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Alamo Colleges DistrictCareer Explorer

Desktop Publishers

Part of Arts, Audio/Video Technology & Communications, in the Printing Technology pathway.

Job zone 3: medium preparationO*NET 43-9031.00

What the work is

Format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.

On a typical day

  • Check preliminary and final proofs for errors and make necessary corrections.
  • Operate desktop publishing software and equipment to design, lay out, and produce camera-ready copy.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Enter digitized data into electronic prepress system computer memory, using scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse.

What it pays

$57,760
Median pay per year, Texas (no San Antonio figure published)
New workers start near $33,480
Experienced workers reach $72,180
  1. $33k10th
  2. $43k25th
  3. $58kMedian
  4. $70k75th
  5. $72k90th
Wage percentiles: 10th $33,480, 25th $43,010, Median $57,760, 75th $69,840, 90th $72,180

Job outlook

U.S. projection, 2024 to 2034.

-12%

U.S. employment change

400

openings a year nationwide, from growth and people leaving

5,000

employed nationwide in 2024

Typical entry education: Associate's degree · Training: Short-term on-the-job training

Skills this career uses

The skills O*NET rates most important for the job, with how much of each the work needs on a 1 to 7 scale.

  1. Reading Comprehension4.0
  2. Critical Thinking3.9
  3. Judgment and Decision Making3.0
  4. Active Listening3.8
  5. Speaking3.6
  6. Writing3.6
  7. Complex Problem Solving3.6
  8. Time Management3.5

Education people in this job have

Share of workers by highest education, from O*NET surveys. It shows what others did, not what you must do.

  1. High school or less44%
  2. Certificate5%
  3. Some college1%
  4. Associate degree11%
  5. Bachelor's degree39%

Job zone 3, medium preparation: Training, an associate degree, or a few years of related experience.

Alamo programs that lead here

No Alamo program is mapped to this career yet. Many careers start from a transfer pre-major or a related program.

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