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Printing Plate Maker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Prepress Operator

Sparks, NV · On-site

$19.75 - $26.50/hr

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE ROLE The Pre-Press Operator / Plate Maker is responsible for preparing, processing, and producing printing plates and press-ready files that meet all quality, technical, and ...

... printing. They will also learn how to mix inks and may work in the ink room. Pay for this role ... Plate Maker * Must pass color perception test * Ability to grasp, lift and carry product weighing ...

... printing. They will also learn how to mix inks and may work in the ink room. Pay for this role ... Plate Maker * Must pass color perception test * Ability to grasp, lift and carry product weighing ...

Experienced Tool & Die Maker

Cabot, PA · On-site

$23.75 - $29.75/hr

... product part print. The right candidate will bring their prior experience in tool & die making ... Lifts parts manually or using hoist, and positions and secures parts on surface plate or worktable ...

Sheetfed Pressman

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

Operate plate maker to produce photo direct and metal plates * Mix inks when required and interface ... Core Capabilities Include: -Commercial and direct mail printing (offset, digital, web, variable ...

Sheetfed Pressman

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

Operate plate maker to produce photo direct and metal plates * Mix inks when required and interface ... Core Capabilities Include: -Commercial and direct mail printing (offset, digital, web, variable ...

Tool Maker C

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$25.75 - $33.25/hr

... printing, overhead crane operation, and machine maintenance. Essential Functions: * Repair of ... Machine and fabricate various materials such as aluminum, steel, and stainless-steel in plate ...

Follows proper plate presentation and garnish setup for all dishes * Properly store, rotate, and ... Read and visually verify information in a variety of formats (e.g., small print) * Visually inspect ...

Tool Maker C

Salt Lake City, UT

$25.50 - $32.75/hr

... printing, overhead crane operation, and machine maintenance. Essential Functions: * Repair of ... Machine and fabricate various materials such as aluminum, steel, and stainless-steel in plate ...

Tool Maker C

Salt Lake City, UT

$25.75 - $33.25/hr

... printing, overhead crane operation, and machine maintenance. Essential Functions: * Repair of ... Machine and fabricate various materials such as aluminum, steel, and stainless-steel in plate ...

Tool Maker C

Salt Lake City, UT

$25.75 - $33.25/hr

... printing, overhead crane operation, and machine maintenance. Essential Functions: * Repair of ... Machine and fabricate various materials such as aluminum, steel, and stainless-steel in plate ...

CNC Machinist 2nd Shift

Eagle Rock, VA · On-site

$19.75 - $26.25/hr

Dimensionally and visually inspect the product to ensure the product meets all print and customer ... Desirable Machinist / Tool Maker apprenticeship card (i.e. journeyman) Technical training ...

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Printing Plate Maker information

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How much do printing plate maker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for printing plate maker in the United States is $16.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical day look like for a Printing Plate Maker?

A typical day for a Printing Plate Maker involves reviewing job orders, preparing and processing printing plates using specialized equipment, and performing quality checks to ensure each plate meets the required standards. You may collaborate closely with prepress technicians, press operators, and production managers to maintain schedules and resolve any technical issues that arise during plate preparation. The role often requires standing for long periods, prioritizing multiple tasks, and maintaining a keen eye for accuracy and detail. Over time, experienced Printing Plate Makers may take on more responsibility or advance into supervisory roles, providing opportunities for career growth within the printing industry.

What is a Printing Plate Maker job?

A Printing Plate Maker is responsible for creating printing plates used in various printing processes, such as offset or flexographic printing. They transfer digital or physical designs onto metal or polymer plates, ensuring accuracy and quality for mass production. This role requires attention to detail, knowledge of prepress procedures, and proficiency with imaging equipment. Printing Plate Makers work closely with graphic designers and press operators to ensure high-quality prints.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Printing Plate Maker position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Printing Plate Maker, you need precise manual dexterity, strong attention to detail, and foundational knowledge of prepress and printing processes, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with plate-making machines, computer-to-plate (CTP) systems, and imaging software such as Adobe Creative Suite is commonly required. Excellent problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help set top performers apart. These competencies are crucial for producing high-quality printing plates, minimizing errors, and maintaining smooth workflow in a fast-paced print production environment.

More about Printing Plate Maker jobs
What cities are hiring for Printing Plate Maker jobs? Cities with the most Printing Plate Maker job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Printing Plate Maker jobs? The most popular types of Printing Plate Maker jobs are:
What states have the most Printing Plate Maker jobs? States with the most job openings for Printing Plate Maker jobs include:
Infographic showing various Printing Plate Maker job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,749 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

$19.75 - $26.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

ABOUT US
Hoffmaster Group Inc is an industry leader producing the most complete line of specialty disposable tabletop products for over 70 years. Hoffmaster competes in three distinct business segments - Foodservice, Consumer, and E-Commerce. Our products can be found in thousands of retailers, restaurants, hotels, and more. As a customer centric company, we strive to deliver innovative solutions to both our customers and the ultimate end users of our products. This Innovation is a key part of what we do here at Hoffmaster, and we continue to drive the industry forward by investing in our employees and state-of-the-art technology.
PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The Pre-Press Operator / Plate Maker is responsible for preparing, processing, and producing printing plates and press-ready files that meet all quality, technical, and production requirements. This role serves as a critical link between artwork, pre-press preparation, and press operations, ensuring accurate plate output, minimal press downtime, and consistent print quality in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
  • Review job tickets, artwork files, and specifications to determine plate and press requirements.
  • Perform preflight checks on digital files to ensure accuracy of layout, color mode, resolution, fonts, trapping, and bleeds.
  • Prepare and modify files for plate output, including imposition, screening, and color separations.
  • Ensure all files meet internal quality standards and press specifications prior to plate production.
  • Maintain proper file naming, version control, and documentation.
  • Operate computer-to-plate (CTP) or plate-making equipment to produce printing plates in accordance with job specifications.
  • Set up, expose, develop, and finish plates for printing process
  • Verify plate accuracy including registration, dot structure, image clarity, and plate integrity.
  • Label, stage, and deliver completed plates to press operations in accordance with production schedules.
  • Inspect plates and proofs to identify defects or inconsistencies prior to press release.
  • Troubleshoot pre-press and plate-making issues, including file errors, plate defects, or output inconsistencies.
  • Communicate proactively with designers, press operators, supervisors, and quality teams to resolve issues quickly.
  • Support continuous improvement efforts to reduce plate waste, rework, and press downtime.
  • Support press operators during press make-ready by providing technical guidance related to plates and files.
  • Assist with press trials, new material qualifications, and process improvements as needed.
  • Maintain accurate production records, logs, and quality documentation.
  • Follow all safety, food safety, GMP, and quality system requirements.
  • Maintain clean and organized pre-press and plate-making areas.
  • Perform routine maintenance, cleaning, and calibration of plate-making equipment.
  • Comply with all company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
  • All other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE
Required Skills/Abilities
  • Experience in a printing or converting manufacturing environment preferred.
  • Working knowledge of pre-press workflows and plate-making processes.
  • Proficiency with pre-press software and systems (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, RIP software).
  • Understanding of color theory, screening, trapping, and file preparation for print.
  • Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify and correct errors before production.
  • Ability to read and interpret job tickets, specifications, and technical documentation.
  • Effective communication skills and ability to work cross-funtional with production and quality teams.

Education
Min/Preferred
Education Level
Description
Preferred
High School or GED
Other
Technical Training in printing, graphic arts or pre-pres
Years Of Experience
Minimum Years of Experience
1
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Standard Shift Length
Ability to Lift/Push/Pull
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Other Physical Requirements
8+ hours depending on workload
Up to 50 lbs.
PPE is required, which includes safety shoes, eye protection and hearing protection
Significant walking and standing; Incidental Climbing
SCHEDULE
2nd Shift: Monday - Friday (3:30 PM - 12:00AM)
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At Hoffmaster, we believe every person deserves to feel successful. That's why we provide a total rewards package designed to support our employee's success -at work, at home, and in life. This includes: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability insurances, Physical and Mental wellness programs, Tuition Reimbursement, Paid Vacation and Holidays, Employee Assistance Program, and more. Learn more about our Benefits at HoffmasterBenefits.com
The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
Reasonable Accommodations Statement: To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.