Desktop Publisher

Explore This Path

Ideal for creative minds who love blending art and technology in publications.
Shape the visual impact of print and digital media with your design skills.
Transform ideas into visually stunning layouts that captivate audiences.

💰 Earn $50K-$86K

📚 Associate Degree

⏱️ 12–24 MONTH TRAINING

📈 -13.4% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

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

Operate desktop publishing software and equipment to design, lay out, and produce camera-ready copy.
Position 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.
Check preliminary and final proofs for errors and make necessary corrections.
View monitors for visual representation of work in progress and for instructions and feedback throughout process, making modifications as necessary.
Enter text into computer keyboard and select the size and style of type, column width, and appropriate spacing for printed materials.

Scoop

Minimum Education

Associate Degree

Career Prospects

Risky (Decreasing by 5% or more)

Training Time

1 to 2 years

Job Openings

500 Annually

Median Earnings

$68,880 in California

$51,290 Nationally

$25K

$50K

$75K

$100K

$125K

$150K

$175K

$200K

$225K

$250K

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Being creative or artistic
Thinking and problem solving
Using data or completing tasks

You are skilled in 💫

Critical Thinking
Judgment and Decision Making
Monitoring
Operation and Control
Operations Monitoring

You value 🙏

Accomplishing things
Having support
Having freedom

Deep Dive

Desktop Publisher

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years