What Does a Desktop Publisher Do? Duties, Pay & Outlook

What does a desktop publisher do?

Desktop publishers use computer software to design page layouts for newspapers, books, brochures and other items that are printed or put online. The median pay is $55,290 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 2-year degree, and employment is projected to grow -14.5% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$55,290
$26.58/hour · May 2025
Job growth
-14.5%
2025–35, a projected decline
Openings per year
300
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
Associate's degree
BLS classification
Time to train
2-year degree
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
4,600
Employment, 2025

What desktop publishers do

Desktop publishers put pages together. They lay out text, photos and graphics in InDesign, follow brand guides, prepare print-ready files and digital PDFs, and fix typography and spacing.

An associate degree is typical. BLS projects a steep decline as designers and templates take over layout.

Typical duties

Lay out pages
Place text and images
Follow style guides
Fix typography
Prepare print files
Make digital PDFs
Proof layouts

Work environment and schedule

Desktop publishers work in offices, print shops and remotely.

Schedule: Full-time business hours.

A day in the life

8:30 AMOpen a brochure job.
9:00 AMPlace copy and images.
11:00 AMFix line breaks.
1:00 PMLay out a report.

See a full day in the life of a desktop publisher →

Desktop Publisher salary

Half of desktop publishers earned more than $55,290 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $35,680 for the lowest 10% to $96,170 for the top 10%.

$35,68010th$55,290Median$96,17090th

Full desktop publisher pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a desktop publisher

Earn an associate degree
Master InDesign
Build a portfolio
Get hired
Advance

An associate degree in graphic design or related field is typical.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a desktop publisher →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

InDesign
Typography
Layout
Image prep
Print production

People skills

Attention to detail
Organization
Patience
Communication

All desktop publisher skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Creative layout work
Remote options
Two-year path
Detail work

Cons

Steep decline
Repetitive layouts
Deadline crunches
Screen time

Certifications and licenses

Adobe Certified Professional: InDesign.
Accessible PDF training: Helpful.
Graphic design certificate: Helpful.
Print production course: Helpful.

Career path

Production Assistant: Entry.
Desktop Publisher: Layout.
Senior Production Artist: Lead.
Graphic Designer: Design.

Learn the job before day one

Our Desktop Publisher training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as set up paragraph styles in InDesign and fix widows and orphans, safety and how to land your first job.

View Desktop Publisher training Is this career right for me?

Graphic Designer

Create logos, layouts and visuals that communicate ideas and build brands.

$62,960
4 years or portfolio-based training

Prepress Technician

Prepare digital files and printing plates so print jobs come out right.

$48,690
Certificate program

Editor

Plan, review and improve writing for publications, websites and books.

$77,920
Writing experience plus on-the-job learning

Proofreader

Catch errors in text before it’s printed or published.

$51,120
Short on-the-job training

Compare: Desktop Publisher vs. Graphic Designer · Desktop Publisher vs. Prepress Technician · Desktop Publisher vs. Editor · Desktop Publisher vs. Proofreader

Desktop Publisher FAQ

Is desktop publishing declining?

Yes, BLS projects a steep decline.

What skills transfer?

Layout and InDesign skills transfer to design roles.

Do I need a degree?

An associate degree is typical.

How much does a desktop publisher make?

The median annual wage for desktop publishers was $55,290 ($26.58 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $35,680 and the highest 10% earned more than $96,170.

How long does it take to become a desktop publisher?

Most people need about 2-year degree of training. An associate degree in graphic design or related field is typical.

Do you need a degree to be a desktop publisher?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “associate's degree” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 43-9031 (Desktop publishers).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Desktop publishers (U.S. Department of Labor).
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

Desktop Publisher