Desktop Publishing Job Growth Before 2006
Earlier projections by The Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor (BLS) in their Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) named desktop publishers as one of the fastest growing occupations for 2000-2010. In 2006 projections the OOH was still predicting faster than average growth. The latest BLS data suggests that growth has slowed and over the next decade (2006-2016) employment for desktop publishers is not expected to change much.Desktop Publishing Field is Changing
Reasons for the slow down in desktop publishing employment growth:- Availability of desktop publishing software enables more people (not specifically trained in the field) to do desktop publishing.
- Organizations moving away from print publications and putting more material on the Internet descreases the need for desktop publishing specialists and offset printing.
Despite the little to no change in projected employment, job opportunities for desktop publishers are expected to be good because of the need to replace workers who move into managerial positions, transfer to other occupations, or leave the labor force.
In the closely related field of graphic design expect to find fewer jobs and -- as the OOH describes it -- keen competition for available positions.
In recent years, some computer, printing, and publishing firms have outsourced basic layout and design work to design firms overseas. This trend is expected to continue and may have a negative impact on employment growth for low-level, technical graphic design workers. However, most high-level graphic design jobs will remain in the U.S.
Desktop Publishing Job Description Gets Broader
Computer skills and knowing how to use page layout systems continue to be key skills for the desktop publisher. However, it's common for desktop publishers to be responsible for many other related tasks including writing, editing, and graphics preparation. Additionally, desktop publishing is being absorbed into other jobs which may or may not be primarily computer or design-oriented.Desktop publishers also may be called publications specialists, electronic publishers, DTP operators, desktop publishing editors, electronic prepress technicians, electronic publishing specialists, image designers, typographers, compositors, layout artists, and Web publications designers. The exact name may vary by the specific tasks performed or simply by personal preference.
Desktop Publishing Success Requires More Education
Although on-the-job training remains the primary education and training needed for desktop publishers, more formal education can lead to better job opportunities.For those who are interested in pursuing a career in desktop publishing, an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in graphic arts, graphic communications, or graphic design is preferred.
Desktkop Publishing Still Pays Less Than Graphic Design
From 2000-2004, desktop publishers and graphic designers in the U.S. earned in the range of $20,000-$60,000 annually with jobs specified as desktop publisher earning a little less than graphic designer. In May 2006 the median annual earnings for desktop publisher was $34,130 and for graphic designer, $39,900. Except for deskop publishing positions in the Printing indusry, graphic design jobs tend to pay a little more even though there are many similarities and often a lot of overlap in the fields. The average mean wage for desktop publishers and graphic designers in 2006 in a few specific industries:- $33,460 / $34,290 - Newspaper, Peridocal, Book, and Directory Publishers
- $37,990 / $33,930 - Printing and Related Support Activities
- $37,960 / $41,600 - Advertising and Related Services
- $35,120 / $43,410 - Specialized Design Services
Although the above industries are where the majority of desktop publishing and graphic design jobs are found, higher wages are possible in industries such as Software Publishers ($44,940 mean for desktop publishers) and Federal Executive Branch ($65,720 mean for graphic designers). Additionally, freelance designers earned a median of $60,000 in 2007.
Getting Ahead in Desktop Publishing and Graphic Design
While the overall outlook isn't particularly gloomy, the field isn't growing by leaps and bounds either. For anyone interested in desktop publishing and graphic design, at least in the U.S., whether freelance or in-house the key words are education, training, and diversification.Both desktop publishers and graphic designers wanting to maximize their employment opportunities and earning potential should seek:
- More education
Certification helps and associate and, better yet, a bachelor's degree in a design-related field is a big plus.
- More training and job experience
Marketing and business management experience as well as classes or on-the-job training in areas such as prepress, printing, photography, and publishing are attractive to potential employers.
- More skills
Learning or honing existing skills in graphics and animation, writing, and Web design can broaden opportunities. Continuing development of artistic, editorial, computer, and software skills is essential for advancement.
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Desktop Publishers and Graphic Designers.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2006, Desktop Publishers and Graphic Designers
