Desktop Publishers Salary in the United States
The median annual wage for desktop publishers in the U.S. is $55,290 ($26.58 per hour), according to the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, May 2025 estimates.
- Median annual wage
- $55,290
- Mean annual wage
- $61,970
- Median hourly wage
- $26.58
- Employment
- 3,350
3,350 employed
Wage percentiles
| Percentile | Annual wage | Hourly wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $35,680 | $17.16 |
| 25th percentile | $43,730 | $21.02 |
| Median (50th) | $55,290 | $26.58 |
| 75th percentile | $73,840 | $35.50 |
| 90th percentile | $96,170 | $46.23 |
Highest-paying states for desktop publishers
| State | Median annual wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $77,750 | — |
| California | $71,930 | 320 |
| Maryland | $69,820 | 140 |
| New Jersey | $63,020 | 100 |
| South Carolina | $62,320 | 40 |
| Illinois | $61,350 | 150 |
| Massachusetts | $61,170 | 80 |
| Texas | $57,760 | 270 |
| New York | $56,660 | 350 |
| Minnesota | $54,930 | 90 |
Lowest-paying states
- Nebraska: $36,280 median annual wage
- Georgia: $39,460 median annual wage
- North Carolina: $43,700 median annual wage
- Tennessee: $44,440 median annual wage
- Michigan: $45,300 median annual wage
About this occupation
Format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.
Typical tasks
- Edit graphics and photos, using pixel or bitmap editing, airbrushing, masking, or image retouching.
- Enter text into computer keyboard and select the size and style of type, column width, and appropriate spacing for printed materials.
- 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.
- Study layout or other design instructions to determine work to be done and sequence of operations.
- Convert various types of files for printing or for the Internet, using computer software.
- Store copies of publications on paper, magnetic tape, film, or diskette.
Education of the current workforce — typical entry: Associate's degree
| Education level | Share of workers |
|---|---|
| Less than high school diploma | 2.5% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 18.5% |
| Some college, no degree | 24.4% |
| Associate's degree | 13.1% |
| Bachelor's degree | 29.4% |
| Master's degree | 10.5% |
| Doctoral or professional degree | 1.6% |
Occupation profile data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Related occupations
- Customer Service Representatives$44,770
- Office Clerks, General$45,010
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive$47,540
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers$69,500
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks$50,670
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants$45,930
- Receptionists and Information Clerks$38,010
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks$45,260
About this data
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — data period May 2025, retrieved August 13, 2026.
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — data period May 2025, retrieved August 13, 2026.
- CareerOneStop Occupation Profiles — data period 2026-08, retrieved August 14, 2026.
Figures are shown exactly as published by the source or derived by the documented formulas on our methodology page. Where a source suppresses an estimate, we show “—” rather than a substitute value.