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National

Median wages (2008) $17.59 hourly, $36,600 annual
Employment (2006) 32,000 employees
Projected growth (2006-2016) Little or no change (-2% to 2%)
Projected need (2006-2016) 7,000 additional employees
43-9031.00 - Desktop Publishers

Format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.

Sample of reported job titles: Computer Typesetter, Art Director, Electronic Console Display Operator, Graphic Artist, Mac Operator, Production Manager, Desktop Publishing Specialist, Electronic Imager, Advertising Associate, Creative Director

Tasks

  • Check preliminary and final proofs for errors and make necessary corrections.
  • Operate desktop publishing software and equipment to design, lay out, and produce camera-ready copy.
  • Position text and art elements from a variety of databases in a visually appealing way to design print or web pages, using knowledge of type styles and size and layout patterns.
  • Convert various types of files for printing or for the Internet, using computer software.
  • Transmit, deliver or mail publication master to printer for production into film and plates.
  • Study layout or other design instructions to determine work to be done and sequence of operations.
  • Enter digitized data into electronic prepress system computer memory, using scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse.
  • View monitors for visual representation of work in progress and for instructions and feedback throughout process, making modifications as necessary.
  • Import text and art elements such as electronic clip-art or electronic files from photographs that have been scanned or produced with a digital camera, using computer software.
  • Collaborate with graphic artists, editors and writers to produce master copies according to design specifications.

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Tools & Technology

Tools used in this occupation:

Desktop computers
Graphics tablets — Pen tablets
Laser printers
Notebook computers
Scanners

Technology used in this occupation:

Data conversion software — AlgoLab Raster to Vector Conversion Toolkit; GTX RastorCAD; Potrace software; Trix TracTrix
Desktop publishing software — Adobe Systems Adobe PageMaker; Microsoft Publisher; Passepartout software; Pattern Stream software
Graphics or photo imaging software — Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop software; Graphics software; Vector Software; Xara X
Optical character reader OCR or scanning software — Corel CorelScan; Corel OCR-Trace 8; Nuance OmniPage Professional; PANTONE ColorVision ProfilerPlus
Web page creation and editing software — Actuate DocBook; Adobe Systems Adobe Dreamweaver; Adobe Systems Adobe Flash Player
27-4032.00 Film and Video Editors
43-9011.00 Computer Operators
51-5022.00 Prepress Technicians and Workers
51-5023.00 Printing Machine Operators