Prepress Technicians and Workers

SOC code 51-5111 · O*NET-SOC 51-5111.00 · Medium preparation needed · Manufacturing and production

Prepress Technicians and Workers pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$48,690

a year

Hourly

$23.41

per hour

10th$35,810Median$48,69090th$66,080

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$50,800

$24.43 per hour

Middle 50%

$40,930 – $58,580

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$35,810 – $66,080

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

23,840

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $35,810; $17.22/hr
25th percentile: $40,930; $19.68/hr
Median percentile: $48,690; $23.41/hr
75th percentile: $58,580; $28.16/hr
90th percentile: $66,080; $31.77/hr

What do 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.

The tasks that matter most day to day

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.
Operate presses to print proofs of plates, monitoring printing quality to ensure that it is adequate.
Select proper types of plates according to press run lengths.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 39% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)39%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree23%
Some College Courses21%
Post-Secondary Certificate9%

Common questions

How much does a prepress technicians and workers earn?

The national median is $48,690 a year. The full range runs from $35,810 at the 10th percentile to $66,080 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a prepress technicians and workers without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening3.1/5
Speaking3.1/5
Critical Thinking3.1/5
Monitoring3.1/5
Reading Comprehension3.0/5

Knowledge areas

Computers and Electronics4.0/5
English Language3.6/5
Design3.5/5
Mathematics3.4/5
Production and Processing3.3/5
Customer and Personal Service3.2/5
Administrative2.9/5
Communications and Media2.7/5

Transferable strengths: Time Management, Coordination, Complex Problem Solving, Operations Monitoring, Judgment and Decision Making.