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Desktop publisher: pay, job outlook and how to become one
- $35,680lowest 10% earn less
- $43,73025th percentile
- $55,290median
- $73,84075th percentile
- $96,170top 10% earn more
Desktop publishers earned a median of $55,290 a year in May 2025[1]. BLS projects employment to fall 14.5% from 2025 to 2035[2].
How much do desktop publishers make?
The median wage was $55,290 a year, or $26.58 an hour, in May 2025[1]. Half earned more than this and half earned less[1]. The median for all occupations in the US was $50,980[4]. The mean was $61,970 a year, or $29.79 an hour[7].
Pay spread out widely. BLS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary[8]. A percentile is a boundary, so the lowest-paid 10% earned less than $35,680[3]. The highest-paid 10% earned more than $96,170[3].
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th[3][9] | $35,680 | $17.16 |
| 25th[3][9] | $43,730 | $21.02 |
| Median[1] | $55,290 | $26.58 |
| 75th[3][9] | $73,840 | $35.50 |
| 90th[3][9] | $96,170 | $46.23 |
These figures cover wage and salary workers, part time and full time. They leave out the self-employed and do not count bonuses or benefits[10]. About 3,350 people held these jobs in May 2025[11].
Pay by state and city
Among the 27 states with published data, Colorado had the highest median at $77,750 a year, followed by California at $71,930 and Maryland at $69,820[12]. Nebraska had the lowest listed median at $36,280[12].
New York had the most jobs at 350, then California with 320, Texas with 270, Georgia with 230 and Florida with 150[13].
Among metro areas with at least 100 jobs, the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area had the highest median at $72,590[14]. New York-Newark-Jersey City followed at $63,020, then Chicago-Naperville-Elgin at $58,130 and Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell at $42,730[14]. The New York metro area had the most jobs, at 320[15].
Show median pay in 27 states
| State | Median per year | Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado[12] | $77,750 | n/a |
| California | $71,930 | 320 |
| Maryland | $69,820 | 140 |
| New Jersey | $63,020 | 100 |
| South Carolina | $62,320 | 40 |
| Illinois | $61,350 | 150 |
| Massachusetts | $61,170 | 80 |
| Texas | $57,760 | 270 |
| New York | $56,660 | 350 |
| Minnesota | $54,930 | 90 |
| Vermont | $53,550 | 50 |
| Ohio | $53,380 | 60 |
| Florida | $52,720 | 150 |
| Arizona | $52,000 | 30 |
| Oregon | $50,650 | 90 |
| Indiana | $49,070 | 130 |
| New Hampshire | $48,300 | 30 |
| Louisiana | $47,130 | 40 |
| Maine | $47,100 | 30 |
| Oklahoma | $46,040 | 40 |
| Wisconsin | $46,010 | 40 |
| Kentucky | $45,760 | 40 |
| Michigan | $45,300 | 40 |
| Tennessee | $44,440 | 40 |
| North Carolina | $43,700 | 80 |
| Georgia | $39,460 | 230 |
| Nebraska | $36,280 | 40 |
How to become a desktop publisher
- First: plan on an associate's degree. That is the typical education for entry[6]. It is often in graphic design or graphic communications[16].
- Next: look at courses at community colleges and technical schools. They teach page layout and formatting of text and graphics with publishing software[16].
- Then: expect short-term on-the-job training of about 1 month[17]. Workers learn from experienced coworkers or by taking software classes[18].
The typical path needs no work experience in a related occupation[6]. Workers with experience and proven skill in the software may be able to enter without a college degree[19]. Some employers require or prefer a bachelor's degree[20].
On the O*NET scale, this job sits in Job Zone Three, which means medium preparation[21]. Helpful qualities include artistic ability, communication skills, attention to detail and organizational skills[22][23][24][25].
What desktop publishers do
O*NET describes the job as formatting text and graphics with computer software to produce material ready for publication[26]. Tasks include:
- Using publishing software to design and lay out pages[27].
- Placing text and art in a pleasing way for print or web pages[27].
- Checking proofs for errors and fixing them[27].
- Entering text and choosing type size and style[27].
- Preparing sample layouts for approval[27].
- Importing text, clip art and scanned or digital photos[27].
- Choosing colors and color separations[27].
- Converting files for printing or the Internet[27].
Workers reported job titles such as Desktop Publishing Specialist, Compositor and Desktop Operator[28].
Where they work
Desktop publishers usually work in an office. Tight deadlines can sometimes be stressful[29]. Most work full time[30]. In 2025, 35% worked in publishing, broadcasting and content providers, the largest employer group listed[31]. Also, 19.8% were self-employed[32].
Job outlook
BLS projects employment to decline 14.5% from 2025 to 2035, from about 4,600 jobs to 4,000[2]. These counts include self-employed workers[2]. Employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5%[33].
BLS gives two reasons. Organizations publish more material electronically instead of printing it. Also, better publishing software lets other workers, such as editors and graphic designers, do desktop publishing tasks[34].
Even so, about 300 openings are projected each year[5]. Openings include jobs that come open when people retire or move to other work, not only new jobs[5]. Each year, 3.9% of workers leave the labor force and 5.5% move to a different occupation[35].
Is it a good fit?
The pay is a little above the all-occupations median[1][4], and the typical training is an associate's degree plus about a month on the job[6][17]. Some people may enter without a degree if they show software skill[19]. The main concern is the outlook. BLS projects a 14.5% decline, while all occupations are projected to grow 3.5%[2][33]. The work calls for attention to detail and for managing deadlines[24][25].
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a desktop publisher make an hour?
- The median was $26.58 an hour in May 2025[1]. The 10th percentile was $17.16 and the 90th was $46.23[9].
- What degree do you need to be a desktop publisher?
- The typical entry education is an associate's degree[6]. Workers with experience and software skill may enter without a college degree[19].
- How long does it take to become a desktop publisher?
- On-the-job training typically lasts about 1 month[17]. The facts do not give how long a degree takes.
- Are desktop publishers in demand?
- BLS projects a 14.5% decline from 2025 to 2035[2]. About 300 openings a year are still projected[5].
- What is the highest paying state for desktop publishers?
- Colorado had the highest median at $77,750 a year in May 2025[12].
Facts and sources
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Desktop Publishers in the US was $55,290 per year and $26.58 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS Employment Projections: employment of Desktop Publishers is projected to decline 14.5% from 2025 to 2035, from about 4,600 to 4,000 jobs (a change of -700). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Desktop Publishers: 10th percentile $35,680, 25th percentile $43,730, 75th percentile $73,840, 90th percentile $96,170. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS Employment Projections: about 300 openings for Desktop Publishers are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Desktop Publishers: education needed for entry: Associate's degree; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: Short-term on-the-job training. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Desktop Publishers was $61,970 per year and $29.79 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Desktop Publishers: 10th percentile $17.16, 25th percentile $21.02, 75th percentile $35.50, 90th percentile $46.23. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 3,350 people were employed as Desktop Publishers in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage for Desktop Publishers in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Desktop Publishers jobs: New York 350; California 320; Texas 270; Georgia 230; Florida 150. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Desktop Publishers (areas with at least 100 jobs): Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $72,590; New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ $63,020; Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN $58,130; Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA $42,730. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Desktop Publishers jobs: New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 320 (median $63,020); Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA 140 (median $42,730); Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN 120 (median $58,130); Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV 120 (median $72,590); Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX 90 (median $68,060); Anchorage, AK 70 (median $35,690). BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- O*NET 43-9031.00: Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. O*NET OnLine
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- O*NET description of Desktop Publishers. O*NET OnLine
- O*NET task list for Desktop Publishers. O*NET OnLine
- O*NET 43-9031.00 sample job titles reported by workers: Advertising Associate, Compositor, Computer Typesetter, Design Editor, Desktop Operator, Desktop Publishing Specialist, Electronic Console Display Operator, Electronic Imager. O*NET OnLine
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of desktop publishers in 2025: Publishing, broadcasting, and content providers 35%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- BLS Employment Projections: 19.8% of Desktop Publishers were self-employed in 2025. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS Employment Projections, factor affecting employment of Desktop Publishers: Demand change, occupational substitution - share decreases as organizations continue to publish their materials electronically instead of printing them and publishing software improvements make it easier for other workers, such as editors and graphic designers, to perform the duties of desktop publishers. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Desktop Publishers: 3.9% of workers leave the labor force each year and 5.5% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
- Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.