CFChooseField
Office and Administration

Desktop Publishers

Format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Desktop Publishers
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Median pay

$53,620
Median annual pay for Desktop Publishers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

-12.4%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

400
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

5,000
Estimated U.S. employment for Desktop Publishers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

-600
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Associate's degree
Typical additional preparation: Short-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Critical Thinking
  2. 2Reading Comprehension
  3. 3Active Listening
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Writing
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Computers and Electronics
  2. 2Communications and Media
  3. 3English Language
  4. 4Administrative
  5. 5Production and Processing
  6. 6Design

Abilities

  1. 1Near Vision
  2. 2Information Ordering
  3. 3Originality
  4. 4Visualization
  5. 5Fluency of Ideas
  6. 6Written Comprehension

Career interests

  1. 1Conventional
  2. 2Artistic
  3. 3Realistic
  4. 4Investigative
  5. 5Enterprising
  6. 6Social

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Innovation
  4. 4Cautiousness
  5. 5Achievement Orientation
  6. 6Perseverance

Work activities

  1. 1Working with Computers
  2. 2Getting Information
  3. 3Thinking Creatively
  4. 4Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  5. 5Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
  6. 6Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Work context

  1. 1E-Mail
  2. 2Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  3. 3Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  4. 4Spend Time Sitting
  5. 5Time Pressure
  6. 6Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

Representative tasks

  • 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.
  • Check preliminary and final proofs for errors and make necessary corrections.
  • View monitors for visual representation of work in progress and for instructions and feedback throughout process, making modifications as necessary.
  • Enter text into computer keyboard and select the size and style of type, column width, and appropriate spacing for printed materials.
  • Prepare sample layouts for approval, using computer software.
  • 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.
  • Study layout or other design instructions to determine work to be done and sequence of operations.

Software and tools

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Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

ChooseField compares fields using public labor-market and professional sources.