As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Desktop Publisher II in the United States is $62,630 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:
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A Desktop Publisher II's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Desktop Publisher II's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Desktop Publisher Associate | 0-1 years | $56,511 |
| Desktop Publisher II | 1-3 years | $62,622 |
| Desktop Publisher Expert | 3-5 years | $75,151 |
What Am I Worth?
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:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Presentation | 3.27% |
| Illustrator | 3.53% |
| WordPress | 2.52% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Risk Management
|
$88,935 |
42%
|
|
Security Clearance
|
$74,530 |
19%
|
|
RFP
|
$73,903 |
18%
|
|
Technical Writing
|
$69,519 |
11%
|
|
Publishing
|
$68,893 |
10%
|
|
Adobe Acrobat
|
$67,014 |
7%
|
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 $70,111. While startup companies pay approximate $59,312.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $59,312 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $62,729 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $67,704 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $70,111 |
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $85,333 | $41.0 | 36% |
| Financial Services | $79,070 | $38.0 | 26% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $75,939 | $37.0 | 21% |
| Biotechnology | $72,807 | $35.0 | 16% |
| Energy & Utilities | $69,676 | $33.0 | 11% |
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 August 01, 2026Promotions 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 | $100,020 | 60% |
| Packaging Graphics Design Manager | $129,790 | 107% |
| Desktop Publisher Expert | $75,200 | 20% |
Salaries for a Desktop Publisher II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $50,389 in 2023 to around $50,073 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Desktop Publisher II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $50,389 |
| 2024 | $50,636 |
| 2025 | $50,073 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Desktop Publisher II and their salaries, click below for more details.
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Desktop Publisher II roles, with salaries approximately 36% above the market median.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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