Printing trades

How to become a pre-press technician

Official title: Pre-press technicians

Also called: Pre-press manager, Pre-press operator, Pre-press technician, Box hand, Maker-up, Plate hand, Stone hand, Deep etcher, Fine etcher, Line etcher, Poster hand, Plate layer

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

Main tasks

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

How to become one

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.

Pay · Outlook

Median full-time pay: £27,497 a year

Questions people ask

How do I become a pre-press technician?

How much does a pre-press technician earn in the UK?

Median full-time pay is £27,497 a year (Office for National Statistics).

Sources

Office for National Statistics: SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions (2026-08-27 edition), OGL v3.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
Office for National Statistics: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, Table 14 (2025 provisional), OGL v3.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
Office for National Statistics: Annual Population Survey: employment by occupation (April 2025 to March 2026), OGL v3.0, retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03