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All About Desktop Publishers
Desktop Publisher Definition Format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.
Daily Life Of a Desktop Publisher
- Collaborate with graphic artists, editors and writers to produce master copies according to design specifications.
- 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.
- Transmit, deliver or mail publication master to printer for production into film and plates.
- Study layout or other design instructions to determine work to be done and sequence of operations.
- Create special effects such as vignettes, mosaics, and image combining, and add elements such as sound and animation to electronic publications.
- View monitors for visual representation of work in progress and for instructions and feedback throughout process, making modifications as necessary.
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What a Desktop Publisher Should Know
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Advertising Associate
- Desktop Publishing Associate
- Electronic Prepress System Operator
- Publishing Specialist
- Mac Operator
Job Opportunities for Desktop Publishers
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 14,600 jobs in the United States for Desktop Publisher. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Desktop Publisher. The BLS estimates 1,200 yearly job openings in this field.
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.
Average Desktop Publishers Salary
Desktop Publishers make between $22,770 and $75,120 a year.
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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Desktop Publishers
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
What education is needed to be a Desktop Publisher?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Desktop Publisher?
Where Desktop Publishers Work
The table below shows the approximate number of Desktop Publishers employed by various industries.
Related Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Desktop Publisher might also be interested in the following careers:
Those who work as a Desktop Publisher sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
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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