Platemaker/Imager
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to prepare film, digital data, and surfaces to reproduce printed or graphic images. Includes instruction in platemaking, stripping, camerawork, imposition, digital imaging, computer direct-to-plate and direct-to-press, and related processes.
- Schools offering
- 3
- Annual completions
- 4
- Typical degree level
- Associate's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $43k
About this major
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to prepare film, digital data, and surfaces to reproduce printed or graphic images. Includes instruction in platemaking, stripping, camerawork, imposition, digital imaging, computer direct-to-plate and direct-to-press, and related processes.
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prepress technicians and workers | $47k | -14.6% | Postsecondary nondegree award |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$43k
Associate's vs Bachelor's — early-career earnings
Associate's
$37k
Bachelor's
$45k
Top colleges for Platemaker/Imager
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas | Helena, AR | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King College | Chicago, IL | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Illinois Central College | East Peoria, IL | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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