How to hire a digital proofing and platemaker

How to hire a digital proofing and platemaker, step by step

Here's a step-by-step digital proofing and platemaker hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a digital proofing and platemaker job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new digital proofing and platemaker
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your digital proofing and platemaker job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a digital proofing and platemaker for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A digital proofing and platemaker's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, digital proofing and platemakers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list presents digital proofing and platemaker salaries for various positions.

   Type of Digital Proofing And Platemaker	Description	Hourly rate
   Digital Proofing And Platemaker		$12-26
   Compositor	Compositors are the creators of a frame, shot, or sequence final image. They usually combine various digital elements to produce a believable picture... Show more	$11-40
   Screen Making Technician	A screen making technician performs installations and repairs to maintain the smooth flow of operations at manufacturing facilities. Their responsibilities typically include conducting measurements and assessments, setting guidelines, troubleshooting problems, gathering and analyzing data, and maintaining records of all procedures and adjustments... Show more	$12-19

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • CTP
   • Color Proofs
   • Platemaking
   • Epson
   • Creo

   Responsibilities:

   • Make shrinks, spreads, bluelines, plates and matchprints.
   • Work closely with the Platemaking dept.
   • Perform GBC, velo, and wire binding as necessary for reprographics requests.
   • Maintain maintenance and system operability for manufacturing printers, steamers and washers.
   • Work as a second shift Litho stripper and platemaker.
   • Experience with procedure for pharmaceutical companies utilizing ISO procedures.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your digital proofing and platemaker job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A digital proofing and platemaker can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, digital proofing and platemakers' average salary in alabama is 41% less than in new jersey.
   • Seniority. Entry-level digital proofing and platemakers 51% less than senior-level digital proofing and platemakers.
   • Certifications. A digital proofing and platemaker with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a digital proofing and platemaker's salary.

   Average digital proofing and platemaker salary

   $39,245yearly

   $18.87 hourly rate

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   Entry-level digital proofing and platemaker salary

   $27,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 24, 2025

4. Writing a digital proofing and platemaker job description

   A job description for a digital proofing and platemaker role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a digital proofing and platemaker job description:

   Digital proofing and platemaker job description example

   Platemaker/Proofer
   
   This Position Offers a $1,000 Sign-on Bonus!
   
   St Charles, IL - Retail
   
   Your Next Job Awaits You at RRD St Charles, IL!
   
   Immediate openings for 2nd shift (3pm-11pm)!!
   
   Join a Growing Team!
   
   RRD's Marketing Solutions Plant is a 525,000 sq. ft facility offering sheet-fed commercial print capabilities that specialize in the print, fulfillment and distribution of In-Store Marketing solutions. Our Marketing Solutions Plant offers a full range of digital print-on-demand (wide- and grand-format, color and black & white with variable data capabilities), just-in-time offset print, pre-produced inventory management, warehousing and distribution services. Our Print Fulfillment & Distribution Services are part of our complete and fully integrated total print management program and supply chain solution.
   
   RRD is an EEO/AA including Vets and Disabled Employer
   
   Perks for joining the RRD team!!
   
   We have a comprehensive, full-time benefits package that includes: medical/dental/vision and life insurance, short/long-term disability,401(k), health savings and flexible spending accounts, and more. We believe in promoting from within, so there is definitely opportunity for growth at RRD. Grow to where you want to be.
   
   Job description
   
   KIRK RD - Operate CTP equipment to produce offset printing plates. Maintain production documentation. Operate Epson proofers to create contract proofs for customer sign off.
   
   Required Skills
   
   + Reads press schedule, job ticket, review proofs to furnished specifications in detail to determine order in which jobs are plated and what size plate is used, questions all discrepancies or oddities in instructions.
   
   + If the job is an exact repeat, compare plates to sample and/or OIS sheet to confirm plate codes are correct and correct plates are being sent to press.
   
   + Verifies all job information to ensure that correct plates are being used; checks plates for quality and repairs any flaws.
   
   + Verifies all job information to ensure that correct proofs are being made; checks proofs for quality and reports any problems.
   
   + Fill out proof tags and affix to proofs.
   
   + Keeps the supervisor informed of any problems, i.e. supplies, equipment, etc.
   
   + Responsible for the overall cleanliness and housekeeping of the work area.
   
   + Handles plates with care.
   
   + Performs other related duties and participates in special projects as assigned.
   
   + It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the requirements of their documented processes as defined in the ISO Quality Manual.
   
   + Must be able to lift, pull and push up to 60 lbs. frequently.
   
   + Must be able to stoop, bend, twist and turn frequently.
   
   + Two handed operation required; must have good hand-eye coordination.
   
   + Required to stand and move about the facility constantly.
   
   + Ability to communicate in English, read, write and understand and to effectively use proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech.
   
   + Safety shoes required.
   
   + Ability to read and interpret documents such as work instructions, safety rules, instructions in the use and maintenance of shop tools and equipment, SOPs, time sheets, daily production reports, dockets, job tickets, etc.
   
   + Ability to perform basic arithmetic procedures in standard practice practical applications, read and use a ruler
   
   + Must be able to work independently or as part of a team
   
   + Must be able to work any shift, weekends or overtime as needed
   
   Required Experience
   
   + Previous experience in a prepress, plating, proofing or digital printing environment required
   
   + Computer experience required

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find digital proofing and platemakers for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your digital proofing and platemaker job on Zippia to find and recruit digital proofing and platemaker candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting digital proofing and platemakers requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new digital proofing and platemaker

   Once you've selected the best digital proofing and platemaker candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new digital proofing and platemaker. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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