Office & Administrative Support
Desktop Publishers
Also called: Advertising Associate, Compositor, Computer Typesetter, Design Editor
US median pay
$55,290
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
-14.5%
declining
Openings a year (US)
300
4,600 employed
Typical entry education
Associate's degree
Preparation 3/5 · Medium preparation
What this job is
Format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.
What they do day to day
- 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.
- Prepare sample layouts for approval, using computer software.
- Import 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.
- Study layout or other design instructions to determine work to be done and sequence of operations.
- Select number of colors and determine color separations.
- Convert various types of files for printing or for the Internet, using computer software.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Judgment and Decision Making3.6/5
- Time Management3.1/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.1/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.0/5
- Service Orientation2.9/5
- Operations Analysis2.9/5
- Management of Personnel Resources2.9/5
- Coordination2.9/5
Knowledge
- Computers and Electronics4.0/5
- Communications and Media3.6/5
- English Language3.4/5
- Administrative2.8/5
- Production and Processing2.8/5
- Design2.6/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 3 of 5 — Medium preparation. Usually vocational training, an associate's degree or an apprenticeship.
Typical entry education (BLS): Associate's degree.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma44%
- Bachelor's degree39%
- Associate's degree11%
Who this job suits
Mostly Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Artistic
Creating, designing and self-expression
Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.