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The differences between desktop publishing specialists and technical specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a desktop publishing specialist, becoming a technical specialist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a technical specialist has an average salary of $88,773, which is higher than the $53,593 average annual salary of a desktop publishing specialist.
The top three skills for a desktop publishing specialist include powerpoint, graphic design and proofreading. The most important skills for a technical specialist are customer service, technical support, and patients.
| Desktop Publishing Specialist | Technical Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $53,593 | $88,773 |
| Hourly rate | $25.77 | $42.68 |
| Growth rate | -14% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 3,740 | 121,151 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Average age | 43 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 2 |
A desktop publishing specialist prepares and processes documents and other materials for print or online publication. A desktop publishing specialist must have an eye for detail because they are primarily in charge of handling the layout, proofreading pages, designing and developing materials, identifying and correcting issues, and performing revisions as necessary. They usually coordinate with clients to determine their needs and preferences, completing projects within deadlines and budgets. Moreover, a desktop publishing specialist maintains a clear and open communication line with staff to ensure quality and efficient results.
The role of technical specialists is to provide technical support for applications and programs to staff members and customers within an organization. They train staff and customers on products and apps and offer advice on the best practices for utilizing technical programs and applications. They also design training materials to teach other staff members the most effective methods of using its technology. It is also their job to reduce company costs by looking for ways to improve productivity and lessen expenses.
Desktop publishing specialists and technical specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Desktop Publishing Specialist | Technical Specialist | |
| Average salary | $53,593 | $88,773 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $73,000 | Between $62,000 And $126,000 |
| Highest paying City | Foster City, CA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Delaware |
| Best paying company | Citi | Finnegan Henderson Farabow Garrett & Dunner |
| Best paying industry | Media | Technology |
There are a few differences between a desktop publishing specialist and a technical specialist in terms of educational background:
| Desktop Publishing Specialist | Technical Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Most common major | Graphic Design | Business |
| Most common college | University of Texas at Austin | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between desktop publishing specialists' and technical specialists' demographics:
| Desktop Publishing Specialist | Technical Specialist | |
| Average age | 43 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 38.1% Female, 61.9% | Male, 71.2% Female, 28.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.8% Asian, 7.8% White, 57.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | Black or African American, 10.8% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 12.5% White, 54.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 7% | 11% |