All About Desktop Publishers
Occupation Description Format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.
Daily Life Of a Desktop Publisher
- Edit graphics and photos, using pixel or bitmap editing, airbrushing, masking, or image retouching.
- Select number of colors and determine color separations.
- Convert various types of files for printing or for the Internet, using computer software.
- Create special effects such as vignettes, mosaics, and image combining, and add elements such as sound and animation to electronic publications.
- Prepare sample layouts for approval, using computer software.
- Collaborate with graphic artists, editors and writers to produce master copies according to design specifications.
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Skills Needed to be a Desktop Publisher
Desktop Publishers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Mac Operator
- Publisher
- Studio Designer
- Graphics Specialist
- Advertising Associate
Desktop Publisher Job Outlook
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.

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

Desktop Publishers who work in Massachusetts, Connecticut, or California, make the highest salaries.
How much do Desktop Publishers make in each U.S. state?
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?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Desktop Publishers:
- 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 do I Become a Desktop Publisher?
What education is needed to be a Desktop Publisher?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Desktop Publisher?

Where Desktop Publishers Are Employed

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

Similar Careers
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
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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