Desktop Publishers Salary in California
The median pay for a desktop publishers in California is $63,620/year ($30.59/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $38K at the entry level to $110K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $64K get you in California?
About desktop publishers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level desktop publishers (10th percentile) start around $38K. Mid-career wages sit at $64K.Top earners bring in $110K or more - a $72K spread from bottom to top.
Desktop Publishers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $66K | +23% | 490 |
| New Jersey | $66K | +22% | 70 |
| California | $64K | +19% | 460 |
| Minnesota | $61K | +14% | 230 |
| Oregon | $61K | +14% | 60 |
| Maryland | $57K | +6% | 90 |
| Louisiana | $55K | +3% | 60 |
| Massachusetts | $55K | +2% | 140 |
| Arizona | $54K | +1% | 80 |
| Illinois | $54K | +0% | 140 |
| Florida | $52K | -3% | 230 |
| Indiana | $52K | -4% | 60 |
| South Carolina | $51K | -6% | 40 |
| Maine | $49K | -9% | 40 |
| Texas | $48K | -11% | 410 |
Track desktop publishers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when California numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do desktop publishers make in California?
The median is $63,620 a year - that works out to about $30.59 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $38,320, and experienced desktop publishers can clear $110,290. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $64K enough to live in California?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,246/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,201/month (median of metro areas), which eats 51.8% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a desktop publishers salary go in California?
California has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median desktop publishers salary is worth about $63,620 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do desktop publishers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.