Desktop Publishers
Format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.
Also called: Advertising Associate, Compositor, Computer Compositor, Computer Publisher, Computer Typesetter, Design Editor
Median pay
$55,290
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$35,680 – $96,170
People employed
3,350
Holland code
CAR
Conventional · Artistic · Realistic
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 2.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
- 3.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 4.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 5.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Desktop Publishers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (27 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What desktop publishers do
- 01Operate desktop publishing software and equipment to design, lay out, and produce camera-ready copy.
- 02Position 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.
- 03Check preliminary and final proofs for errors and make necessary corrections.
- 04View monitors for visual representation of work in progress and for instructions and feedback throughout process, making modifications as necessary.
- 05Enter text into computer keyboard and select the size and style of type, column width, and appropriate spacing for printed materials.
- 06Prepare sample layouts for approval, using computer software.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Writing
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Computers and Electronics
- Communications and Media
- English Language
- Administrative
- Production and Processing
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from desktop publishers
- Web Developers80% · +68%
- Prepress Technicians and Workers79% · −12%
- Graphic Designers78% · +14%
- Special Effects Artists and Animators76% · +85%
- Web and Digital Interface Designers76% · +88%
Change into desktop publishers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Graphic Designers78% · $62,960
- Prepress Technicians and Workers75% · $48,690
- Film and Video Editors70% · $75,420
- Photographers68% · $44,660
- Video Game Designers68% · $104,000
Majors that lead here
- Prepress/Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging Design
- Computer Typography and Composition Equipment Operator
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.