What Does it Take to Be a Desktop Publisher?
Occupation Description Format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.
Life As a Desktop Publisher
- Enter data, such as coordinates of images and color specifications, into system to retouch and make color corrections.
- Transmit, deliver or mail publication master to printer for production into film and plates.
- 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.
- Select number of colors and determine color separations.
- Enter digitized data into electronic prepress system computer memory, using scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse.
- Store copies of publications on paper, magnetic tape, film or diskette.
What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Desktop Publisher?
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.
Other Desktop Publisher Job Titles
- Production Manager
- Technical Editor
- Production Artist
- Editor
- Electronic Publisher
Job Opportunities for Desktop Publishers
There were about 14,600 jobs for Desktop Publishers in 2016 (in the United States).
Desktop Publisher jobs are decreasing by a rate of -14%. This means the total job opportunities are shrinking. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a loss of -2,000 jobs for Desktop Publishers by 2026. There will be an estimated 1,200 positions for Desktop Publisher per year.
The states with the most job growth for Desktop Publishers are Maryland, Washington, and Alaska.
Watch out if you plan on working in Pennsylvania, California, or Illinois. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Salary for Desktop Publishers
Desktop Publishers Make between $22,770 and $75,120 a year. The median salary is $42,910.
How much do Desktop Publishers make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
|
Massachusetts |
$58,000 |
|
Maryland |
$56,770 |
|
California |
$56,370 |
|
Connecticut |
$55,500 |
|
New York |
$55,260 |
|
Colorado |
$53,330 |
|
Virginia |
$50,600 |
|
New Mexico |
$50,250 |
|
Wisconsin |
$50,090 |
|
Georgia |
$49,220 |
|
New Jersey |
$47,800 |
|
North Carolina |
$47,470 |
|
Washington |
$46,080 |
|
Minnesota |
$45,830 |
|
Oregon |
$45,810 |
|
Tennessee |
$44,850 |
|
Michigan |
$44,230 |
|
Texas |
$43,950 |
|
Utah |
$43,040 |
|
Vermont |
$42,630 |
|
Florida |
$41,920 |
|
Ohio |
$41,720 |
|
Missouri |
$41,620 |
|
Pennsylvania |
$41,440 |
|
Oklahoma |
$41,000 |
|
New Hampshire |
$38,980 |
|
Arizona |
$38,680 |
|
Iowa |
$38,640 |
|
Illinois |
$38,610 |
|
Alabama |
$37,670 |
|
South Carolina |
$37,080 |
|
Kentucky |
$35,850 |
|
Maine |
$35,220 |
|
Indiana |
$34,390 |
|
Louisiana |
$33,390 |
|
Kansas |
$33,050 |
|
Nebraska |
$32,970 |
What Tools do Desktop Publishers Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Desktop Publishers may use on a daily basis:
- Adobe Systems Adobe Dreamweaver
- Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Adobe Systems Adobe AfterEffects
- Microsoft Visio
- Microsoft Office
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- UNIX
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Cascading Style Sheets CSS
How to Become a Desktop Publisher
What education or degrees do I need to become a Desktop Publisher?
How Long Does it Take to Become Desktop Publisher?
Who Employs Desktop Publishers?
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those interested in being a Desktop Publisher may also be interested in:
- Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
Career changers with experience as a Desktop Publisher sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
- Graphic Designers
References
Image Credit: Via Wikimedia Commons
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