How much does a desktop publisher make?
The median desktop publisher in the United States earns $55,290 per year, about $26.58 an hour. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all desktop publishers earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. SOC code 43-9031.
Desktop publisher salary range
Pay for desktop publishers spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $35,680 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $96,170. The average (mean) wage of $61,970 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $35,680 | $17.16 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $43,730 | $21.02 | |
| Median (50th) | $55,290 | $26.58 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $73,840 | $35.50 | |
| 90th percentile | $96,170 | $46.23 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for desktop publishers (SOC 43-9031), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2025.
Desktop publisher salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Desktop publishers earn the most in Colorado at $77,750 a year, and the least in Nebraska at $36,280. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $77,750 | N/A |
| 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 |
| Vermont | $53,550 | 50 |
| Ohio | $53,380 | 60 |
| Florida | $52,720 | 150 |
| Arizona | $52,000 | 30 |
| Oregon | $50,650 | 90 |
| Indiana | $49,070 | 130 |
| New Hampshire | $48,300 | 30 |
| Louisiana | $47,130 | 40 |
| Maine | $47,100 | 30 |
| Oklahoma | $46,040 | 40 |
| Wisconsin | $46,010 | 40 |
| Kentucky | $45,760 | 40 |
| Michigan | $45,300 | 40 |
| Tennessee | $44,440 | 40 |
| North Carolina | $43,700 | 80 |
| Georgia | $39,460 | 230 |
| Nebraska | $36,280 | 40 |
State median wages for desktop publishers (SOC 43-9031), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2025. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for desktop publishers
The BLS projects employment of desktop publishers to shrink from 2025 to 2035 (down 14.5%). That is a decline, against 3.5% average growth for all occupations. That works out to roughly 4,600 jobs in 2025 moving toward 4,000 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 300 openings a year for desktop publishers. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become a desktop publisher
The typical entry-level education for desktop publishers is an associate's degree, according to the BLS. New hires typically complete short-term on-the-job training to reach full competency.
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much a desktop publisher earns
Employer, industry, seniority, and metro area drive pay. Large organizations and high cost cities pay above small offices and entry-level roles.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (Colorado, $77,750) and the lowest (Nebraska, $36,280) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 3,350 people work as desktop publishers in the United States. At $55,290 a year, the job pays above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs.
Desktop publisher salary FAQ
How much does a desktop publisher make an hour?
The median hourly wage for a desktop publisher is $26.58. The middle half of desktop publishers earn between $21.02 and $35.50 per hour.
What is the highest desktop publisher salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of desktop publishers earn more than $96,170 per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does a desktop publisher make a year?
The median annual salary for a desktop publisher is $55,290. The average (mean) wage of $61,970 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
Is being a desktop publisher a well paid job?
At $55,290 a year, a desktop publisher earns above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs. About 3,350 people work as desktop publishers in the United States.
Which state pays desktop publishers the most?
Colorado has the highest median salary for desktop publishers at $77,750 a year. California ($71,930) and Maryland ($69,820) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2025.
Is being a desktop publisher a good career?
Employment of desktop publishers is projected to shrink 14.5% from 2025 to 2035, a decline, against 3.5% average growth for all occupations. The BLS projects about 300 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become a desktop publisher?
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for desktop publishers as an associate's degree, so a college degree is usually expected.
Related salaries
See more in Office & Administrative salaries or browse the highest paying jobs in the U.S.