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Desktop Publisher II Salary in the United States

How much does a Desktop Publisher II make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Desktop Publisher II in the United States is $62,660 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.

However, a Desktop Publisher II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $82,147
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $56,160 to $72,860
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $50,242
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Desktop Publisher II Salaries

A Desktop Publisher II's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Desktop Publisher II Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Desktop Publisher IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $69,370.
  • California: $69,110.
  • Massachusetts: $68,190.

Top Paying Cities for Desktop Publisher IIs

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $79,030
  • San Francisco: $78,160
  • Oakland: $76,520

What Skills Can Increase a Desktop Publisher II's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Presentation (Mentioned in 3.27% Job Postings): Presentation conveys information from a speaker to an audience. Presentations are typically demonstrations, introduction, lecture, or speech meant to inform, persuade, inspire, motivate, build goodwill, or present a new idea/product.
  • Illustrator (Mentioned in 3.53% Job Postings): Adobe Illustrator is a vector graphics editor and design program developed and marketed by Adobe Inc. Originally designed for the Apple Macintosh, development of Adobe Illustrator began in 1985. Along with Creative Cloud, Illustrator CC was released.
  • WordPress (Mentioned in 2.52% Job Postings): WordPress is a free and open-source content management system written in PHP and paired with a MySQL or MariaDB database with supported HTTPS.
Skills Demand Percentage
Presentation 3.27%
Illustrator 3.53%
WordPress 2.52%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Desktop Publisher II's salary.

  • Risk Management: Can increase your salary by up to 42%.
  • Security Clearance: Can increase your salary by up to 19%.
  • RFP: Can increase your salary by up to 18%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Risk Management $88,977
42%
Security Clearance $74,565
19%
RFP $73,939
18%
Get Latest Data

Desktop Publisher II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Desktop Publisher II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $69,953. While startup companies pay approximate $59,233.

Desktop Publisher II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $59,233
Growth Stage 51~500 $62,631
Established 501~5000 $67,545
Enterprise 5000+ $69,953

Desktop Publisher II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Desktop Publisher II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 36% above the average. In contrast, Desktop Publisher positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Desktop Publisher II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Desktop Publisher II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$85,374$41.036%
Financial Services$79,108$38.026%
Pharmaceuticals$75,975$37.021%
Biotechnology$72,842$35.016%
Energy & Utilities$69,709$34.011%

Desktop Publisher II Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Desktop Publisher II's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$56,160
Average $62,660/year
$72,860
$4,680
Average $5,222/month
$6,072
$1,080
Average $1,205/week
$1,401
$27
Average $30/hour
$35
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $72,860 $6,072 $1,401 $35
Average $62,660 $5,222 $1,205 $30
25th Percentile $56,160 $4,680 $1,080 $27

Desktop Publisher II Salary Growth & Career Path

Desktop Publisher II

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Desktop Publisher II, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Graphic Design - Project Lead $100,040 60%
Packaging Graphics Design Manager $129,820 107%
Desktop Publisher Expert $75,200 20%

Most common benefits for Desktop Publisher II

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Desktop Publisher II

Here are companies hiring for Desktop Publisher II and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Desktop Publisher II

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Desktop Publisher II?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Desktop Publisher II roles, with salaries approximately 36% above the market median.

2. How many people are employed as desktop publishers?

The employment data for Desktop Publishers indicates a national estimate of 5,220 individuals in this role. The salary range for Desktop Publishers is as follows: a minimum salary of $51,860, a mid-salary of $59,220, and a maximum salary of $68,270.

3. Is desktop publishing still a thing?

Yes, desktop publishing is still relevant today. It plays a crucial role in creating visually appealing documents, marketing materials, and digital content. With a salary range for desktop publishers between $51,860 and $68,270, it remains a viable career option for those interested in design and communication. The demand for skilled professionals in this field continues to grow.

4. How much does desktop publishing pay?

Desktop Publishers can expect to earn between $51,860 and $68,270 annually, with a median salary of $59,220. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise in the field, along with potential benefits that may enhance overall compensation.

5. Who is the richest publisher?

The richest publishers based on annual revenue include RELX ($7.2 billion), Thomson Reuters ($6.3 billion), and Pearson ($4.3 billion). However, for those considering a career as a Desktop Publisher, salaries range from $51,860 to $68,270, with a median salary of $59,220.

6. What 3 things are needed for desktop publishing?

Desktop publishing typically requires a personal computer, WYSIWYG page layout software for document creation, and a printer for distribution. The salary for a Desktop Publisher ranges from $51,860 to $68,270, with a median salary of $59,220, reflecting the skills and tools necessary for effective publishing.

7. What is the future of desktop publishing?

In 2024, desktop publishing remains vital for commercial printing and electronic distribution. It plays a key role in creating marketing materials, newspapers, journals, and magazines, leveraging the internet for broader reach. With salaries ranging from $51,860 to $68,270, professionals in this field can expect a stable and promising future as demand for digital content continues to grow.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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