Life As a Desktop Publisher
Career Description Format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.
Desktop Publisher Responsibilities
- Create special effects such as vignettes, mosaics, and image combining, and add elements such as sound and animation to electronic publications.
- Collaborate with graphic artists, editors and writers to produce master copies according to design specifications.
- Enter digitized data into electronic prepress system computer memory, using scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse.
- 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.
- Check preliminary and final proofs for errors and make necessary corrections.
- Transmit, deliver or mail publication master to printer for production into film and plates.
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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.
Related Job Titles
- Electronic Publishing Specialist
- Paginator
- Graphics Specialist
- Prepress Supervisor
- Computer Publisher
Is There Going to be Demand for Desktop Publishers?
There were about 14,600 jobs for Desktop Publisher in 2016 (in the United States). 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.
What is the Average Salary of a Desktop Publisher
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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Desktop Publishers
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 to Become a Desktop Publisher
Learn what Desktop Publisher education requirements there are.

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Desktop Publishers Are Employed

Desktop Publishers work in the following industries:

Related Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Desktop Publisher might also be interested in the following careers:
Career changers with experience as a Desktop Publisher sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: Auburn University College of Architecture, Design and Construction via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International
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