Career Exploration Guide

SOC: 43-9031

Desktop Publishers

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

Education:		Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

OJT:		Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Tasks:		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. 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. Convert various types of files for printing or for the Internet, using computer software. Transmit, deliver or mail publication master to printer for production into film and plates. Study layout or other design instructions to determine work to be done and sequence of operations. Enter digitized data into electronic prepress system computer memory, using scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse. View monitors for visual representation of work in progress and for instructions and feedback throughout process, making modifications as necessary. 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. Collaborate with graphic artists, editors and writers to produce master copies according to design specifications. Select number of colors and determine color separations. Prepare sample layouts for approval, using computer software. Edit graphics and photos using pixel or bitmap editing, airbrushing, masking, or image retouching. Enter text into computer keyboard and select the size and style of type, column width and appropriate spacing for printed materials. Enter data, such as coordinates of images and color specifications, into system to retouch and make color corrections. Load floppy disks or tapes containing information into system. Store copies of publications on paper, magnetic tape, film or diskette.

License:		License not required.

Outlook:		poor

Alabama Employment Outlook

Alabama Wage Data
Hourly Wage		Annual Wage
Entry	$13.22	Entry	$27,501.00
Mean	$16.91	Mean	$35,175.00
Experience	$18.75	Experience	$39,012.00

The data is based on the May 2017 Occupation Employment Survey employment and wage estimate file. The wages have been aged using the most current ECI factors reflecting wages as of June 2018.

Alabama Projections

Estimated Employment 2016	Projected Employment 2026	Annual Average Openings	Annual Growth Rate
100	80	10	-2.2

Related Occupations:

Postsecondary Institutions With Programs:

Architectural Drafters

Broadcast Technicians

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Motion Picture

Civil Drafters

Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers

Film and Video Editors

Landscape Architects

Multimedia Artists and Animators

Photographers

Set and Exhibit Designers

No postsecondary schools reported programs.

Occupational Videos

43-9031.00

Desktop Publishers