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Prepress Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

JOHNS BYRNE CO

Prepress Administrator

Niles, IL · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

The Prepress Administrator is responsible for managing the department's shared mailbox and ensuring all incoming requests are processed accurately and within required deadlines. This position serves ...

New

JOHNS BYRNE CO

Prepress Administrator

Niles, IL

$20 - $25/hr

The Prepress Administrator is responsible for managing the department's shared mailbox and ensuring all incoming requests are processed accurately and within required deadlines. This position serves ...

New

Darwill, Inc.

Prepress Operator

Hillside, IL · On-site

$19 - $25.50/hr

PrePress Manager Responsibilities/Essential Functions: * Responsible for producing final press ready PDF pages & proofs for projects * Convert supplied files and or use supplied instructions to ...

JOHNS BYRNE CO

Prepress Operator

Niles, IL

$22 - $38/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 ...

Darwill, Inc.

Prepress Operator

Hillside, IL

$19 - $25.50/hr

PrePress Manager Responsibilities/Essential Functions: * Responsible for producing final press ready PDF pages & proofs for projects * Convert supplied files and or use supplied instructions to ...

JOHNS BYRNE CO

Prepress Operator

Niles, IL · On-site

$22 - $38/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 ...

Darwill, Inc.

Prepress Operator

Hillside, IL · On-site

$19 - $25.50/hr

PrePress Manager Responsibilities/Essential Functions: * Responsible for producing final press ready PDF pages & proofs for projects * Convert supplied files and or use supplied instructions to ...

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 ...

Trova

Prepress & Production Coordinator

Niles, IL

$52K - $64K/yr

Prepress & Production Coordinator Location: Niles, IL Salary Range: $52,000 - $64,000 Employment Type: Direct Hire Work Schedule: Onsite, Monday through Friday: 6a - 230p Are you a highly organized ...

Focus

Prepress & Production Coordinator

Niles, IL · On-site

$60 - $90/hr

SUMMARY The Prepress & Production Coordinator plays a critical role in supporting the execution of custom textile graphics, branded environments, and dye sublimation production workflows. This ...

Focus

Prepress & Production Coordinator

Niles, IL · On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

SUMMARYThe Prepress & Production Coordinator plays a critical role in supporting the execution of custom textile graphics, branded environments, and dye sublimation production workflows. This ...

Ursitti Enterprises LLC

Digital Press Manager

Porter, IN · On-site

$50K - $70K/yr

The Digital Prepress Manager will oversee the day-to-day tasks of the Digital Prepress team as they take finalized design layouts and set them up to be printed on large format inkjet printers ...

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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 Sep 5, 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 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 Chicago, IL?

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

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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:

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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 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,968 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

Prepress Administrator

JOHNS BYRNE CO

Niles, IL • On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

The Prepress Administrator is responsible for managing the department's shared mailbox and ensuring all incoming requests are processed accurately and within required deadlines. This position serves as a central mailbox communication to the internal teams and the Prepress Department, coordinating time-sensitive requests, tracking deliverables, and following up with stakeholders to ensure work progresses efficiently.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:
% of Total Time
  • Use Adobe Creative Cloud applications, including Acrobat, Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop, to support prepress file preparation and basic file adjustments.

  • Create, prepare, and manage production-ready PDF files for internal review, customer approval, and production output.

  • Monitor and process requests from the Prepress mailbox, including laser printouts, PDF requests, proof requests, and related file-support needs.

  • Run high-resolution proofs and verify proof output for completeness, accuracy, and conformance to job requirements.

  • Communicate with teammates, project managers, production, and other internal departments to obtain missing files, approvals, instructions, or job information needed to keep work moving.

  • Review job tickets, specifications, and supporting documentation to understand job requirements, priorities, and deadlines.

  • Maintain organized digital files, proofs, revisions, and production records according to department procedures.

  • Assist with troubleshooting file, proof, or output issues and escalate concerns to the appropriate prepress team member or supervisor.

  • Follow JohnsByrne quality standards, safety practices, confidentiality requirements, and department procedures.

  • Perform other duties as requested, directed, or assigned to support prepress and production operations.
  • Generate laser printouts, PDF files, and high-resolution proofs as requested by internal customers.

High school diploma or equivalent required. Ability to work accurately in a fast-paced print manufacturing environment and communicate effectively with internal teams.
Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.
Experience and/or Training: Previous experience in prepress, graphic communications, print production, packaging, or a related manufacturing environment preferred; entry-level candidates with strong technical aptitude may be considered.
Licenses/Certificates: None required.
Technology/Equipment: Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud and PDF workflows required; familiarity with prepress proofing systems, digital file management, and Microsoft Office preferred, Excellent verbal and written communication skills, Ability to manage multiple time-sensitive requests in a fast-paced production environment.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Associate degree, trade school training, or coursework in Graphic Communications, Printing Technology, Design, or a related field preferred.
Education: Associate degree or vocational/technical training in graphic arts, digital prepress, printing technology, or related field preferred.
Experience and/or Training: Experience with print production workflows, customer artwork review, proof generation, file organization, and internal production communication preferred.
Licenses/Certificates: Relevant graphic communications, printing, or Adobe software training/certifications preferred.
Technology/Equipment: Experience with Adobe Acrobat Pro, Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, preflight tools, proofing systems, and production workflow software preferred.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:
This position requires continuous attention to detail, reading comprehension, organization, and problem solving. Frequent use of a computer, keyboard, mouse, monitor, and proofing/output equipment is required. The position may require sitting or standing for extended periods, walking within the facility, reaching, bending, and lifting or carrying materials up to 25 pounds occasionally.
The mental and physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in an office/prepress and manufacturing environment. The role requires regular interaction with prepress, project management, client services, production, plating, and pressroom personnel. Noise levels are usually moderate, and schedules may require flexibility to support production deadlines.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an individual may encounter while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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