How long does it take to become a desktop publisher?

Typically about two years for the degree, then a few weeks of training on the job. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.

How much do desktop publishers make?

The US median is $55,290 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.

Do you need a degree to become a desktop publisher?

Yes — a degree is the usual way in.

Where can you train to become a desktop publisher?

82 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

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How to become a desktop publisher

Office & admin · SOC 43-9031

$55,290US median pay, 2025

-14.5%Projected growth, 2025–35

300Openings per year

DegreeUsual way in

How you get in

A degree is the usual way in.

Associate's degree
Short-term on-the-job training
Work as a desktop publisher

Programs that lead to this job

These are the federal program codes (CIP) that the Department of Education maps to this occupation, and how many US colleges, community colleges or trade schools report awarding credentials in each.

Program	Code	Schools
Prepress/Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging Design	CIP 10.0303	81
Computer Typography and Composition Equipment Operator	CIP 10.0308	1

See the 82 schools that offer these programs →

Common questions

How long does it take to become a desktop publisher?: Typically about two years for the degree, then a few weeks of training on the job. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.
How much do desktop publishers make?: The US median is $55,290 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.
Do you need a degree to become a desktop publisher?: Yes — a degree is the usual way in.
Where can you train to become a desktop publisher?: 82 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

Pay and growth are national figures. What you earn depends on where you work, your employer and your experience, and these are projections rather than promises. Education requirements describe how most people enter the job, not a rule — plenty of people take another route.

Pay, growth, openings and entry requirements: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35. Program-to-occupation mapping: NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk (2020/2018). School counts: IPEDS completions, 2022–23.

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