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Desktop operator vs computer typesetter

The differences between desktop operators and computer typesetters can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a desktop operator and a computer typesetter. Additionally, a computer typesetter has an average salary of $78,706, which is higher than the $51,191 average annual salary of a desktop operator.

The top three skills for a desktop operator include adobe photoshop, mac and adobe indesign. The most important skills for a computer typesetter are typesetting, business cards, and .

Desktop operator vs computer typesetter overview

Desktop OperatorComputer Typesetter
Yearly salary$51,191$78,706
Hourly rate$24.61$37.84
Growth rate-14%-14%
Number of jobs28,88613,546
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 50%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Average age4343
Years of experience1212

Desktop operator vs computer typesetter salary

Desktop operators and computer typesetters have different pay scales, as shown below.

Desktop OperatorComputer Typesetter
Average salary$51,191$78,706
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $71,000Between $35,000 And $175,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between desktop operator and computer typesetter education

There are a few differences between a desktop operator and a computer typesetter in terms of educational background:

Desktop OperatorComputer Typesetter
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 50%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Most common majorGraphic DesignBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of Texas at AustinCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Desktop operator vs computer typesetter demographics

Here are the differences between desktop operators' and computer typesetters' demographics:

Desktop OperatorComputer Typesetter
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 61.2% Female, 38.8%Male, 38.1% Female, 61.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 7.4% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%Black or African American, 10.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 14.3% Asian, 5.3% White, 64.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage7%7%

Differences between desktop operator and computer typesetter duties and responsibilities

Desktop operator example responsibilities.

  • Lead a cross discipline team to develop a new SERB database for Westlaw.
  • Create cover reprints using QuarkXpress.
  • Install, configure and support PC hardware and software.
  • Assemble pages in QuarkXpress 3.1 and impose in INposition 1.5.
  • Create new mass produce documents from inception to production through digital typesetting, proofing and testing.
  • Operate Macintosh computer for typesetting, color separations and scanning photographs, negatives, slides, color and black/white artwork.
  • Show more

Computer typesetter example responsibilities.

  • Manage peripheral operations of BARR systems (PC base RJE workstations), storage devices, and Litton laser printers.
  • Complete crossover from hot' to 'cold' typesetting and from tape keypunch programs to computer software.
  • Recycle IMS regions, manipulate databases, recycle CICS regions, manipulate job performance, reset printers and user id's.
  • Provide technical support to ATM vendors & clients of high volume ATM transactions on CICS region via VSE & ZOS system.
  • Analyze and troubleshoot equipment and software reliability to identify and define problem areas to establish computer and telecommunication performance levels.
  • Analyze and troubleshoot equipment and software reliability to identify and define problem areas to establish computer and telecommunication performance levels.

Desktop operator vs computer typesetter skills

Common desktop operator skills
  • Adobe Photoshop, 14%
  • Mac, 14%
  • Adobe Indesign, 9%
  • Quark, 8%
  • PC, 8%
  • Color Correction, 6%
Common computer typesetter skills
  • Typesetting, 62%
  • Business Cards, 38%

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