Hiring Desktop Publishers
Employers across the 17 metro areas we have BLS OEWS wage data for pay desktop publishers a median of $35,690 to $83,280 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). A search through recruitlocalpros runs Tier I to Tier VI, $6,240 to $54,340, set by seniority, never by location or salary. Our vetted recruiting partner handles sourcing, screening and placement end to end.
What do desktop publishers do?
- Operate desktop publishing software and equipment to design, lay out, and produce camera-ready copy.
- 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.
- Check preliminary and final proofs for errors and make necessary corrections.
- View monitors for visual representation of work in progress and for instructions and feedback throughout process, making modifications as necessary.
- Enter text into computer keyboard and select the size and style of type, column width, and appropriate spacing for printed materials.
- Prepare sample layouts for approval, using computer software.
Core tasks, O*NET OnLine, 43-9031.00.
What does it take to become one?
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET Job Zone 3, SVP (6.0 to < 7.0). O*NET OnLine.
Employers commonly list experience with Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word for this role.
What do desktop publishers get paid?
BLS OEWS, May 2025 publishes a wage for desktop publishers in 17 of the metro areas in this build. The median ranges from $35,690 to $83,280 a year depending on the metro, with a midpoint of $63,020. This is what employers pay, place of work, not a single national figure and not what any one person takes home.
BLS OEWS, BLS OEWS, May 2025, SOC 43-9031.
What does hiring one cost?
The same as any role: tier, not location or salary, sets the fee. Across all six tiers the published range is $6,240 to $54,340 per search. For scale, the highest published median for desktop publishers in this build is $83,280. A contingency firm hiring at that level would bill roughly $16,656 to $24,984 on the first year salary alone, 20 to 30%.
Frequently asked
- How fast can a desktop publishers search fill?
- 23 to 35 days, 2 to 3x faster than a typical contingency search, per the recruiting provider's published figures.
- What if the hire does not work out?
- A 45-day replacement guarantee, at 50% off a repeat search for the same role.
Price a desktop publishers search
Eight questions about the role. Your tier range appears on screen, with the contingency comparison if you are paying one now.