Desktop Publisher Salary Guide 2025: $55,290 Median, -12% Growth
Desktop publishing is an occupation in decline, but it still pays a respectable middle-class wage. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for desktop publishers is $55,290, or about $27 per hour. The top 10% earn over $96,170, while the bottom 10% make less than $35,680. Only 3,350 people work in this role nationwide, and the BLS projects 400 openings per year as the field shrinks by 12.4% from 2024 to 2034.
How much Desktop Publishers earn
The median salary of $55,290 puts desktop publishers above the U.S. median for all occupations ($48,060). Most earn between $35,680 and $96,170. The mean (average) wage is slightly higher at $61,970, pulled up by high earners in top markets.
- Median: $55,290 (about $27/hour)
- Typical range: $35,680 - $96,170 (10th to 90th percentile)
- Mean annual wage: $61,970
Pay by state
Where you work matters a lot. Colorado tops the list at $77,750, followed by California ($71,930), Maryland ($69,820), New Jersey ($63,020), and South Carolina ($62,320). On the low end, North Carolina averages $43,700, Georgia $39,460, and Nebraska $36,280. Note that these are state-level mean wages; cost of living varies widely.
How to become Desktop Publisher
Most desktop publishers learn on the job or through a postsecondary certificate or associate degree in graphic design, visual communication, or a related field. High school courses in computer graphics and desktop publishing software (Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) are a common first step. There is no state licensing requirement, but many employers prefer candidates with a portfolio demonstrating layout and typography skills. The typical entry path: complete a certificate program (6 months to 1 year), build a portfolio, and apply for entry-level positions at print shops, publishing houses, or marketing departments.
Key skills include proficiency with page layout software, attention to detail, and basic knowledge of color theory and pre-press processes.
- Earn a certificate or associate degree in graphic design or desktop publishing
- Master Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator
- Build a portfolio of print projects (brochures, newsletters, books)
- Apply to printing companies, publishers, or corporate marketing departments
Job outlook
The BLS projects a 12.4% decline in employment for desktop publishers from 2024 to 2034 — much faster than the -0.3% average for all occupations. The automation of layout tasks and the shift to digital media are driving the drop. Still, about 400 openings per year arise from workers retiring or leaving the field. Competition will be strong, and the best prospects are for those who combine desktop publishing with web design, digital marketing, or project management skills.
Frequently asked questions
Is desktop publisher a good career?
It can be if you enjoy layout work, but the field is shrinking. Median pay of $55,290 is decent, but job openings are few (400/year) and decline is steep (-12.4%).
Do desktop publishers need a degree?
Not necessarily — many employers accept a certificate or associate degree. However, a strong portfolio and software skills (InDesign, Photoshop) are essential.
Which states pay desktop publishers the most?
Colorado ($77,750), California ($71,930), and Maryland ($69,820) top the list. Nebraska ($36,280) and Georgia ($39,460) pay the least.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Desktop Publishers data.