Desktop Publishers vs. Office Clerks, General: Who Earns More?
Desktop Publishers out-earn Office Clerks, General by $10K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Desktop Publishers land at $55,290 and Office Clerks, General at $45,010. The education gap is real: desktop publisher programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while office clerks, general programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Desktop Publishers is Colorado ($77,750); for Office Clerks, General it's District of Columbia ($55,040).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Desktop Publishers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Desktop Publishers or Office Clerks, General?
Desktop Publishers earn more nationally. The median is $55,290 for Desktop Publishers versus $45,010 for Office Clerks, General, a difference of $10K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Desktop Publishers or Office Clerks, General?
Office Clerks, General has the better 10-year outlook at -6.7% projected growth, compared to -12.4% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Desktop Publishers or Office Clerks, General?
Desktop Publishers typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Office Clerks, General requires high school diploma or equivalent. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Desktop Publishers get paid the most?
Colorado is the top-paying state for Desktop Publishers at $77,750/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Desktop Publishers vs. Office Clerks, General pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Colorado, Desktop Publishers earn $77,750 vs. $53,550 for Office Clerks, General. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.