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Page Layout Workers


At a Glance

  • Format text and graphics so they look good
  • Use computers
  • May work overtime to meet deadlines
  • Work for printing companies, newspapers, and book publishers
  • Usually train through two-year programs

Career summary

Page layout workers format information to be printed.

Page layout workers may also be called desktop publishers.

Page layout workers start a job by reading design and layout instructions. They review images and text that must be incorporated into the final product. For most projects, page layout workers create the entire layout. They use desktop publishing software and decide what colors, type, and style to use. They position the text and images. They may airbrush photos or change the colors of images. They also use stock photos and clip-art.

Page layout workers regularly get feedback from graphic designers, editors, writers, and customers throughout the design process. They produce sample layouts and view them either on the computer screen or on paper to mark changes. When the design is approved, they send or deliver it to the printer for final production.

Page layout workers keep records of the project, including initial instructions, drafts, changes, and the final design.

Related careers

This career is part of the Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communications cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

Military careers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to page layout workers.

Common work activities

Page layout workers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, page layout workers:

Interpersonal relationships

Physical work conditions

Work performance

Hours/travel

Physical demands

Page layout workers frequently:

It is important for page layout workers to be able to:

It is not as important, but still necessary, for page layout workers to be able to:

Skills and abilities

Page layout workers need to:

Communicate

Reason and problem solve

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

Work with people

Work with things

Perceive and visualize

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

Other programs of study to consider

Training

To work as a page layout worker, you typically need to:

Education after high school

Most page layout workers have an associate degree in graphic design, graphic arts, or graphic communications. Two- or four-year colleges offer these programs.

It is important to put together a portfolio of your work to show future employers.

Work experience

Some page layout workers begin by working in a print shop. They learn to use page layout software on the job from an experienced worker. An internship is also a good way for you to get helpful experience.

On-the-job training

Most page layout workers receive additional training from an experienced worker. Training generally lasts one month.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be printing specialists. This military occupation includes page layout workers. Training lasts from eight to 20 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements (external link). You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

Many page layout workers are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups (PDF file) that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers prefer to hire page layout workers who have formal training. They look for applicants with good oral and written communication skills. They also look for people who work well with customers. In small shops, layout workers may take customers' orders. They may also figure cost estimates for jobs.

For positions that require more computer skills, employers prefer to hire applicants who have experience. Smaller shops provide the best opportunities for inexperienced workers.

Page layout workers must be able to pay attention to details. They must have good vision and be able to tell the difference between colors and small changes made to objects. Artistic ability is also helpful. Employers look for page layout workers who can meet deadlines without much supervision.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website (external link).

Wages

Desktop publishers (SOC 43-9031)

Location
Pay Period
10%
25%
Median
75%
90%
Washington Hourly $11.83 $12.31 $20.07 $29.48 $35.50
Monthly $2,050 $2,133 $3,478 $5,109 $6,152
Yearly $24,600 $25,600 $41,750 $61,310 $73,830
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Hourly $12.11 $12.58 $23.34 $30.84 $36.84
Monthly $2,099 $2,180 $4,045 $5,345 $6,384
Yearly $25,173 $26,167 $48,554 $64,153 $76,642
    Spokane-Spokane Valley Hourly $12.18 $13.45 $19.01 $26.10 $30.10
Monthly $2,111 $2,331 $3,294 $4,523 $5,216
Yearly $25,328 $27,983 $39,551 $54,284 $62,608
    Vancouver Hourly $15.89 $19.04 $22.78 $26.39 $31.32
Monthly $2,754 $3,300 $3,948 $4,573 $5,428
Yearly $33,051 $39,598 $47,383 $54,881 $65,154
United States Hourly $10.95 $15.04 $20.63 $28.13 $36.12
Monthly $1,898 $2,606 $3,575 $4,875 $6,260
Yearly $22,770 $31,290 $42,910 $58,500 $75,120

Wages also vary by location and size of the company. Employees may also be paid more depending on how much training and experience they have. Page layout workers who are members of a union may be paid more than non-union employees.

Page layout workers who work full time may receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Those who are self-employed must provide their own insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Desktop Publishers (SOC 43-9031)

Location Current employment Growth over 10 years Annual openings
This
occupation
All
occupations
Washington 157 3.2% 16.1% 18
    Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties 12 -8.3% 15.2% 1
    King County 104 4.8% 19.6% 12
    Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties 12 8.3% 13.8% 1
    Snohomish County 10 0.0% 12.4% 1
    Spokane County 13 -15.4% 13.9% 1
United States 12,600 -15.9% 5.2% 1,200

National employment

About 12% of page layout workers are self-employed.

Page layout jobs are located throughout the nation. However, most jobs are located in larger cities such as New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

Major employers:

National outlook

This occupation will decline significantly as more people turn to graphic designers and web designers for layout work. Some page layout work is now automated.

Job prospects will be best for those with training in graphic design and a wide range of skills in web design, writing, and editing.

Other resources

Graphic Communications Conference (external link)
25 Louisiana Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20001
202.624.6800
NPES The Association for Suppliers of Printing, Publishing and Converting Technologies (external link)
Pacific Printing Industries Association (external link)
PO Box 23575
Portland, OR 97281-3575
503.221.3944
Printing Industries of America (external link)
301 Brush Creek Road
Warrrendale, PA 15086-7529
800.910.4283
412.741.6860

References

Career cluster

Career path

O*Net (external link) occupation

O*Net job zone (external link)

DOT occupations

Holland occupational cluster

COPSystem