Prepress technicians and workers
SOC Code: 51-5111Also known as:
Ad Compositor, Ad Setter, Advertisement Compositor, Advertising Layout Worker, Bankman
Median Annual Salary
$47,300
-14.6% growth (2024-2034)
3K
Openings/Year
26K
Current Jobs
What Prepress technicians and workers Do
Format and proof text and images submitted by designers and clients into finished pages that can be printed. Includes digital and photo typesetting. May produce printing plates.
💰 Salary
$47,300
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-14.6%
Decline
🎓 Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
3K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
26,200
Projected Employment (2034)
22,300
Related Careers
Office machine operators, except computer
$39,020 •
-15.2% growth
Printing press operators
$45,160 •
-8.1% growth
Print binding and finishing workers
$39,820 •
-16.1% growth
Photographic process workers and processing machine operators
$40,100 •
-2.6% growth
Etchers and engravers
$40,450 •
-0.7% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Time Management
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Generate prepress proofs in digital or other format to approximate the appearance of the final printed piece.
- Proofread and perform quality control of text and images.
- Enter, position, and alter text size, using computers, to make up and arrange pages so that printed materials can be produced.
- Perform "preflight" check of required font, graphic, text and image files to ensure completeness prior to delivery to printer.
- Operate and maintain laser plate-making equipment that converts electronic data to plates without the use of film.
- Enter, store, and retrieve information on computer-aided equipment.
- Maintain, adjust, and clean equipment, and perform minor repairs.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Prepress technicians and workers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a prepress technicians and workers:
Prepress/Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging Design
1,171 degrees awarded •
85 colleges offer this program
Graphic Communications, General
551 degrees awarded •
32 colleges offer this program
Graphic and Printing Equipment Operator, General Production
314 degrees awarded •
20 colleges offer this program
Graphic Communications, Other
157 degrees awarded •
10 colleges offer this program
Printing Management
59 degrees awarded •
3 colleges offer this program
Printing Press Operator
12 degrees awarded •
2 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Prepress technicians and workers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become prepress technicians and workers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do prepress technicians and workers make?
The median annual salary for prepress technicians and workers is $47,300.
What education do prepress technicians and workers need?
Most prepress technicians and workers positions require a postsecondary nondegree award.
Common degree programs include Prepress/Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging Design, Graphic Communications, General, Graphic and Printing Equipment Operator, General Production.
Is becoming prepress technicians and workers a good career choice?
Prepress technicians and workers is projected to see -14.6% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 2,800 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for prepress technicians and workers?
Top colleges for aspiring prepress technicians and workers include
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, Indian Capital Technology Center-Muskogee, Appalachian State University, California State University-Los Angeles, Great Plains Technology Center.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to prepress technicians and workers?
Prepress technicians and workers may also be known as: Ad Compositor, Ad Setter, Advertisement Compositor, Advertising Layout Worker, Bankman, Blueprint Blocker, Blueprint Cutter, Blueprint Developer, Blueprint Duplicator, Blueprint Machine Operator, Blueprint Maker, Blueprint Processor, Blueprint Reproducer, Blueprinter, Blueprinting Machine Operator, Clamper, Cold Type Artist, Color Separation Photographer, Color Stripper, Composer.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.