Career Overview
Format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.
Also Known As
- Compositor
- Computer Typesetter
- Electronic Console Display Operator
- Publisher
Alternate Job Titles
- Advertising Associate
- Compositor
- Computer Compositor
- Computer Publisher
- Computer Typesetter
- Design Editor
- Desktop Operator
- Desktop Publisher
- Desktop Publishing Associate
- Desktop Publishing Specialist
- Desktop Support Engineer
- Digital Publisher
- Digital Publishing Specialist
- Document Design Specialist
- DTP Operator (Desktop Publishing Operator)
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
- Import text and art elements, such as electronic clip art or electronic files from photographs that have been scanned or produced with a digital camera, using computer software.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Computers and Electronics
- Communications and Media
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Judgment and Decision Making
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Near Vision
- Information Ordering
- Originality
- Visualization
- Fluency of Ideas
- Written Comprehension
- Oral Comprehension
- Written Expression
- Problem Sensitivity
- Visual Color Discrimination
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Innovation
- Cautiousness
- Achievement Orientation
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Achievement
- Support
- Recognition
- Independence
- Working Conditions
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
On-the-Job Training: Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: 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.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe After Effects
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Photoshop
- Apple macOS
- Cascading style sheets CSS
- Extensible markup language XML
- Hypertext markup language HTML
Tools & Equipment
- Desktop computers
- Laser printers
- Notebook computers
- Pen tablets
- Scanners
Work Environment
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Spend Time Sitting
- Time Pressure
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $34,650 |
| Median | $53,620 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $92,880 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 4,000
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Prepress Technicians and Workers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $47,300
Graphic Designers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $61,300
Proofreaders and Copy Markers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $49,210
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $98,090
Special Effects Artists and Animators
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $99,800
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.