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Desktop Publisher

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What You Need to Know About Desktop Publisher

Desktop Publisher Definition Format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.

Daily Life Of a Desktop Publisher

  • Create special effects such as vignettes, mosaics, and image combining, and add elements such as sound and animation to electronic publications.
  • Load floppy disks or tapes containing information into system.
  • Check preliminary and final proofs for errors and make necessary corrections.
  • Enter data, such as coordinates of images and color specifications, into system to retouch and make color corrections.
  • Edit graphics and photos, using pixel or bitmap editing, airbrushing, masking, or image retouching.
  • Transmit, deliver or mail publication master to printer for production into film and plates.

Desktop Publisher Skills

When polled, Desktop Publishers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

  • Studio Designer
  • Advertising Associate
  • Technical Publications Manager
  • DTP Operator
  • Electronic Imager

Is There Going to be Demand for Desktop Publishers?

In the United States, there were 14,600 jobs for Desktop Publisher in 2016. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Desktop Publisher. There will be an estimated 1,200 positions for Desktop Publisher per year.

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The states with the most job growth for Desktop Publisher are Washington, Maryland, and Alaska. Watch out if you plan on working in Missouri, Kansas, or Kentucky. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Desktop Publisher Average Salary

The average yearly salary of a Desktop Publisher ranges between $22,770 and $75,120.

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Desktop Publishers who work in Massachusetts, Connecticut, or California, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Desktop Publishers in different U.S. states.

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $37,670
Arizona $38,680
California $56,370
Colorado $53,330
Connecticut $55,500
Florida $41,920
Georgia $49,220
Illinois $38,610
Indiana $34,390
Iowa $38,640
Kansas $33,050
Kentucky $35,850
Louisiana $33,390
Maine $35,220
Maryland $56,770
Massachusetts $58,000
Michigan $44,230
Minnesota $45,830
Missouri $41,620
Nebraska $32,970
New Hampshire $38,980
New Jersey $47,800
New Mexico $50,250
New York $55,260
North Carolina $47,470
Ohio $41,720
Oklahoma $41,000
Oregon $45,810
Pennsylvania $41,440
South Carolina $37,080
Tennessee $44,850
Texas $43,950
Utah $43,040
Vermont $42,630
Virginia $50,600
Washington $46,080
Wisconsin $50,090

What Tools & Technology do Desktop Publishers Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Desktop Publishers may use on a daily basis:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Hypertext markup language HTML
  • JavaScript
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Python
  • jQuery
  • Microsoft Access
  • MySQL
  • Word processing software
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Project
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
  • Microsoft Publisher
  • Microsoft Visual Basic

How to Become a Desktop Publisher

Are there Desktop Publishers education requirements?

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Desktop Publishers Sector

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Below are examples of industries where Desktop Publishers work:

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Other Jobs You May be Interested In

Those thinking about becoming a Desktop Publisher might also be interested in the following careers:

Are you already one of the many Desktop Publisher in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:

References:

Image Credit: Auburn University College of Architecture, Design and Construction via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International

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