Okay, let’s tackle this. So Steve has 29 years of experience as a pre press operator, which is a long time. His skills are in demand, but the industry is also highly specialized. Pre press operators typically charge lower rates than designers or artists, but Steve’s experience and expertise in color management and process improvement are valuable. Location is Brookhaven, PA, which is a smaller market. According to industry benchmarks, pre press operators in the US can charge between $50–$100 per hour. Considering Steve’s experience and skills, I’d estimate his hourly rate to be around $75, which is on the lower end of the range but still reflects his value to the industry.