43
Desktop Publishers is a notable career in the 43 category. This page provides verified data from BLS OEWS 2024 + O*NET 29.0 (2024), helping you compare Desktop Publishers against similar careers and make data-driven decisions.
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| soc | 43-9031 |
| title | Desktop Publishers |
| onet code | 43-9031.00 |
| description | Format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material. |
| job zone | 3 |
| major group | 43 |
| tot emp | 4,000 |
| a mean | 60,250 |
| a median | 53,620 |
| a pct10 | 34,650 |
| a pct25 | 42,680 |
| a pct75 | 71,990 |
| a pct90 | 92,880 |
| h mean | 28 |
| h median | 25 |
The day-to-day work of a desktop publishers typically centers on operate desktop publishing software and equipment to design, lay out, and produce camera-ready copy. Every task listed below is classified as Core in O*NET — they collectively define the role. Task descriptions below are quoted from the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET 29.0 occupation profile.
Workers in this occupation rely most on Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, and Judgment and Decision Making. Across the top 10 skills, the average O*NET importance score is 3.35 out of 5 — moderately weighted for this role. Importance reflects how essential each skill is for adequate job performance.
Among working desktop publishers, the most common entry qualification is a High School Diploma (44.3%). Bachelor's-degree-or-higher credentials are reported by 39% of incumbents. Entry pathways are mixed; a meaningful minority enters without a four-year degree.
Median annual pay is highest in Colorado at $75,490 and lowest in Kentucky at $33,780 — a 2.2× spread. The top five states (Colorado, New York, New Jersey, California, Minnesota) average $66,304. Figures reflect BLS OEWS May 2024 state-level wage estimates; percentiles shown are for full-time wage-earners in each state.
| State | Median | Mean | 10th % | 90th % | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $75,490 | $73,810 | $49,660 | $87,560 | 80 |
| New York | $65,740 | $72,780 | $45,100 | $113,570 | 490 |
| New Jersey | $65,650 | $65,150 | $32,140 | $98,860 | 70 |
| California | $63,620 | $72,840 | $38,320 | $110,290 | 460 |
| Minnesota | $61,020 | $64,910 | $38,260 | $91,020 | 230 |
| Oregon | $61,020 | $64,410 | $46,700 | $88,170 | 60 |
| Maryland | $56,590 | $61,820 | $44,890 | $92,440 | 90 |
| Louisiana | $55,110 | $53,810 | $21,240 | $82,210 | 60 |
| Massachusetts | $54,590 | $61,010 | $39,700 | $83,840 | 140 |
| Arizona | $54,310 | $58,520 | $45,310 | $81,810 | 80 |
| Illinois | $53,730 | $51,080 | $38,350 | $53,730 | 140 |
| Florida | $51,850 | $54,700 | $40,420 | $72,410 | 230 |
| Indiana | $51,520 | $49,230 | $35,390 | $68,970 | 60 |
| South Carolina | $50,660 | $58,390 | $43,700 | $92,110 | 40 |
| Maine | $48,660 | $47,170 | $31,200 | $56,850 | 40 |
| Texas | $47,940 | $52,100 | $29,980 | $73,930 | 410 |
| Missouri | $46,770 | $48,940 | $33,530 | $59,480 | 30 |
| North Carolina | $46,380 | $53,100 | $31,820 | $92,130 | 80 |
| Ohio | $45,130 | $48,360 | $27,470 | $75,240 | 50 |
| Georgia | $45,000 | $58,500 | $32,910 | $108,780 | 270 |
| Oklahoma | $43,790 | $40,950 | $19,840 | $66,380 | 50 |
| Tennessee | $42,940 | $47,120 | $28,550 | $54,520 | 80 |
| Nebraska | $38,070 | $42,440 | $32,520 | $62,810 | 30 |
| Kentucky | $33,780 | $40,320 | $19,390 | $57,900 | 30 |
Recruiters and job boards use several alternate titles for desktop publishers. Knowing these variants widens your job search — listings for Advertising Associate or Compositor frequently describe the same role. The list below is a sample of the most common industry variants.
This data helps you understand how Desktop Publishers compares to others in the 43 category. Use it to make informed decisions based on verified data from BLS OEWS 2024 + O*NET 29.0.
careers with the closest data values to Desktop Publishers
The CertifyWize editorial team aggregates and verifies careers data from BLS OEWS 2024 + O*NET 29.0. Every statistic on this site is cross-referenced against the official source before publication, with quarterly re-verification cycles.
Read our full methodology or contact us with corrections.