As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Desktop Publisher I in the United States is $51,500. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $46,640 to $57,090, with most professionals earning between $42,215 and $62,179.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $57,090 | $4,758 | $1,098 | $27 |
| Average | $51,500 | $4,292 | $990 | $25 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,640 | $3,887 | $897 | $22 |
An entry-level Desktop Publisher I with less than 1 year of experience earns about $51,137. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $51,667. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $52,918. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $53,169, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $53,336.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Desktop Publisher I | $51,137 |
| Intermediate Level Desktop Publisher I | $51,667 |
| Senior Level Desktop Publisher I | $52,918 |
| Specialist Level Desktop Publisher I | $53,169 |
| Expert Level Desktop Publisher I | $53,336 |
| Entry Level | 1% |
| Mid Level | 0% |
| Senior Level | 3% |
| Top Level | 3% |
| Experienced | 4% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Desktop Publisher I compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $46,494 in 2023 to approximately $46,632 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Desktop Publisher I salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
Salary.com job board provides millions of Desktop Publisher I information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Desktop Publisher I job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for Desktop Publisher I and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $51,500 | 67.7% | ||
| Bonus | $0 | 0.0% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $3,940 | 5.2% | ||
| 401K/403B | $2,163 | 2.8% | ||
| Disability | $1,030 | 1.4% | ||
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 11.0% | ||
| Pension | $2,781 | 3.7% | ||
| Time Off | $6,338 | 8.3% | ||
| Total Compensation | $76,104 | 100% | ||
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| High School | 17.2% |
| Associates | 20.2% |
| Bachelors | 57.6% |
| Masters | 5.1% |
What Am I Worth?
Desktop publishers earn an average yearly salary of $52,480. Salaries typically start from $45,500 and can go up to $59,690, reflecting the range of experience and expertise in the field.
Yes, desktop publishing is a valuable skill that encompasses both technical and creative aspects. It includes prepress production, programming, and communication design, as well as graphic image development. Professionals in this field can expect salaries ranging from $45,500 to $59,690, with a median salary of $52,480, reflecting the demand for these skills.
The five most popular desktop publishing software are Adobe InDesign, known as the industry standard; Serif Affinity Publisher 2, a professional subscription-free option; Microsoft Publisher, though its updates have slowed; Scribus, an open-source alternative; and QuarkXPress. Desktop Publishers earn between $45,500 and $59,690, with a median salary of $52,480.
In the US, Desktop Publishers earn between $45,500 and $59,690 annually, with a median salary of approximately $52,480. These figures reflect the typical salary range for this profession, providing a clearer picture of earnings compared to broader publisher roles.
Desktop publishers typically require an associate's degree, often in graphic design or graphic communications. The salary range for this role varies, with a minimum salary of $45,500, a mid-range salary of $52,480, and a maximum salary of $59,690, reflecting the skills and experience of the individual.
The highest paying job in publishing is typically the Publication Specialist, with salaries ranging from $94,000 to $116,500 per year. Other high-paying roles include Publishing Manager ($69,000-$111,500), Technical Publications Manager ($60,500-$89,500), and Publisher ($48,000-$71,500). In contrast, a Desktop Publisher earns between $45,500 and $59,690 annually.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
