Information Provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
About 4 out of 10 desktop publishers work for newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers, while 1 out of 4 work in printing and related support activities. Employment is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. Most employers prefer to hire experienced desktop publishers; among persons without experience, opportunities should be best for those with certificates or degrees in desktop publishing or graphic design.
On average, Desktop Publishers earn $ 34,130 per year.
Job Opportunities for Desktop Publishers are expected to:
Increase faster than average.
Desktop publishers use computer software to format and combine text, data, photographs, charts, and other graphic art or illustrations into prototypes of pages and other documents that are to be printed. They then may print the document using a high resolution printer or they may send the materials, either in print form or electronically, to a commercial printer. Examples of materials produced by desktop publishers include books, brochures, calendars, magazines, newsletters and newspapers, packaging, and forms.
There is generally no educational requirement for the job of desktop publisher. Most people learn on the job or by taking classes on line or through local learning centers that teach the latest software. For those who are interested in pursuing a career in desktop publishing, an associate degree or a bachelors degree in graphic arts, graphic communications, or graphic design is preferred.
Desktop publishers held about 32,000 jobs in 2006. About 35 percent worked for newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers, while 24 percent worked in the printing and related support activities industry. Other desktop publishers work for professional, scientific, and technical services firms and in many other industries that produce printed or published materials.
