Desktop Publishing Specialists

Overview » Industry Pathways » Printing Technologies

What they do

Desktop publishing specialists use computer software to format and combine text, numerical data, photographs, charts, and other visual graphic elements to produce publication-ready material. These are the workers who, as children, probably loved drawing and coloring.

Materials produced by desktop publishers include books, business cards, calendars, magazines, newsletters, newspapers, packaging, slides, and tickets. As companies bring the production of marketing materials in-house, they increasingly employ people who can produce such materials.

Desktop publishers use computers to create an entire newspaper, catalog, or book, complete with artwork and graphics on the screen exactly as it will appear in print. They can transmit the pages for production either into film and then into printing plates, or directly into plates.

Desktop publishers often use scanners to capture photographs, images, or art as digital data that can be either incorporated directly into electronic page layouts or further manipulated with the use of computer software.

Desktop publishers may also 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.

Employment  

Desktop publishers held about 32,000 jobs in 2006. Two out of three worked in the newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishing. The rest worked in a wide variety of industries.

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

Job Outlook

Employment of desktop publishers is expected not to grow through 2016, as more page layout and design work is performed in-house using computers and sophisticated publishing software. Many new jobs for desktop publishers are expected to emerge in commercial printing and publishing establishments.

Education and Earnings

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. The average certificate program takes approximately one year. However, some desktop publishers train on-the-job to develop the necessary skills. An internship is another way to gain experience as a desktop publisher. Details about apprenticeship and other training programs may be obtained from local employers such as newspapers and printing shops or from local offices of the state employment service.

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. Most employers prefer to hire people who have at least a high school diploma and who possess good communication skills, basic computer skills, and a strong work ethic.

Earnings for desktop publishers vary according to level of experience, training, location, and size of firm. Typical annual earnings of desktop publishers were $35,510 in 2006.

If you are interested in this occupation or are wondering about related occupations, use the links below to continue your exploration. Always remember, the more effort you put into exploring possible careers, the easier it will be for you to discover the best career choices for you!

Sources of Additional Information  

For career information and links to employment resources contact:

U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: http://www.bls.gov/oco/

Occupational Information Network, O*NET Online: http://online.onetcenter.org/

For information on careers and training in printing, desktop publishing, and graphic arts, write to any of the following sources:

Graphic Communications Council: http://www.npes.org/education/index.html

Graphic Arts Technical Foundation: http://www.gatf.org

For information on benefits and compensation in desktop publishing, contact:

Printing Industries of America, Inc. http://www.gain.org

For information about planning and paying for college, visit Junior Achievement’s Financial Aid Center.