Salary Range
Low (10th %)$31,880
Median$51,290
High (90th %)$97,870
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Format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.
The occupation "Desktop Publishers" has an automation risk of 65.4%, which is closely aligned with the base risk of 66.7%. This moderate-to-high risk level is driven primarily by the nature of many core responsibilities in desktop publishing, particularly those that involve repetitive or highly process-driven tasks. Automation technology, especially advances in artificial intelligence and design software, has enabled machines to handle tasks such as proofreading documents, correcting errors, and even implementing stylistic design decisions using pre-set templates and algorithms. Because much of the work relies on manipulating digital content according to established rules and patterns, these elements are easily replicated and scaled by AI-driven tools, reducing the reliance on human operators for routine tasks. Among the most automatable tasks for desktop publishers are activities like checking preliminary and final proofs for errors and making corrections, operating desktop publishing software and equipment to design and layout camera-ready copy, and positioning text and art elements from various databases to create visually appealing pages. These tasks have become increasingly subject to automation due to advances in optical character recognition (OCR), natural language processing, and automated design tools that streamline error checking, format layouts, and assemble content rapidly with minimal oversight. As a result, the occupation’s risk is amplified by the high automability of these core responsibilities, which form the backbone of day-to-day work in this field. Conversely, the most automation-resistant tasks for desktop publishers involve functions that require hands-on interaction with legacy equipment, creative effects, or archival procedures, such as loading floppy disks or tapes, creating special visual or audio effects for electronic publications, and storing publications on various archival media. These tasks often demand specific manual skills or creative judgment that current automation technologies struggle to replicate effectively. Furthermore, the “bottleneck skill” identified for this occupation is originality, which stands at just 3.9%—indicating that while creativity is required, it represents only a small portion of the workflow and is not a major barrier to automation. Thus, while certain elements of desktop publishing are resistant to automation, the relatively low demand for highly original, creative problem-solving in the role makes it particularly vulnerable to technological displacement.
Filter by Automatable Status
Check preliminary and final proofs for errors and make necessary corrections.
Partially Automatable
Operate desktop publishing software and equipment to design, lay out, and produce camera-ready copy.
Partially Automatable
Prepare sample layouts for approval, using computer software.
Partially Automatable
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.
Automatable
Study layout or other design instructions to determine work to be done and sequence of operations.
Partially Automatable
Select number of colors and determine color separations.
Automatable
Convert various types of files for printing or for the Internet, using computer software.
Automatable
Enter digitized data into electronic prepress system computer memory, using scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse.
Automatable
Edit graphics and photos, using pixel or bitmap editing, airbrushing, masking, or image retouching.
Partially Automatable
Enter data, such as coordinates of images and color specifications, into system to retouch and make color corrections.
Automatable
Transmit, deliver, or mail publication master to printer for production into film and plates.
Automatable
Collaborate with graphic artists, editors and writers to produce master copies according to design specifications.
Partially Automatable
Store copies of publications on paper, magnetic tape, film, or diskette.
Partially Automatable
Load floppy disks or tapes containing information into system.
Automatable
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.
Partially Automatable
Enter text into computer keyboard and select the size and style of type, column width, and appropriate spacing for printed materials.
Automatable
View monitors for visual representation of work in progress and for instructions and feedback throughout process, making modifications as necessary.
Automatable
Create special effects such as vignettes, mosaics, and image combining, and add elements such as sound and animation to electronic publications.
Partially Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingActive LearningComplex Problem SolvingInstallationEquipment MaintenanceQuality Control AnalysisSystems EvaluationManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Personnel ResourcesTime ManagementWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceLearning StrategiesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionProgrammingOperations MonitoringOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisManagement of Material Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsForeign LanguageEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryEnglish LanguageEducation and TrainingPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationFine ArtsTherapy and CounselingHistory and Archeology
Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationGetting InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersDocumenting/Recording InformationInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
Microsoft VisioScribusOpenOffice.orgLaTeXMicrosoft Visual BasicMicrosoft WindowsNuance Dragon NaturallySpeakingInkscapeNuance OmniPage ProfessionalApple iPhotoMapping softwareAdobe After EffectsAdobe DreamweaverAdobe IllustratorCorel Photo-PaintActuate DocBookAdobe InDesignApple AppleScriptJavaScriptCascading style sheets CSSAdobe ActionScriptArts & Letters ExpressAT&T TroffData conversion softwareMySQLMicrosoft ProjectPHPAdobe PhotoshopSalesforce softwareAdobe Creative Cloud softwareApple macOSMicrosoft AccessPythonHypertext markup language HTMLQuarkXPressGraphics softwareMicrosoft SharePoint ServerOracle JavaPerlUNIXWord processing softwareMicrosoft operating systemDesktop publishing softwareEMC DocumentumAdobe PostScriptAdobe FreeHand MXSun Microsystems JavaAdobe LiveMotionMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareObjectif Lune PlanetPress SuiteCenonCodedColorColor management softwareCorel OCR-Trace 8Corel WebDrawGraphics card driver softwareGrassHopper PageStreamGTX RastorCADOnline image and graphics database softwarePortable document file creation softwarePotracePrinter driver softwareScalable vector graphics SVGSerif PagePlusTrix TracTrixUlead PhotoImpactVector drawing softwareWordWebAdobe FrameMakerCorel WordPerfect Office SuiteCorel WordPerfect Office SuiteCorel Paint Shop ProCorel Paint Shop ProScribusOpenOffice.orgLaTeXNuance Dragon NaturallySpeakingInkscapeXara Designer ProApple iPhotoMicrosoft Visual BasicMicrosoft WindowsMapping softwareAdobe After EffectsAdobe DreamweaverNuance OmniPage ProfessionalActuate DocBookApple AppleScriptAdobe IllustratorArts & Letters ExpressAT&T TroffObjectif Lune PlanetPress SuiteAdobe InDesignJavaScriptCenonCodedColorCascading style sheets CSSCorel OCR-Trace 8Microsoft Picture It!Microsoft ProjectPHPAdobe PhotoshopSalesforce softwareAdobe Creative Cloud softwareApple macOSAdobe ActionScriptMySQLPythonHypertext markup language HTMLQuarkXPressGraphics softwareOracle JavaPerlUNIXInternet browser softwareWord processing softwareMicrosoft operating systemEMC DocumentumjQueryAdobe PostScriptCorel CorelDraw Graphics SuiteGNU Image Manipulation Program GIMPMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft OutlookAdobe FreeHand MXAdobe LiveMotionCorel WebDrawGraphics card driver softwareGrassHopper PageStreamGTX RastorCADPotracePrinter driver softwareScalable vector graphics SVGSerif PagePlusTrix TracTrixUlead PhotoImpactVector drawing softwareWordWebCorel CorelScanPANTONE ColorVision ProfilerPlusRaster graphics editorsMicrosoft SharePoint ServerMicrosoft PublisherMicrosoft PublisherVirtual private networking VPN softwareVirtual private networking VPN softwareCorel CorelDraw Graphics SuiteAdobe AcrobatAdobe AcrobatAdobe FrameMakerAdobe PageMakerAdobe PageMakerSocial media softwareSocial media softwareInternet browser softwareDesktop publishing softwarejQueryData conversion softwareGNU Image Manipulation Program GIMPSun Microsystems JavaXara Designer ProCorel Photo-PaintCorel VenturaCorel VenturaColor management softwareOnline image and graphics database softwarePortable document file creation softwareCorel CorelScanMicrosoft Picture It!PANTONE ColorVision ProfilerPlusRaster graphics editorsAlgoLab Raster to Vector Conversion ToolkitAlgoLab Raster to Vector Conversion ToolkitFinite Matters PatternStreamFinite Matters PatternStreamSpelling and grammar checking softwareSpelling and grammar checking softwareMicrosoft SharePointMicrosoft SharePointMicrosoft VisioExtensible markup language XMLExtensible markup language XMLMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordMicrosoft WordSAP softwareSAP softwareMicrosoft Access
Computer Systems Analysts
Medium48.05%
Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.
Computer Programmers
Medium53.56%
Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.
Software Developers
Medium51.32%
Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.
Web Developers
Medium61.87%
Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications.
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Medium60.00%
Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.
Video Game Designers
Medium46.94%
Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.
Web Administrators
Medium53.44%
Manage web environment design, deployment, development and maintenance activities. Perform testing and quality assurance of web sites and web applications.
Document Management Specialists
Medium56.74%
Implement and administer enterprise-wide document management systems and related procedures that allow organizations to capture, store, retrieve, share, and destroy electronic records and documents.
Digital Forensics Analysts
Medium56.25%
Conduct investigations on computer-based crimes establishing documentary or physical evidence, such as digital media and logs associated with cyber intrusion incidents. Analyze digital evidence and investigate computer security incidents to derive information in support of system and network vulnerability mitigation. Preserve and present computer-related evidence in support of criminal, fraud, counterintelligence, or law enforcement investigations.
Special Effects Artists and Animators
Medium45.29%
Create special effects or animations using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.
Graphic Designers
Medium56.74%
Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.
Editors
Medium53.75%
Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.
Technical Writers
Medium54.19%
Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.
Film and Video Editors
Medium52.46%
Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May work with a producer or director to organize images for final production. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.
File Clerks
High71.35%
File correspondence, cards, invoices, receipts, and other records in alphabetical or numerical order or according to the filing system used. Locate and remove material from file when requested.
Data Entry Keyers
High74.25%
Operate data entry device, such as keyboard or photo composing perforator. Duties may include verifying data and preparing materials for printing.
Office Machine Operators, Except Computer
Medium57.72%
Operate one or more of a variety of office machines, such as photocopying, photographic, and duplicating machines, or other office machines.
Proofreaders and Copy Markers
High74.34%
Read transcript or proof type setup to detect and mark for correction any grammatical, typographical, or compositional errors. Excludes workers whose primary duty is editing copy. Includes proofreaders of braille.
Prepress Technicians and Workers
High75.59%
Format and proof text and images submitted by designers and clients into finished pages that can be printed. Includes digital and photo typesetting. May produce printing plates.
Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators
Medium54.79%
Perform work involved in developing and processing photographic images from film or digital media. May perform precision tasks such as editing photographic negatives and prints.