Description
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.
Interests
- Conventional
- Realistic
Work Values
- Support
- Independence
- Relationships
Work Styles
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cooperation
- Initiative
- Stress Tolerance
Tasks
- 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.
Work Activities
- Working with Computers
- Getting Information
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Detailed Work Activities
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
- Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Technology Skills
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Presentation software
- Desktop publishing software
- Document management software
- Optical character reader OCR or scanning software
Abilities
- Near Vision
- Inductive Reasoning
- Problem Sensitivity
- Visual Color Discrimination
- Visualization
Skills
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Time Management
Knowledge
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Design
- Mathematics
- Production and Processing
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
Certified Composites TechniciansCertifying Organization
American Composites Manufacturers Association
Type
Core
Certificate name
Certified Digital Designer - Digital ImagingCertifying Organization
American Design Drafting Association/American Digital Design Association
Type
Core
Certifying Organization
The National Council for Skill Standards in Graphic Communications
Type
Advanced
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $38,038 |
| Median (50%) | $45,203 |
| High (90%) | $58,609 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | $44,257 |
| Mid Level | $55,137 |
| Senior Level | $60,138 |
| Expert Level | N/A |
Employability
There are currently 23,300 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to decrease to 19,000 positions, reflecting a projected decline of -19%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of -19%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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