Also called: Prepress Operator, Platemaker
Prepares digital files and printing plates so jobs print correctly.
You open a customer's design, catch that the fonts are missing and the image is low-res, and fix it before anything goes to press. Then you output plates on a laser platesetter and proof them.
Certificate, about 1 year after high school. Certificate or associate degree in graphic communications, or on-the-job training.
Ways in: Certification, 2-year college, On-the-job training. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Graphic Communications, Printing Technology, Graphic Design.
Shrinking (about -12% over 10 years). BLS projects a steep decline as prepress becomes automated.
High risk for 10 years. Automated preflight, AI file correction and direct-to-plate systems are absorbing most prepress work.
Classes: Graphic design class, Computer applications.
Official data: O*NET occupation 51-5111.
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