Desktop Publisher

What is this job like?		Back to Top

Using computer software, desktop publishers combine printed material, numbers, pictures, and charts to prepare publications. They also write and correct text. They make graphics to go with the text. They change pictures and drawings into digital pictures and then use them. They design page layouts and develop presentations. Some things produced by desktop publishers include books, business cards, calendars, magazines, newsletters, and newspapers. They may also prepare some material for the Internet.

Desktop publishers often perform editing and writing tasks as well as page layout and design. For page layouts, they use scanners to capture photographs, images, or art as digital data. It can be added directly into electronic page layouts with the use of computer software. They can then correct mistakes. Most page layout work is now done with computers.

Depending on the company employing these workers, they may be called publications specialists, electronic publishers, DTP operators (Desktop Publishing operators), or desktop-publishing editors. They may also have job titles like electronic prepress technicians, electronic-publishing specialists, image designers, typographers, compositors, layout artists, and web publications designers.

They spend many hours in front of a computer monitor. They usually work an 8-hour day, 5 days a week. Some work nights, weekends, and holidays to meet deadlines. Desktop publishers may also have to work under short deadlines.

How do you get ready?		Back to Top

Most workers take classes or complete certificate courses at technical schools, colleges, or through the Internet. The average certificate program takes about 1 year. Some train on the job to learn the needed skills. The length of on-the-job training varies by company. A part-time job is another way to gain skill.

Students may obtain a degree in graphic arts, graphic communications, or graphic design. Courses in these fields will give the students experience using the computer programs that desktop publishers need to know.

Although formal training is not always needed, those with certificates or degrees will have the best job opportunities. Most employers want people who have good speaking skills and basic computer skills. They should be able to deal with people because they may have to take customers' orders. It is also good to have some artistic ability.

Workers with limited training and skill may start as helpers. All workers should expect to be retrained from time to time to learn about new software and equipment.

How much does this job pay?		Back to Top

Earnings vary by level of skill, training, location, and size of firm. In May 2008, the average yearly wages of desktop publishers were $38,740.

How many jobs are there?		Back to Top

Desktop publishers held about 26,400 jobs in 2008. Many worked in newspaper, magazine, and book publishing firms.

Jobs are located in all areas of the country, especially in big cities.

What about the future?		Back to Top

Employment of desktop publishers is expected to decline rapidly through 2018. Companies will hire fewer desktop publishers because more employees are learning basic desktop publishing as part of their regular job. Also, more companies are publishing their materials on the internet instead of in print form. Therefore, job prospects will be best for skilled workers who graduated from formal training programs.

Are there other jobs like this?		Back to Top

• Artists
• Designers
• Prepress technicians and workers
• Reporters
• Writers

Where can you find more information?		Back to Top

More BLS information about desktop publishers can be found in the Occupational Outlook Handbook. The Handbook also shows where to find out even more about this job.

Last Modified Date: March 19, 2010