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In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Books, magazines, pamphlets, and posters are examples of published materials. Creating them involves work by various individuals:
Printing transfers the texts and images onto paper that we can hold. Printing involves 3 stages:
Pre-press technicians turn files from graphic designers into formats that a printer can use. This process is known as pre-flighting.
When necessary, pre-press technicians may edit the files to produce the best possible print results. For example, they might adjust the colours used in the files. Or they might make small adjustments to the layout, typography, or images. They must understand the entire production process to make appropriate decisions.
In most printing shops in Alberta, pre-press technicians are responsible for the whole pre-press process from opening the files to plate making. This process is mostly automatic.
In large printing shops, pre-press technicians may specialize in specific processes.
Scanner operators use flatbed or drum scanning equipment to capture images digitally. They:
Customer proofing specialists use computer files to create laser or plotter prints for customer approval. They:
Platemakers create printing plates for the printer. They:
In process colour printing, visible colours in artwork or photographs must be colour separated. Pre-press technicians may create printing plates or cylinders for each colour. The type of plate or cylinder will depend on the type of printing press to be used:
Working conditions vary. In large companies, pre-press technicians may work in specialized departments, such as the:
Most printing companies employ 20 to 50 people, although sign and promotional companies are often smaller. Companies usually have 1 department for all pre-press operations.
Pre-press technicians may need to work shifts. They often work overtime to meet deadlines.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in controlling systems to alter shapes, sizes and positions of illustrations and text electronically
Interest in compiling information to perform colour separations, retouching and editing
Interest in planning page layouts
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Pre-press technicians need:
They should enjoy:
Employers generally prefer to hire applicants who have related post-secondary training or several years of practical experience.
Many pre-press technicians have learned on the job. However, technological advances are making this route increasingly difficult. Advanced computer skills are essential for new entrants into this field. Pre-press technicians should be proficient in graphic design software such as:
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Pre-press technicians work for:
Experienced pre-press technicians may become:
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Camera, platemaking and other prepress occupations
2016 NOC: 9472
78.8% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $18.00 | $27.98 | $20.82 | $20.00 |
| Overall | $22.00 | $33.20 | $28.06 | $29.25 |
| Top | $25.00 | $43.27 | $34.18 | $32.08 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $56,399 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $55,996 |
Canadian Printing Industries Association website: cpia-aci.ca
Printing and Graphics Industries Association of Alberta (PGIA) website: www.pgia.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2024. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
