Imagesetter
Also known as: phototypesetting machine operator, imagesetter engineer, phototypesetter engineer, phototypesetting machine engineer, phototypesetting machine technician, imagesetter technician
About this occupation
Imagesetters process images and graphic templates by using phototypesetting machines. They optimise the templates for the best possible result by determining the right arrangement of text and image on the print sheet. The product is then set onto photo paper or film.
A specialisation of prepress technician.
Essential skills and knowledge
- printing techniques
- output electronic files
- produce prepress proof
- print stripping
- Adobe Illustrator
- align content with form
- arrange printer sheets
- Synfig
- graphic design
- printing materials
- apply desktop publishing techniques
- prepare imposition
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Prepress Technicians and Workers (O*NET 51-5111.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Generate prepress proofs in digital or other format to approximate the appearance of the final printed piece.
- Proofread and perform quality control of text and images.
- Enter, position, and alter text size, using computers, to make up and arrange pages so that printed materials can be produced.
- Perform "preflight" check of required font, graphic, text and image files to ensure completeness prior to delivery to printer.
- Operate and maintain laser plate-making equipment that converts electronic data to plates without the use of film.
- Enter, store, and retrieve information on computer-aided equipment.
- Typical education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Conventional, Realistic, Artistic
Top skills: Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Monitoring, Time Management, Reading Comprehension
US median pay: US$48,690 a year (2025), 23,840 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (4.0)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.6)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignVery important (3.5)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.4)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators
- Printing Press Operators
- Etchers and Engravers
- Office Machine Operators, Except Computer
- Print Binding and Finishing Workers
- Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
- Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.