As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Desktop Publishing Operator II in the United States is $62,561 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, a Desktop Publishing Operator II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Desktop Publishing Operator 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 Publishing Operator 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 Publishing Operator I | 0-1 years | $56,452 |
| Desktop Publishing Operator II | 1-3 years | $62,561 |
| Desktop Publishing Operator III | 3-5 years | $75,090 |
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 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
|
$88,837 |
42%
|
|
Security Clearance
|
$74,448 |
19%
|
|
RFP
|
$73,822 |
18%
|
|
Technical Writing
|
$69,443 |
11%
|
|
Publishing
|
$68,817 |
10%
|
|
Adobe Acrobat
|
$66,940 |
7%
|
Understanding how a Desktop Publishing Operator 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 April 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Desktop Publishing Operator 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 Supervisor | $99,976 | 60% |
| Package Design Manager | $129,725 | 107% |
| Desktop Publishing Operator III | $75,090 | 20% |
Salaries for a Desktop Publishing Operator 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 Publishing Operator II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 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 Publishing Operator II and their salaries, click below for more details.
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A Desktop Publishing Operator II'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 II earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Desktop Publishing Operator II is $78,908.
The highest pay for Desktop Publishing Operator II is $82,275.
The lowest pay for Desktop Publishing Operator II is $50,191.
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 manager or head of a unit/department. Works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Typically requires 1-3 years of related 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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