Pre-press technicians

£32,329

Average salary

Average annual salary UK 2020 | Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings

39 hours

Average weekly hours

Average weekly hours UK 2019 | Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings

3.8%

Pay growth from 2017 to 2018

Average change in weekly pay rate | Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings

5.32%

Unemployment rate

Unemployment rate UK 2020 | Labour Force Survey

Definition: Pre-press technicians

*SOC Code (Standard Occupational Classification): 5421

Pre-press technicians prepare, format and compose text and graphics in a form suitable for use in a variety of print processes.

Common tasks include:

determines from specification the kind and size of type to be used;
uses computer applications to generate images and text;
scans and retouches digital images to create sample proofs, plans and lays out artwork to match planned design;
examines proof copies, checks for quality and accuracy and makes any necessary alterations;
processes filmsetting or desktop publishing output to produce image on film and transfers to printing plates and digital output;
arranges and pastes printing material onto paper ready for photographing.

Qualifications

There are no formal academic requirements although some employers may require GCSEs/S grades. Training is typically received on-the-job. Apprenticeships are available as well as BTEC certificates and diplomas and other vocational courses at NVQ/SVQ Levels 2 and 3.

*Introduced in 1990, SOC is a multi-purpose common classification of occupations in UK. Jobs are defined in terms of skill level and skill content, including qualifications, training and work experience.

Employment status: Pre-press technicians

Regional employment: Pre-press technicians

Future employment: Pre-press technicians

Top 12 industries: Pre-press technicians

Alternative & related job titles: Pre-press technicians

Stripper (process engraving) Lithographer, photo Etcher, roller Engraver, photogravure Engraver, block, process Planner, gravure Engraver (textile printing) Displayman (printing) Planner, page (publishing) Hand, stone Engraver, photographic Etcher, tone, half Stereographer Raiser (printing) Printer-to-metal Operator, pre-press (printing) Stereotyper Engraver, roller Printer, metal (process engraving) Etcher, rough Assistant, stereotyper's Compositor Engraver, plate, copper Engraver, transfer Moulder, wax Caster, monotype Engraver, photo Hand, make-up Printer, carbon Layer, plate (printing) Worker, photogravure Engraver, copper Engraver, mark, stamp Draughtsman, lithographic Assembler, mould Reproducer, plan Repairer, plate (printing) Engraver, chemical Maker-up (printing) Preparer, paper Etcher, colour Designer, typographical Planer Operator, linotype Operator, typographical Engraver, machine Machinist, casting, monotype Reader-compositor Engraver, music Preparer, lithographic (printing) Engraver (printing) Engraver, line Printer-down Printer-compositor Etcher (printing) Engraver, map Hand, box (printing) Operator, composer, IBM Operator, caster, monotype Originator, print Maker, plate, lithographic Engraver, punch Artist, paste-up Etcher, photogravure Engraver, process Maker, print Operator, ludlow Engraver, potter's Attendant, caster, monotype Operator, monotype Hand, yardage Hand, poster Transferer, lithograph (printing) Caster (printing) Typographer Engraver, heraldic Turner (process engraving) Etcher, block, process Manager, pre-press Etcher, line Printer, originator Assistant, lithographic Hand, plate (printing) Planner (printing) Etcher, copper (printing) Engraver, bank-note Draughtsman, printer's Man, lay-out (printing) Hand, imposition Operator, intertype Engraver, pantograph (roller engraving) Etcher, deep Engraver, die Layer, printer's (textile printing) Measurer (paper pattern mfr) Machinist, linotype Engraver, seal Operator, keyboard Originator (printing) Typist, vari Impressioner Engraver, relief Planner, litho Operator, make-up, display Metaller, bronzing Etcher, fine Assembler (photo-lithographic plates mfr) Moulder (printing) Clicker (printing) Preparer (lithography) Machinist, plate-backing (photographic plate mfr) Engraver, hand (textile mfr) Maker, plate Setter, type Engraver (Ordnance Survey) Supervisor, typesetting Electrotyper Puller, proof Planner, lithographic Technician, pre-press Maker, block (printing)

Equality focus: Pre-press technicians

Breaking down the official government big data sources by gender, age and region. Hours and pay data based on full time equlivalent roles.