prepress job openings:

Prepress jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prepress job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $46,968 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

Prepress Operator

JOHNS BYRNE CO

Niles, IL • On-site

$22 - $40/hr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Prepress Operator Position Summary
The Prepress Operator is responsible for preparing customer artwork and production files for printing by ensuring all files meet company, customer, and press requirements. This role performs file review, correction, color management, proof generation, imposition, and workflow processing to ensure efficient production and high-quality printed products. The Prepress Operator works closely with Project Managers, Client services, Sales, plating and the press room, to resolve artwork issues and maintain production schedules.
Key Responsibilities
  • Review incoming customer artwork for printability and production compatibility.
  • Verify file specifications including dimensions, bleeds, margins, resolution, fonts, and color builds.
  • Correct artwork issues while maintaining customer design intent.
  • Create and manage production-ready PDF files.
  • Generate digital and hard-copy proofs for customer approval.
  • Execute trapping, imposition, and nesting as required.
  • Prepare files for offset printing.
  • Create press-ready files according to equipment, substrate and finishes required.
  • Maintain file organization, revision control, and production documentation.
  • Communicate artwork concerns and technical requirements to internal customers.
  • Troubleshoot file-related production issues and implement corrective actions.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives related to workflow efficiency and quality.
  • Adhere to company quality standards, safety practices, and production procedures.

Required Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent; Associate degree in Graphic Communications, Printing Technology, or related field preferred.
  • 2+ years of experience in a prepress, graphic arts, packaging, or printing environment.
  • Proficiency with the Adobe® Creative Cloud: Adobe® Acrobat Pro, Adobe® Illustrator, Adobe® Photoshop, Adobe® InDesign.
  • Strong understanding of PDF workflows and print production standards.
  • Knowledge of color management.
  • Experience with proofing systems, KODAK PRINERGY® and PREPS®, Enfocus PitStop Pro®.
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines.
  • Strong communication and problem-solving abilities.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Knowledge of offset printing, foil, em-, de-bossing for packaging.
  • Experience with barcodes, variable data printing, and packaging artwork.
  • Understanding of G7, GRACoL, SWOP, or other color standards.
  • Experience working within ISO or quality-controlled manufacturing environments.

Technical Knowledge
  • CMYK, RGB, spot colors
  • Color separations and screening
  • PDF/X standards
  • Trapping and overprint settings
  • Bleed and trim specifications
  • Imposition software
  • Resolution and image optimization
  • Print proofing and color matching
  • Press and finishing requirements

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods.
  • Visual abilities: close, distance, color, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus

Success Metrics
  • Accuracy of production files
  • On-time job preparation
  • Reduction of press delays caused by file issues

Compliance with customer specifications and production standards

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