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Career Exploration

Desktop Publishers

Also called: Compositor, Computer Typesetter, Electronic Console Display Operator, Publisher

What they do:

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

On the job, you would:
  • 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.
On the job, you'll need:

Engineering and Technology

  • computers and electronics

Communications

  • multimedia

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Basic Skills

  • reading work related information
  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

People and Technology Systems

  • thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one

Ideas and Logic

  • order or arrange things
  • create new and original ideas

Verbal

  • read and understand what is written
  • communicate by writing

Conventional

People interested in this work like activities that include data, detail, and regular routines.

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Cooperation
  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Integrity
  • Stress Tolerance

Graphics or photo imaging software

  • Adobe Creative Cloud software
  • Adobe Illustrator

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Desktop publishing software

  • Adobe InDesign
  • Microsoft Publisher

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Below Average.

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $47,910

Education

High school diploma/GED or bachelor's degree is usually needed.