As of November 01, 2025, the average salary for a Desktop Publishing Operator I in the United States is $56,381 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.
However, a Desktop Publishing Operator I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Desktop Publishing Operator I'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Desktop Publishing Operator I'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Desktop Publishing Operator I | $55,882 |
| Intermediate Level Desktop Publishing Operator I | $56,504 |
| Senior Level Desktop Publishing Operator I | $57,860 |
| Specialist Level Desktop Publishing Operator I | $58,132 |
| Expert Level Desktop Publishing Operator I | $58,313 |
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 Publishing Operator Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Desktop Publishing Operator Is enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Desktop Publishing Operator I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $47,010 and $51,047.
Desktop Publishing Operator I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| High School | 17.2% |
| Associates | 20.2% |
| Bachelors | 57.6% |
| Masters | 5.1% |
Understanding how a Desktop Publishing Operator I'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 November 01, 2025Salaries for a Desktop Publishing Operator I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $46,494 in 2023 to around $45,902 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Desktop Publishing Operator I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $46,494 |
| 2024 | $46,632 |
| 2025 | $45,902 |
| 2026 |
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|
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $56,381 | 69.8% |
| Bonus | $-1,335 | -1.7% |
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | $4,211 | 5.2% |
| 401K/403B | $2,312 | 2.9% |
| Disability | $1,101 | 1.4% |
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 10.3% |
| Pension | $2,972 | 3.7% |
| Time Off | $6,775 | 8.4% |
| Total Compensation | $80,769 | 100% |
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A Desktop Publishing Operator I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Desktop Publishing Operator I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Desktop Publishing Operator I is $71,113.
The highest pay for Desktop Publishing Operator I is $68,098.
The lowest pay for Desktop Publishing Operator I is $45,039.
Utilizes desktop publishing tools, equipment, and software packages to create and produce a variety of high quality communication materials that incorporate text and graphic images. Designs page layouts, charts, graphs, and computer graphics. Selects, imports, and edits graphic images used to enhance the impact of the materials. May require an associate degree. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.
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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