Platemaker and Imager: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
This program equips students with advanced technical expertise in the preparation of materials and digital assets for high-precision printing and graphic reproduction. Focused on the intersection of design, technology, and production, it prepares learners to execute critical prepress workflows with accuracy and efficiency in modern print environments.
- Platemaking: Mastery of processes that transform digital or film-based images into printing plates used in offset and other printing systems.
- Stripping: The precise assembly and arrangement of film negatives or digital elements to form complete pages for printing.
- Camerawork: Technical proficiency in operating photographic and digital imaging equipment to capture and prepare high-resolution images for print.
- Imposition: Strategic layout of pages on a printing sheet to ensure correct sequencing and efficient use of press sheets.
- Digital Imaging: Application of software tools to edit, enhance, and optimize raster and vector graphics for print production.
- Computer Direct-to-Plate (CTP): Utilization of digital workflows that transfer image data directly to printing plates without intermediate film stages.
- Computer Direct-to-Press (CDP): Advanced techniques enabling digital image data to be sent directly to the press cylinder, bypassing traditional plate-making steps.
Platemaker and Imager Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Platemaker and Imager Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Platemaker and Imager degrees, including 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 23,070 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepress Technicians and Workers 51-5111 | $47,300 | $34,270 - $65,530 | 23,070 | $22.74 |
Platemaker and Imager Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $22,170 in Oklahoma to $98,780 in District of Columbia—a 346% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, New Jersey, and Delaware. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 23,070 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 Platemaker and Imager by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 2 institutions offering Platemaker and Imager 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 Platemaker and Imager is found at Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas (PCCUA) (6 graduates), and City Colleges of Chicago (KKC), Kennedy-King College (2 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 8 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.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas (PCCUA) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
6 | Helena, Arkansas | Public | pccua.edu |
| City Colleges of Chicago (KKC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
2 | Chicago, Illinois | Public | ccc.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Platemaker and Imager programs
How much can I earn with a Platemaker and Imager degree?
Salaries for Platemaker and Imager graduates vary by role and location. Prepress Technicians and Workers earn a median of $47,300 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $98,780 compared to $22,170 in Oklahoma. Approximately 23,070 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 Platemaker and Imager programs?
Currently 2 accredited institutions offer Platemaker and Imager degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas (PCCUA) (6 graduates), City Colleges of Chicago (KKC), Kennedy-King College (2 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 Platemaker and Imager growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 18 in 2010 to a peak of 10 in 2020, before declining slightly to 8 in 2023-24. This represents a 56% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, 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 Platemaker and Imager degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Prepress Technicians and Workers. Related occupations employ approximately 23,070 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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