Desktop publishers
SOC Code: 43-9031Also known as:
Advertising Associate, Compositor, Computer Compositor, Computer Publisher, Computer Typesetter
Median Annual Salary
$53,620
-12.4% growth (2024-2034)
400
Openings/Year
5K
Current Jobs
What Desktop publishers Do
Format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.
💰 Salary
$53,620
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-12.4%
Decline
🎓 Education
Associate's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
400
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
5,000
Projected Employment (2034)
4,400
Related Careers
Web and digital interface designers
$98,090 •
+7.0% growth
Special effects artists and animators
$99,800 •
+1.6% growth
Graphic designers
$61,300 •
+2.1% growth
Proofreaders and copy markers
$49,210 •
-0.6% growth
Prepress technicians and workers
$47,300 •
-14.6% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Judgment and Decision Making
Active Listening
Speaking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Select number of colors and determine color separations.
- Convert various types of files for printing or for the Internet, using computer software.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Associate's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Desktop publishers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a desktop publishers:
Prepress/Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging Design
1,171 degrees awarded •
85 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Desktop publishers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become desktop publishers.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do desktop publishers make?
The median annual salary for desktop publishers is $53,620.
What education do desktop publishers need?
Most desktop publishers positions require a associate's degree.
Common degree programs include Prepress/Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging Design.
Is becoming desktop publishers a good career choice?
Desktop publishers is projected to see -12.4% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 400 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for desktop publishers?
Top colleges for aspiring desktop publishers include
Great Plains Technology Center, Manatee Technical College, Ventura Adult and Continuing Education, Traviss Technical College, Houston Community College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to desktop publishers?
Desktop publishers may also be known as: Advertising Associate, Compositor, Computer Compositor, Computer Publisher, Computer Typesetter, Design Editor, Desktop Operator, Desktop Publisher, Desktop Publishing Associate, Desktop Publishing Specialist, Desktop Support Engineer, Digital Publisher, Digital Publishing Specialist, Document Design Specialist, DTP Operator (Desktop Publishing Operator), Electronic Console Display Operator, Electronic Imager, Electronic Pagination System Operator, Electronic Prepress Systems Operator, Electronic Publisher.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.