Desktop publishers Salary in the United States
Median pay, percentile range, and top US metros — official BLS data.
The median salary for Desktop publishers in the United States is $55,290 per year — about $27 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Half of all workers in this occupation earn between $43,730 and $73,840 a year.
Salary range
Top US metros for Desktop publishers
| Metro | Local salary |
|---|---|
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO | $77,740 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $80,960 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $82,010 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $77,750 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $83,280 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $68,060 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $72,590 |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $63,030 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $61,020 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $58,130 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do Desktop publishers make in the US?
The median salary is $55,290 per year (about $27 per hour), according to BLS data. The middle 50% of workers earn between $43,730 and $73,840 a year.
How much do Desktop publishers make per hour?
About $27 per hour, based on the median annual salary of $55,290 for full-time work (2,080 hours per year).
What education do you need to work as Desktop publishers?
Typical entry-level education: Associate's degree, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do these salary figures include bonuses or overtime?
No. BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics reflect base wages only — they exclude overtime pay, bonuses, and most benefits.
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