Prepress Workers

Prepress workers handle the first stage in the printing process. This initial phase of production involves multiple steps, including creating pages from text and graphics and making printing plates, or managing electronic files submitted by customers. With the introduction of desktop publishing and other computer technology, the prepress process has changed dramatically over the past decade. Computerized processes have replaced many of the traditional processes, eliminating a number of prepress jobs but opening up new opportunities as well.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 30,270 people are employed in prepress jobs. Many of these jobs are with commercial printing companies. Other jobs are with prepress service bureaus (companies that deal exclusively with prepress work) and newspapers.

Salary Range

$25,000 to $75,000

Minimum Education Level

High School Diploma

Certification/License

None

Outlook

Decline

Personality Traits

Conventional

Hands On

Technical

Career Ladder

Print Shop Owner

Desktop Publisher

Supervisor

Prepress Worker

Assistant Prepress Worker