Desktop Publishers - Careers, Jobs, Education, Training

Desktop publishers format and combine text, numerical data, photographs, charts, and other visual graphic elements to produce publication-ready material using computer software. These workers enjoy working quietly alone as they put together their many and varied creations. Desktop publishers may write and edit text, create graphics to accompany text, convert photographs and drawings into digital images and then manipulate those images, design page layouts, develop presentations and advertising campaigns, typeset and do color separation, and translate electronic information onto film or other traditional forms. Using their special skills and knowledge, and of course great computers and software, these workers get to do some pretty amazing things!

Materials produced by desktop publishers include books, business cards, calendars, magazines, newsletters and newspapers, packaging, slides, and tickets. As companies have decided to do their own production of marketing, promotional, and other kinds of materials in-house, they increasingly have employed desktop publishers who can produce such materials.

Like photographers and multimedia artists and animators, desktop publishers also can create special effects or other visual images, using film, video, computers, or other electronic media.

These workers have many titles, and also may be referred to as publications specialists, electronic publishers, DTP operators, desktop-publishing editors, electronic prepress technicians, electronic-publishing specialists, image designers, typographers, compositors, layout artists, and Web publications designers.

Desktop publishers held about 35,000 jobs in 2002. Two out of three worked in the newspaper, periodical, book and directory publishing, and printing and related support activities. The rest worked in a wide variety of industries.

Firms in the publishing industry employ most desktop publishers. These firms publish newspapers, periodicals, books, directory and mailing lists, and even greeting cards.

Employment of desktop publishers is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2012, as more page layout and design work is performed in-house using computers and sophisticated publishing software. Many new jobs for desktop publishers are also expected to open in commercial printing and publishing establishments. However, more companies are also turning to in-house desktop publishers, as computers with elaborate text and graphics capabilities have become common, and desktop publishing software has become cheaper and easier to use.

Most employers prefer to hire experienced desktop publishers. As more people gain desktop-publishing experience, however, competition for jobs may increase. Among persons without experience, opportunities should be best for those with computer backgrounds who are certified or who have completed postsecondary programs in desktop publishing or graphic design. Many employers prefer graduates of these programs because the comprehensive training they receive helps them learn the page-layout process, new software and techniques. More education usually does pay off!

Most workers qualify for jobs as desktop publishers by taking classes or completing certificate programs at vocational schools, universities, and colleges, or through the Internet. Programs range in length, but the average certificate program takes approximately one year to complete. Some desktop publishers train on-the-job to develop the necessary skills. The length of on-the-job training varies by company. An internship or part-time desktop-publishing assignment is another way to gain experience as a desktop publisher.

Students interested in pursuing a career in desktop publishing may obtain an associate’s degree in applied science or a bachelor’s degree in graphic arts, graphic communications, or graphic design.

Although formal training is not always required, those with certificates or degrees will have the best job opportunities.

Earnings for desktop publishers vary according to level of experience, training, location, and size of firm. Typical annual earnings of desktop publishers were $31,620 in 2002. Typical annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of these workers in 2002 are presented in the following:

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