Expand mobile version menu
  Skip to main content

Desktop Publisher

salary graphic

AVG. SALARY

$47,930

education graphic

EDUCATION

Associate's degree

job outlook graphic

JOB OUTLOOK

Decreasing

What They Do

Desktop Publishers Career Video

About This Career

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

This career is part of the Arts, Audio-Video Technology and Communications cluster Printing Technology pathway.

A person in this career:

  • Operates desktop publishing software and equipment to design, lay out, and produce camera-ready copy.
  • Positions 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.
  • Checks preliminary and final proofs for errors and makes necessary corrections.
  • Views monitors for visual representation of work in progress and for instructions and feedback throughout process, making modifications as necessary.
  • Enters text into computer keyboard and selects the size and style of type, column width, and appropriate spacing for printed materials.
  • Prepares sample layouts for approval, using computer software.
  • Imports 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.
  • Studies layout or other design instructions to determine work to be done and sequence of operations.
  • Selects number of colors and determines color separations.
  • Converts various types of files for printing or for the Internet, using computer software.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

  • You would sit most of the time. There's some walking and standing. You may have to lift and carry things like books, papers or tools weighing 10 lbs. or less.
  • Work in this occupation involves using your hands to hold, control, and feel objects more than one-third of the time
  • Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
  • Work in this occupation involves sitting more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

  • Identifying color and seeing differences in color, including shades and brightness
  • Seeing clearly at a distance
  • Seeing clearly up close
  • Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
  • Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

  • Regular working hours and limited travel

Specialty and Similar Careers

Careers that are more detailed or close to this career:

  • Compositor
  • Design Editor
  • Desktop Operator
  • Publisher
  • Advertising Associate
  • Computer Typesetter
  • Desktop Publishing Specialist
  • Electronic Console Display Operator
  • Electronic Imager
  • Electronic Publishing Specialist

Contact

  • Email Support

  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900

Support


Powered by XAP

OCAP believes that financial literacy and understanding the financial aid process are critical aspects of college planning and student success. OCAP staff who work with students, parents, educators and community partners in the areas of personal finance education, state and federal financial aid, and student loan management do not provide financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice. This website and all information provided is for general educational purposes only, and is not intended to be construed as financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice.