All About Desktop Publishers
Occupation Description Format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.
List of Desktop Publisher Job Duties
- 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.
- Enter digitized data into electronic prepress system computer memory, using scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse.
- Prepare sample layouts for approval, using computer software.
- Edit graphics and photos, using pixel or bitmap editing, airbrushing, masking, or image retouching.
- 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.
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Desktop Publisher Needed Skills
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.
Types of Desktop Publisher Jobs
- Desktop Support Specialist
- Electronic Imager
- Graphic Artist
- Technical Publications Manager
- Prepress Supervisor
Is There Job 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.

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.
Salary for a Desktop Publisher
The salary for Desktop Publishers ranges between about $22,770 and $75,120 a year.

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 many years of work experience do I need?

Where Desktop Publishers Work

The table below shows the approximate number of Desktop Publishers employed by various industries.

Similar Careers
Those interested in being a Desktop Publisher may also be interested in:
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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