What is a Desktop Publisher?
Occupation Description Format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.
A Day in the Life of a Desktop Publisher
- 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.
- Enter data, such as coordinates of images and color specifications, into system to retouch and make color corrections.
- Load floppy disks or tapes containing information into system.
- 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.
- Transmit, deliver or mail publication master to printer for production into film and plates.
- Select number of colors and determine color separations.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Desktop Publisher?
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
- Online Publisher
- Electronic Prepress Operator
- Production Assistant
- Page Makeup System Operator
- Managing Editor
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.
Desktop Publisher Average Salary
Desktop Publishers make between $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 do Desktop Publishers Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Desktop Publishers may use on a daily basis:
- 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
Becoming a Desktop Publisher
Are there Desktop Publishers education requirements?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where do Desktop Publishers Work?
Below are examples of industries where Desktop Publishers work:
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those interested in being a Desktop Publisher may also be interested in:
Are you already one of the many Desktop Publisher in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Auburn University College of Architecture, Design and Construction via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International
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