Format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.
National median · BLS
$55,290
▲ +3.11%YoY
H-1B sponsor median
—
Too few H-1B filings
Average salary · BLS
$61,970
Mean annual wage
U.S. employment
3,350
Jobs (BLS)
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Pay range for Desktop Publishers
Annual base pay at each percentile. BLS covers all U.S. workers in this occupation.
Percentile
All U.S. workers (BLS)
10th — entry pay
$35,680
25th
$43,730
Median (50th)
$55,290
75th
$73,840
90th — top pay
$96,170
Hourly ⇄ annual pay
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Based on
hrs/week ×
weeks/year
= 2,080 hrs
Projections 2025–2035
Job outlook for Desktop Publishers
BLS projects employment of desktop publishers to decline 14.5% from 2025 to 2035, while employment across all occupations grows 3.5%.
About 300 openings are projected each year, on average, from new jobs and from replacing workers who retire or move to other occupations.
Jobs 2025 → 2035
4,600 → 4,000
-700 jobs
Projected change
-14.5%
All occupations: +3.5%
Openings per year
300
Average, 2025–2035
Typical entry education
Associate's degree
No related experience required
On-the-job training
Short-term on-the-job training
Self-employed
19.8% of workers (2025)
Preparation needed (O*NET Job Zone 3)
Medium Preparation Needed. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
BLS state medians, plus the same figure adjusted for local prices (BEA Regional Price Parities). Tap a state for its full range and H-1B pay.
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Median
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Desktop Publishers salaries by metro area
Search by city, ZIP code or metro name. Tap a metro for its full range.
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Median
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Skills & tools
Skills needed for Desktop Publishers
How important each skill and knowledge area is for this job, rated by O*NET on a 1–5 scale from surveys of workers and occupational analysts.
Top skills
Critical Thinking3.8
Reading Comprehension3.8
Judgment and Decision Making3.6
Active Listening3.5
Speaking3.5
Complex Problem Solving3.1
Time Management3.1
Writing3.1
Active Learning3.0
Monitoring3.0
Top knowledge areas
Computers and Electronics4.0
Communications and Media3.6
English Language3.4
Administrative2.8
Production and Processing2.8
Design2.6
Mathematics2.5
Education and Training2.2
Software and technology used
Adobe PhotoshopAdobe AcrobatAdobe After EffectsAdobe Creative Cloud softwareAdobe IllustratorAdobe InDesignApple macOSCascading style sheets CSSExtensible markup language XMLHypertext markup language HTMLJavaScriptjQueryMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft Project
Highlighted = in demand: frequently listed in employer job postings for this occupation (O*NET).
Source: 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.
About the job
What desktop publishers do
Operate desktop publishing software and equipment to design, lay out, and produce camera-ready copy.
Position text and art elements from a variety of databases in a visually appealing way to design print or web pages, using knowledge of type styles and size and layout patterns.
Check preliminary and final proofs for errors and make necessary corrections.
View monitors for visual representation of work in progress and for instructions and feedback throughout process, making modifications as necessary.
Enter text into computer keyboard and select the size and style of type, column width, and appropriate spacing for printed materials.
Prepare sample layouts for approval, using computer software.
Import text and art elements, such as electronic clip art or electronic files from photographs that have been scanned or produced with a digital camera, using computer software.
Study layout or other design instructions to determine work to be done and sequence of operations.
Computer CompositorComputer PublisherDesktop PublisherDesktop Publishing AssociateDesktop Support EngineerDigital PublisherDigital Publishing SpecialistDocument Design SpecialistDTP Operator (Desktop Publishing Operator)Electronic Pagination System OperatorElectronic Prepress Systems OperatorElectronic PublisherMagazine PublisherOnline PublisherPage Makeup System OperatorPaginatorPublishing Specialist
Source: O*NET 31.0 (USDOL/ETA, CC BY 4.0). These are general job titles, not H-1B filings; for titles employers actually filed, see “Job titles” above.
Similar jobs and how they pay
Occupations O*NET lists as closely related to Desktop Publishers, with BLS national medians compared with this occupation's $55,290.
