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Printing Prepress Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Where Precision Meets Print: Join a 110+ Year Legacy of Printing Excellence Cummings Printing (www ... As our Electronic Prepress/CTP Operator, you'll be the critical link between digital design and ...

Be Seen First

Where Precision Meets Print: Join a 110+ Year Legacy of Printing Excellence Cummings Printing (www ... As our Electronic Prepress/CTP Operator, you'll be the critical link between digital design and ...

Prepress Desktop Operator

Secaucus, NJ · On-site

$19.50 - $26.50/hr

Prepress / Imposition Operator (Mac Environment) Position Summary Command Digital is seeking a ... Prepare and impose print jobs for web and sheetfed presses, including complex and varied folding ...

Company Description RRD is a leading global provider of marketing, packaging, print, and supply ... Good understanding of digital file formats (pdf, tiff, eps) from different operating systems (Mac ...

Company Description RRD is a leading global provider of marketing, packaging, print, and supply ... Good understanding of digital file formats (pdf, tiff, eps) from different operating systems (Mac ...

Printing Manager

Wausau, WI · On-site

$72K - $83K/yr

Develop, implement, and maintain workflows and standard operating procedures designed with a focus ... Knowledge of prepress, flexographic printing processes, and print production principles normally ...

Company Description RRD is a leading global provider of marketing, packaging, print, and supply ... Good understanding of digital file formats (pdf, tiff, eps) from different operating systems (Mac ...

Showing results 41-60

Printing Prepress Operator information

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$13

$22

$31

How much do printing prepress operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for printing prepress operator in the United States is $22.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a printing prepress operator?

Printing Prepress Operators are skilled professionals who prepare digital files and materials for printing. They handle tasks such as formatting artwork, adjusting colors, setting up layouts, and ensuring that all files are print-ready before they go to press. Their work is essential in detecting and correcting any errors that could affect print quality, ensuring the final product meets client and industry standards. Prepress operators use specialized software and equipment to bridge the gap between the design and printing processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a printing prepress operator?

To thrive as a Printing Prepress Operator, strong attention to detail, color management expertise, and knowledge of prepress processes are essential, often supported by a certificate or associate degree in graphic communications or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) and familiarity with digital workflow systems are typically required. Excellent problem-solving skills, time management, and communication abilities help operators efficiently handle client specifications and collaborate with design and production teams. These skills ensure accurate print preparation, minimize costly errors, and support seamless production workflows.

What are some common challenges faced by printing prepress operators and how can they be effectively managed?

Printing Prepress Operators often encounter challenges such as tight production deadlines, last-minute design changes, and ensuring accurate color reproduction. Managing these challenges requires strong attention to detail, effective communication with designers and print staff, and proficiency with prepress software. Staying organized and proactively addressing potential file issues before they reach the printing stage can help minimize errors and delays, ensuring smooth production workflows.

What is the difference between Printing Prepress Operator vs Bindery Worker?

AspectPrinting Prepress OperatorBindery Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma, certifications in printing technologyHigh school diploma, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentPrint shops, commercial printing facilitiesBindery and finishing departments
Job FocusPreparing digital files, color correction, layout adjustmentsFolding, cutting, binding printed materials

Printing Prepress Operators focus on preparing digital files and ensuring print quality before production, while Bindery Workers handle the finishing processes like binding and cutting. Both roles are essential in the printing industry but serve different stages of the print production process.

How to become a printing prepress operator?

To become a printing prepress operator, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and should gain skills in graphic design, computer software such as Adobe Creative Suite, and printing processes. Many employers prefer candidates with technical training or certification in prepress technology, and on-the-job training is common to learn specific equipment and workflows.

Is printing prepress operator a stressful job?

Printing prepress operators often work under tight deadlines to prepare digital files for printing, which can create periods of high pressure. The job requires attention to detail, technical skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently, but stress levels vary depending on workload and workplace environment.

What is a printing prepress operator job description?

A printing prepress operator prepares digital files for printing by checking for errors, adjusting layouts, and creating printing plates using software and equipment. They ensure color accuracy, proper registration, and quality standards are met before production begins, often working with graphic design files, proofing tools, and printing presses. Attention to detail and knowledge of printing processes are essential for this role.

What cities are hiring for Printing Prepress Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Printing Prepress Operator job openings:

What states have the most Printing Prepress Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Printing Prepress Operator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Printing Prepress Operator jobs?

For Printing Prepress Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Printing Prepress Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% Full Time, 61% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,664 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

PrePress Operator - Nights

Churchville, NY • On-site

$18.75 - $25.25/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 29 days ago


American Packaging Corporation rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

31st of 122 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

Description

For over a century, American Packaging Corporation (APC) has been a leading flexible packaging converter for customers throughout North America. We nurture our employees by providing competitive salaries, excellent benefits, 401(k) plans and tuition reimbursement programs. These are just a few reasons why we were named a "Best of the Best" in the Best Workplaces in the Americas awards for 12 years in a row. APC's longstanding success is fueled from the inside out, and we consistently seek to improve our internal operations to propel that success into the future.


Prepress Operator


SUMMARY: To prepare and stage press or laminator jobs. Prepress personnel are used in any capacity needed to stage items at any machine. They may retrieve and prepare cylinders for press run and after the press run, clean the cylinders and store them. All of these functions must be performed in the safest, most effective and efficient manner while adhering to established SOP's and quality standards.


SCHEDULE: 7pm-7am on 2-2-3 schedule


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

  • Facilitate on the job training and instruction for team members on the correct use of tools and equipment to ensure proper safety and operating procedures are followed.
  • Actively participate and embrace in the STOP Safety Program fundamentals and adhere to all safety guidelines and rules to aid APC's efforts to achieve a zero-accident rate.
  • Participate as a Subject Matter Expert in developing, understanding, and following Standard Operating Procedures and or training documentation.
  • Print and understand each job's Job Jacket, Print Specification, and Manufacturing Specification and take to the press.
  • Retrieve daily production schedule that identifies which job will run, quantities, priorities, etc. Interpret and act upon information. 
  • Detect, report, and resolve all missing or substandard machine parts.
  • Use an automated storage system terminal to retrieve and return cylinders and anilox to storage.
  • Coordinate with Mounting Dept with respect to the production schedule and the staging of jobs. *Applies to Story City, IA COE
  • Assemble and transport print cylinders and aniloxes between printing press and prepress departments. 
  • Place cylinders on assembly table and install the gears and journals. Install the pans, applicator pipes, end shields, splash guards and cylinders into the carriage units. *Applies to Roto COE.
  • Return the units to prepress, remove the parts, clean up the cylinders, and store them back into the storage system after a job has run. *Applies to Roto COE.
  • Aid on press set-ups as needed. Assist miscellaneous housekeeping and cleaning responsibilities.
  • Operate daily a core cutter to produce accurate size cores for each scheduled print job.
  • Complete required reports and paperwork. Use a computer terminal.
  • Perform required cleaning tasks - some daily, weekly or monthly requirements.
  • Obtain Power Industrial Truck license(s).
  • Effectively communicate with coworkers throughout all shifts.
  • Attend and participate in all company mandated meetings.
  • Business travel may be required.
  • Any other duties as assigned.


Requirements

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: High school diploma or general education degree (GED); and one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arm. The employee is occasionally required to walk. This position may require manual lifting not to exceed 50 lbs - reference your department-specific JHA (job hazard analysis) for departmental lifting restrictions. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  

American Packaging Corporation is committed to equal opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. American Packaging Corporation will make reasonable accommodations for known physical or mental limitations of otherwise qualified employees and applicants with disabilities unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. EOE/AA Disability/Veteran.

If you are interested in applying for an employment opportunity and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, please contact our Human Resources department at:

talentacquisition@americanpackaging.com.


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