Prepress and Digital Imaging Design: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for aspiring professionals in the digital media and print production fields, this program equips learners with the technical expertise and creative insight needed to transform visual and textual content into polished, publication-ready formats. Emphasis is placed on mastering the end-to-end workflow from concept to final output, ensuring precision in both traditional print and modern digital environments.
- Digital Imaging: Techniques for capturing, editing, and optimizing visual content using industry-standard software and hardware to achieve high-resolution, print- and screen-ready results.
- Print Preparation: Processes involved in formatting and finalizing artwork for printing, including color management, file structuring, and output specifications for various press types.
- Page Layout and Design: Principles of visual hierarchy, spatial organization, and composition to create effective, aesthetically balanced documents across print and digital platforms.
- Desktop Publishing: Hands-on training with professional publishing tools to assemble, format, and produce complex documents such as magazines, brochures, and reports.
- Typography and Text Arrangement: Mastery of font selection, spacing, alignment, and readability to enhance message clarity and visual impact in both printed and digital media.
- Computer Hardware and Software: Familiarity with specialized systems, peripherals, and applications essential for efficient prepress workflows and digital content production.
- Printing and Lithographic Operations: Understanding of offset printing processes, press mechanics, and quality control measures critical to high-volume, accurate print output.
- Graphic and Web Page Design Principles: Foundational knowledge of visual communication, user experience, and responsive design to support cohesive branding and digital content delivery.
Prepress and Digital Imaging Design Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Prepress and Digital Imaging Design Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Prepress and Digital Imaging Design degrees, including Desktop Publishers and Prepress Technicians and Workers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 27,070 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desktop Publishers 43-9031 | $53,620 | $34,650 - $92,880 | 4,000 | $25.78 |
| Prepress Technicians and Workers 51-5111 | $47,300 | $34,270 - $65,530 | 23,070 | $22.74 |
Salary Comparison
Prepress and Digital Imaging Design Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $32,980 in Oklahoma to $98,780 in District of Columbia—a 200% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Colorado, and New Jersey. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 27,070 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Prepress and Digital Imaging Design by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 85 institutions offering Prepress and Digital Imaging Design programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Prepress and Digital Imaging Design is found at Houston Community College (HCC) (150 graduates), Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) (67 graduates), Santa Ana College (SAC) (62 graduates), Sacramento City College (SCC) (45 graduates), and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) (43 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 1,171 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Prepress and Digital Imaging Design programs
How much can I earn with a Prepress and Digital Imaging Design degree?
Salaries for Prepress and Digital Imaging Design graduates vary by role and location. Desktop Publishers earn a median of $53,620 annually, while Prepress Technicians and Workers earn around $47,300. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $98,780 compared to $32,980 in Oklahoma. Approximately 27,070 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Prepress and Digital Imaging Design programs?
Currently 85 accredited institutions offer Prepress and Digital Imaging Design degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Houston Community College (HCC) (150 graduates), Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) (67 graduates), and Santa Ana College (SAC) (62 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Prepress and Digital Imaging Design growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 761 in 2010 to 1,171 in 2023-24. This represents a 54% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Prepress and Digital Imaging Design degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Desktop Publishers, Prepress Technicians and Workers, . Related occupations employ approximately 27,070 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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