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

Printing Specialists

Job duties

Task list

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

Study layout and design instructions to determine the work to be done.
Load disk or use scanner to upload images and other information onto computer.
Use desktop publishing software to design and lay out camera-ready copy.
Position text and images in a visually appealing way.
Use different techniques to edit, enhance, and crop pictures and text to meet size requirements.
Review work on computer monitors. Prepare sample layouts for approval.
Determine what changes to make, such as size, style, color, or pattern.
Examine proof for errors and make corrections based on customers' requirements.
Work with graphics designers, editors, and writers to produce master copies.
Send or deliver master copy to the printer.
Maintain files of work and finished publications.

Common work activities

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

Use computers
Get information needed to do the job
Think creatively
Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
Update and use job-related knowledge
Process information
Make decisions and solve problems
Communicate with people outside the organization
Teach others
Establish and maintain relationships
Schedule work and activities
Identify objects, actions, and events
Organize, plan, and prioritize work
Explain the meaning of information to others
Evaluate information against standards
Guide, direct, and motivate others
Coordinate the work and activities of others
Provide advice and consultation to others
Develop and build teams
Analyze data or information
Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
Document and record information
Perform administrative tasks
Repair and maintain electronic equipment
Control machines and processes
Judge the value of objects, services, or people
Coach others
Develop goals and strategies
Monitor and control resources
Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
Recruit, interview, or hire others
Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, page layout workers:

Interpersonal relationships

Have a medium level of contact with others. They consult with other employees, but spend time working alone.
Communicate daily by telephone, e-mail, and in person. They also use letters and memos, but less frequently.
Are somewhat responsible for the results of work done by other workers.
Often work as part of a group or team.
Occasionally are placed in conflict situations in which others may disagree about the final layout.

Physical work conditions

Nearly always work indoors.

Work performance

Must fully complete and be accurate in their work. Errors could cause problems throughout the printing process.
Make decisions that affect other workers and clients on a weekly basis. They make most of their decisions without talking to a supervisor first.
Set most, if not all, their daily tasks and goals without consulting a superior first.
Abide by strict daily deadlines.
Repeat the same physical activities.

Hours/travel

Usually work 40 hours per week.
Generally work a set schedule.
May work overtime to meet printing deadlines.
May work nights, weekends, and holidays if working at a newspaper.

Physical demands

Page layout workers frequently:

Sit for long periods of time.
Repeat the same movements.
Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.

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

See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Understand the speech of another person.
See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.

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

Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
Determine the distance between objects.
Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.

Skills and abilities

Page layout workers need to:

Communicate

Read and understand work-related materials.
Understand written information.
Understand spoken information.
Listen to others and ask questions.
Write clearly so other people can understand.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

Reason and problem solve

Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
Develop rules that group items in various ways.
Think of new ideas about a topic.
Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
Recognize the nature of a problem.
Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

Check how well one is learning or doing something.
Manage the time of self and others.
Motivate, develop, and direct people as they work.

Work with people

Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
Look for ways to help people.

Work with things

Analyze needs and requirements when designing products.

Perceive and visualize

Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

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

Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging

Other programs of study to consider

Training

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

have a high school diploma or equivalent;
have an associate degree; and
complete short-term, on-the-job training.

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:

Art
Desktop Publishing
Drawing and Painting
Graphic Arts and Printing
Graphic Design
Web Page Design

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:

Accounting
Entrepreneurship
Introduction to Business

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.

Desktop Publishers

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
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)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
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:

Printing companies
Newspaper, magazine, and book publishers
Advertising agencies

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
25 Louisiana Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20001
202.624.6800

NPES The Association for Suppliers of Printing, Publishing and Converting Technologies

Pacific Printing Industries Association
PO Box 23575
Portland, OR 97281-3575
503.221.3944

Printing Industries of America
301 Brush Creek Road
Warrrendale, PA 15086-7529
800.910.4283
412.741.6860

References

Career cluster

Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communications

Career path

Artistic

O*Net occupation

Desktop Publishers (43-9031.00)

O*Net job zone

Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.