Desktop Publishers Salary in the United States
As of May 2025, the median annual wage for desktop publishers in the United States was $55,290 ($26.58 per hour), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Annual Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $35,680 | $17.16 |
| 25th | $43,730 | $21.02 |
| Median | $55,290 | $26.58 |
| 75th | $73,840 | $35.50 |
| 90th | $96,170 | $46.23 |
Quick Facts
- Occupational code: 43-9031
- Total U.S. employment: 3,350
- Jobs per 1,000: —
- Hourly salary breakdown
- All-state comparison
What this means
Pay spans a wide range: workers at the 10th percentile earn about $35,680, while those at the 90th percentile earn about $96,170 — a 2.7x gap between entry-level and top earners.
Desktop Publishers Salary by State
The table below ranks every state by median annual wage. Click a state for detailed local data.
| State | Median Annual | Median Hourly | vs National | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | — | — | — | 90 |
| Arizona | $52,000 | $25.00 | -6.0% | 30 |
| California | $71,930 | $34.58 | +30.1% | 320 |
| Colorado | $77,750 | $37.38 | +40.6% | 0 |
| Florida | $52,720 | $25.35 | -4.6% | 150 |
| Georgia | $39,460 | $18.97 | -28.6% | 230 |
| Illinois | $61,350 | $29.49 | +11.0% | 150 |
| Indiana | $49,070 | $23.59 | -11.2% | 130 |
| Kentucky | $45,760 | $22.00 | -17.2% | 40 |
| Louisiana | $47,130 | $22.66 | -14.8% | 40 |
| Maine | $47,100 | $22.64 | -14.8% | 30 |
| Maryland | $69,820 | $33.57 | +26.3% | 140 |
| Massachusetts | $61,170 | $29.41 | +10.6% | 80 |
| Michigan | $45,300 | $21.78 | -18.1% | 40 |
| Minnesota | $54,930 | $26.41 | -0.7% | 90 |
| Nebraska | $36,280 | $17.44 | -34.4% | 40 |
| New Hampshire | $48,300 | $23.22 | -12.6% | 30 |
| New Jersey | $63,020 | $30.30 | +14.0% | 100 |
| New York | $56,660 | $27.24 | +2.5% | 350 |
| North Carolina | $43,700 | $21.01 | -21.0% | 80 |
| Ohio | $53,380 | $25.66 | -3.5% | 60 |
| Oklahoma | $46,040 | $22.14 | -16.7% | 40 |
| Oregon | $50,650 | $24.35 | -8.4% | 90 |
| Pennsylvania | — | — | — | 140 |
| South Carolina | $62,320 | $29.96 | +12.7% | 40 |
| Tennessee | $44,440 | $21.37 | -19.6% | 40 |
| Texas | $57,760 | $27.77 | +4.5% | 270 |
| Vermont | $53,550 | $25.75 | -3.1% | 50 |
| Virginia | — | — | — | 50 |
| Wisconsin | $46,010 | $22.12 | -16.8% | 40 |
Data source: BLS OES state file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Related Occupations
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators — $59,850/yr
- Dishwashers — $34,810/yr
- Pharmacy Technicians — $45,750/yr
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters — $63,800/yr
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants — $76,590/yr
- Training and Development Specialists — $69,280/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for desktop publishers?
The median annual wage for desktop publishers is $55,290 ($26.58 per hour), according to the BLS OES survey for May 2025.
Which state pays desktop publishers the most?
Wages vary by state. Use the state table above to compare median annual pay across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
How many desktop publishers are employed in the U.S.?
There are approximately 3,350 desktop publishers employed nationally, per BLS OES.
How much do desktop publishers make per hour?
The median hourly wage is $26.58. See the hourly salary page for the full percentile breakdown.