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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:
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.
After authors write the text and artists or graphic designers translate ideas into images, publishing materials such as books, magazines and pamphlets involves the following 3 stages:
This profile describes work done in the pre-press stage. For information about work performed in other publication stages, see the Digital Printing Machine Operator, Printing Press Operator and Binding and Finishing Machine Operator occupational profiles.
Most printers use computer systems to enter text, format it, add graphics and create a layout design, all in 1 operation. In general, electronic (desktop or digital) publishing specialists:
In process colour printing, visible colours in art work or photographs must be colour separated to create printing plates or cylinders. The nature of the plate or cylinder will depend on the type of printing press to be used. Lithographic or planographic processes require plates that have image and non-image areas on the same plane, separated by chemical interaction. Computer systems or computer-to-plate (CTP) devices often are used to transfer digital images directly onto lithographic plates or directly to a specially equipped printing press. Newer digital presses do not use printing plates; they produce images directly from electronic files.
In large printing shops pre-press technicians may specialize in specific processes:
In most printing shops in Alberta pre-press technicians are responsible for the whole pre-press process from opening the files to plate making, which is mostly automatic.
When necessary, pre-press technicians may modify film or computer files to produce the best possible print results. They must understand the entire production process to make appropriate decisions.
Working conditions vary. In large companies, pre-press technicians may work in specialized departments, such as the design or desktop publishing department, the pre-press department or the digital output operations department. Most printing companies employ 20 to 50 people and have 1 pre-press department for all pre-press operations. Sign and promotional companies may employ 5 to 50 employees.
Shift work may be required, and overtime often is required to meet deadlines.
Pre-press technicians need the following characteristics:
They should enjoy operating computers and related equipment and working with complex electronic files.
Many pre-press technicians have learned on the job, however; technological advances are making this route increasingly difficult. Related computer skills are essential for new entrants into this field. Employers generally prefer to hire applicants who have related post-secondary training or several years of practical experience.
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 search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
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.
Certified Technicians are applied science, information technology, or engineering technology professionals. They perform routine technical procedures with occasional direct supervision. They also may assume limited responsibility for decision-making processes.
Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and ASET Regulation [pdf], you must register as a member of the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) to use the title Certified Technician (C.Tech.).
You do not have to register if you do not call yourself a Certified Technician.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Certified Technician.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Pre-press technicians are employed by:
Some desktop publishing specialists are self-employed and contract out their services.
There is an increased need for people skilled in colour correction, layouts, typography, image manipulation and pre-flighting files.
Experienced pre-press technicians may become designers, customer service representatives, estimators (who quote prices for customers), production controllers, production managers, or marketing and sales personnel.
Pre-press technicians are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 9472: Camera, platemaking and other prepress Occupations. In Alberta, 79% of people employed in this classification work in the Manufacturing (PDF) industry.
The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Pre-press technicians are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 9472: Camera, platemaking and other prepress occupations.
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: www.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 24, 2016. 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.