Desktop Publishers Salary by State
The national median pay for desktop publishers is $55,290 a year. By state, it ranges from $36,280 in Nebraska to $77,750 in Colorado.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
U.S. pay range
- Lowest 10%
- $35,680
- 25th percentile
- $43,730
- Median
- $55,290
- 75th percentile
- $73,840
- Top 10%
- $96,170
Annual pay, all U.S. workers in this job. About 3,350 jobs.
Median pay in 27 states
| # | State | Median | vs. U.S. | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colorado | $77,750 | +41% | $39,990 | $114,730 | Not published |
| 2 | California | $71,930 | +30% | $42,080 | $115,410 | 320 |
| 3 | Maryland | $69,820 | +26% | $45,090 | $89,750 | 140 |
| 4 | New Jersey | $63,020 | +14% | $49,760 | $99,470 | 100 |
| 5 | South Carolina | $62,320 | +13% | $49,890 | $94,500 | 40 |
| 6 | Illinois | $61,350 | +11% | $44,480 | $79,620 | 150 |
| 7 | Massachusetts | $61,170 | +11% | $46,320 | $90,020 | 80 |
| 8 | Texas | $57,760 | +4% | $33,480 | $72,180 | 270 |
| 9 | New York | $56,660 | +2% | $34,320 | $108,860 | 350 |
| 10 | Minnesota | $54,930 | −1% | $46,910 | $80,590 | 90 |
| 11 | Vermont | $53,550 | −3% | $30,020 | $63,330 | 50 |
| 12 | Ohio | $53,380 | −3% | $47,710 | $69,000 | 60 |
| 13 | Florida | $52,720 | −5% | $42,220 | $73,890 | 150 |
| 14 | Arizona | $52,000 | −6% | $44,440 | $84,250 | 30 |
| 15 | Oregon | $50,650 | −8% | $38,200 | $85,170 | 90 |
| 16 | Indiana | $49,070 | −11% | $36,300 | $59,750 | 130 |
| 17 | New Hampshire | $48,300 | −13% | $48,300 | $65,910 | 30 |
| 18 | Louisiana | $47,130 | −15% | $21,960 | $84,430 | 40 |
| 19 | Maine | $47,100 | −15% | $30,470 | $63,150 | 30 |
| 20 | Oklahoma | $46,040 | −17% | $35,930 | $71,350 | 40 |
| 21 | Wisconsin | $46,010 | −17% | $25,310 | $60,120 | 40 |
| 22 | Kentucky | $45,760 | −17% | $19,200 | $58,510 | 40 |
| 23 | Michigan | $45,300 | −18% | $41,000 | $63,400 | 40 |
| 24 | Tennessee | $44,440 | −20% | $27,080 | $112,240 | 40 |
| 25 | North Carolina | $43,700 | −21% | $38,130 | $84,630 | 80 |
| 26 | Georgia | $39,460 | −29% | $34,970 | $112,350 | 230 |
| 27 | Nebraska | $36,280 | −34% | $34,000 | $50,470 | 40 |
BLS OEWS May 2025 state estimates. States without published data are not listed. “Not published”: BLS withheld the value or it is above the highest amount BLS publishes. Pay is not adjusted for living costs.
Desktop Publishers salary questions
Which state pays desktop publishers the most?
Colorado, with a median of $77,750 a year (+41% vs. the national median of $55,290). BLS May 2025.
Which state pays desktop publishers the least?
Nebraska, with a median of $36,280 a year (−34% vs. national).
Where do most desktop publishers work?
New York has the most jobs, about 350, with a median of $56,660.
Does a higher salary mean more money left over?
Not always. These are pay figures only. Living costs, taxes and housing differ a lot between states, and this page does not adjust for them.