Desktop publishing operators and related occupations

Overview

Desktop publishing operators and workers in related occupations use computers to enter copy into a typesetting system or operate typesetting output equipment to produce text that is ready to print. They are employed by firms that specialize in typesetting, commercial printing companies, publishing and printing companies and various establishments in the public and private sectors that have in-house printing departments.

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Typesetting input and output operators

  • Input copy, codes or commands and subsequent corrections into typesetting device or system

  • Operate media conversion equipment to process and format copy transmitted through telecommunications

  • Operate and tend typesetting output devices, load and process photosensitive material and perform routine maintenance.

  • Desktop publishing operators

  • Operate desktop publishing software and equipment to design, lay out and produce camera-ready copy and may perform pre-flight operator duties

  • Mark copy with computer codes and typographic instructions before it is typeset

Job titles

  • ad compositor - typesetting
  • braille keyboard operator - typesetting
  • braille stereograph machine operator
  • cold-composition typographer
  • cold-typesetting typographer
  • composing machine operator - typesetting

Employment prospects

Source: BC Labour Market Outlook 2024 edition

Annual salary

Low

$36,289

Median

$47,927

High

$72,996

Job openings

Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.

British Columbia

9

expected job openings (5-year forecast)

Education and training

Employment requirements

  • Completion of secondary school is required.

  • Completion of a college program in graphic arts, or other training in typography, computer typesetting or desktop publishing, is usually required.

Additional information

  • Progression to supervisory positions is possible through experience.

Certification requirements

  • No certification requirements

Post-secondary programs in B.C.

No post-secondary education required

No post-secondary education required. You can work in this career without post-secondary education. Some on the job training may be provided. With additional training or experience, you may be able to progress into higher level, supervisory or management positions.

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