Desktop Publisher Salary
Desktop Publishers earn a median $55,290 a year nationally. Office and Administrative Support Occupations
What desktop publishers do
Format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.
- Typical education
- Associate's degree
- Work experience
- None required
- On-the-job training
- Short-term on-the-job training
- Job outlook, 2025–35
- -14.5% (declining)
- Openings per year
- 300
- Self-employed
- 20%
Employment of desktop publishers is projected to shrink 14.5% from 2025 to 2035, slower than the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 300 openings are expected each year, on average, including jobs left by workers who retire or switch careers.
Source: BLS Standard Occupational Classification and Employment Projections, 2025–35.
Desktop Publisher take-home pay calculator
Starts at the national median. Pick your state to see your real paycheck.
- Federal income tax$4,455
- Social Security (6.2%)$3,428
- Medicare (1.45%)$802
- Texas income tax$0
- Take-home pay$46,606
Marginal rate: 12% federal + 0.00% state
Pay by experience
| Percentile | Salary | Hourly | Take-home (no state tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $35,680 | $17.15 | $30,849 |
| 25th percentile | $43,730 | $21.02 | $37,317 |
| Median (50th) | $55,290 | $26.58 | $46,606 |
| 75th percentile | $73,840 | $35.50 | $60,776 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $96,170 | $46.24 | $76,486 |
Desktop Publisher salary by state
| State | Median | 1-yr change | Take-home | Range | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $77,750 | +3.0% | $60,815 | $39,990 – $114,730 | — |
| California | $71,930 | +13.1% | $55,955 | $42,080 – $115,410 | 320 |
| Maryland | $69,820 | +23.4% | $54,996 | $45,090 – $89,750 | 140 |
| New Jersey | $63,020 | −4.0% | $50,882 | $49,760 – $99,470 | 100 |
| South Carolina | $62,320 | +23.0% | $49,672 | $49,890 – $94,500 | 40 |
| Illinois | $61,350 | +14.2% | $48,583 | $44,480 – $79,620 | 150 |
| Massachusetts | $61,170 | +12.1% | $48,492 | $46,320 – $90,020 | 80 |
| Texas | $57,760 | +20.5% | $48,590 | $33,480 – $72,180 | 270 |
| New York | $56,660 | −13.8% | $45,244 | $34,320 – $108,860 | 350 |
| Minnesota | $54,930 | −10.0% | $44,104 | $46,910 – $80,590 | 90 |
| Vermont | $53,550 | — | $43,847 | $30,020 – $63,330 | 50 |
| Ohio | $53,380 | +18.3% | $44,385 | $47,710 – $69,000 | 60 |
| Florida | $52,720 | +1.7% | $44,541 | $42,220 – $73,890 | 150 |
| Arizona | $52,000 | −4.3% | $42,871 | $44,440 – $84,250 | 30 |
| Oregon | $50,650 | −17.0% | $39,275 | $38,200 – $85,170 | 90 |
| Indiana | $49,070 | −4.8% | $40,190 | $36,300 – $59,750 | 130 |
| New Hampshire | $48,300 | — | $40,989 | $48,300 – $65,910 | 30 |
| Louisiana | $47,130 | −14.5% | $39,021 | $21,960 – $84,430 | 40 |
| Maine | $47,100 | −3.2% | $38,027 | $30,470 – $63,150 | 30 |
| Oklahoma | $46,040 | +5.1% | $37,647 | $35,930 – $71,350 | 40 |
| Wisconsin | $46,010 | — | $37,906 | $25,310 – $60,120 | 40 |
| Kentucky | $45,760 | +35.5% | $37,464 | $19,200 – $58,510 | 40 |
| Michigan | $45,300 | — | $36,904 | $41,000 – $63,400 | 40 |
| Tennessee | $44,440 | +3.5% | $37,888 | $27,080 – $112,240 | 40 |
| North Carolina | $43,700 | −5.8% | $36,058 | $38,130 – $84,630 | 80 |
| Georgia | $39,460 | −12.3% | $32,461 | $34,970 – $112,350 | 230 |
| Nebraska | $36,280 | −4.7% | $30,560 | $34,000 – $50,470 | 40 |
Related jobs
| Job | Median salary | Education | Growth 2025–35 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proofreader and Copy Marker | $51,120 | Bachelor's degree | -0.9% |
| Statistical Assistant | $50,330 | Bachelor's degree | -1.8% |
| Word Processor and Typist | $49,280 | High school diploma or equivalent | -34.4% |
| Insurance Claim and Policy Processing Clerk | $49,230 | High school diploma or equivalent | -1.9% |
| Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other | $45,670 | High school diploma or equivalent | -7.3% |
| Office Clerks, General | $45,010 | High school diploma or equivalent | -6.0% |
| Data Entry Keyer | $41,340 | High school diploma or equivalent | -25.5% |
| Office Machine Operators, Except Computer | $40,960 | High school diploma or equivalent | -14.9% |
| Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service | $39,280 | High school diploma or equivalent | -7.2% |
| Legal Secretary and Administrative Assistant | $55,570 | High school diploma or equivalent | -5.2% |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a desktop publisher make?
The national median salary for desktop publishers is $55,290 a year ($26.58 an hour). The lowest-paid 10% earn under $35,680 and the top 10% earn over $96,170. Source: BLS, May 2025.
Which state pays desktop publishers the most?
Colorado has the highest median pay at $77,750.
How many desktop publishers are there in the U.S.?
About 3,350 people work as desktop publishers nationwide.