Salary AI Book a Demo

Hand Compositor/Typesetters Salary in the United States

How much does a Hand Compositor/Typesetters make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Hand Compositor/Typesetters in the United States is $44,141 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.

However, a Hand Compositor/Typesetters's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $61,863
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $36,363 to $53,417
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $29,282
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Hand Compositor/Typesetters Salaries

A Hand Compositor/Typesetters'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 Hand Compositor/Typesetters 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 Hand Compositor/Typesetters. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $48,873.
  • California: $48,688.
  • Massachusetts: $48,039.

Top Paying Cities for Hand Compositor/Typesetters

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: $55,675
  • San Francisco: $55,066
  • Oakland: $53,905

Hand Compositor/Typesetters Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Hand Compositor/Typesetters salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $44,141. While startup companies pay approximate $44,141.

Hand Compositor/Typesetters Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $44,141
Growth Stage 51~500 $44,141
Established 501~5000 $44,141
Enterprise 5000+ $44,141

Hand Compositor/Typesetters Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Hand Compositor/Typesetters'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 September 01, 2026
$36,363
Average $44,141/year
$53,417
$3,030
Average $3,678/month
$4,451
$699
Average $849/week
$1,027
$17
Average $21/hour
$26
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $53,417 $4,451 $1,027 $26
Average $44,141 $3,678 $849 $21
25th Percentile $36,363 $3,030 $699 $17

Most common benefits for Hand Compositor/Typesetters

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

Find Your Next Hand Compositor/Typesetters Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Hand Compositor/Typesetters job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

FAQ about Hand Compositor/Typesetters

1. Where can a Hand Compositor/Typesetters earn the most?

A Hand Compositor/Typesetters'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 Hand Compositor/Typesetters earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Hand Compositor/Typesetters is $55,675.

2. What is the highest pay for Hand Compositor/Typesetters?

The highest pay for Hand Compositor/Typesetters is $61,863.

3. What is the lowest pay for Hand Compositor/Typesetters?

The lowest pay for Hand Compositor/Typesetters is $29,282.

4. What are the responsibilities of Hand Compositor/Typesetters?

Sets type by hand and machine. Assembles type and cuts in galley for printing articles, headings, and other printed matter. Determines type size, style, and compositional pattern from work order. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. May have to complete an apprenticeship and/or formal training in area of specialty with 2-4 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required. Typically reports to a supervisor/manager.

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.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst