What They Do
Desktop publishers use computer software to design page layouts for newspapers, books, brochures, and other items that are printed or published online.
Duties
Desktop publishers typically do the following:
- Review text, graphics, or other materials created by writers and designers
- Edit graphics, such as photographs or illustrations
- Import text and graphics into publishing software
- Integrate images and text to create cohesive pages
- Adjust text properties, such as size, column width, and spacing
- Revise layouts and make corrections as necessary
- Submit or upload final files for printing or online publishing
Desktop publishers use publishing software to create page layouts for print or electronic publication. They may edit text by correcting its spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
Desktop publishers often work with other design, media, or marketing workers, including writers, editors, and graphic designers. For example, they work with graphic designers to come up with images that complement the text and fit the available space.
Work Environment
Desktop publishers held about 5,000 jobs in 2024. The largest employers of desktop publishers were as follows:
| Publishing, broadcasting, and content providers | 38% |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 12 |
| Educational services; state, local, and private | 6 |
| Administrative and support services | 5 |
| Civic, social, professional, and similar organizations | 1 |
Work Schedules
Many desktop publishers work full time, and they may need to work additional hours to meet publication deadlines.
How to Become One
Desktop publishers typically need an associate’s degree. They also receive short-term on-the-job training lasting about 1 month.
Pay
The median annual wage for desktop publishers was $53,620 in May 2024.
Job Outlook
Employment of desktop publishers is projected to grow 12 percent from 2024 to 2034, decline.
About 400 openings for desktop publishers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.