Desktop Publishers: Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

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Desktop Publishers

Desktop Publishers format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.

Salary
$50600
Becoming One
Medium
Education
Associate's degree
Job Satisfaction
Low
Job Growth

Personality



Job description

Desktop Publishers format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.

  • Check preliminary and final proofs for errors and make necessary corrections.
  • 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.
  • Convert various types of files for printing or for the Internet, using computer software.
Read more about what does a Desktop Publisher really do at work and what is it like being and working as one.



Salary

Average salary
$46750 per year

Average hourly wage
$22 per hour


Desktop Publishers with little to no experience tend to make between $22770 and $31290 while the more experienced ones can earn over $58500 per year.

Top 5 paying states Hourly Annual
MA $28 $58,000
MD $27 $56,770
CA $27 $56,370
CT $27 $55,500
NY $27 $55,260

One of the easiest ways to increase your salary as a Desktop Publisher is to move to a higher paying state like MA. Right now, the highest paying states for Desktop Publishers are MA, MD, CA, CT and NY.

However, a higher pay at MA doesn’t guarantee that you will make more because the living expenses at MA might be twice as high than where you are currently at now.

Three other factors that can increase your salary as a Desktop Publisher is the degree you hold, the industry you work in, and lastly the company you work for.


Requirements

Recommended degree level
Associate’s degree

We asked other Desktop Publishers what degree they had when they got the job and most of them said they had an Associate’s Degree followed by a Bachelor’s Degree.

Other than that, we also asked them what did they major in and here are the most popular majors that came up.

Prepress/Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging Design
Read more about how to become a Desktop Publisher and the degree, training and education you need.

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of being a Desktop Publisher.

PROS
Suitable for people who likes to work with designs
Suitable for people who values achievements and are results-oriented
This career is perfect for people who love to work indoors.
It is not too difficult to get into this career. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.
CONS
Not suitable for people who likes to help and teach others
Salary is below average
Demand for this career is declining
Long working hours (More than 40 hours per week)

What is the job like

Job satisfaction
57%

Is this job meaningful
39%


57% of Desktop Publishers said they were satisfied with their job and 39% said they feel like their job is making other people’s lives better.


Is this right for me

Best personality for this career
The Artists and The Thinkers

You can read more about these career personality types here.

People who are suitable for this job tends to like working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules..

They also like working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.



Learn more about Desktop Publishers

Summary (You are here)
Job Description
Salary
Requirements
Quiz

Related career information

Desktop Publishers job description, Desktop Publishers salary, Desktop Publishers information, what is the job of a Desktop Publisher like, pros and cons about Desktop Publishers, colleges and universities for Desktop Publishers, is Desktop Publishers the right career for me, careers in Office and Administration

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Advertising Associate, Art Director, Computer Compositor, Computer Operator, Computer Publisher, Computer Typesetter, Creative Director, Design Editor, Desk Top Publisher, Desktop Publishing Specialist

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