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The differences between desktop publishing specialists and word processors 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 publishing specialist and a word processor. Additionally, a desktop publishing specialist has an average salary of $53,593, which is higher than the $39,454 average annual salary of a word processor.
The top three skills for a desktop publishing specialist include powerpoint, graphic design and proofreading. The most important skills for a word processor are powerpoint, data entry, and proofreading.
| Desktop Publishing Specialist | Word Processor | |
| Yearly salary | $53,593 | $39,454 |
| Hourly rate | $25.77 | $18.97 |
| Growth rate | -14% | -8% |
| Number of jobs | 3,740 | 7,995 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 38% |
| Average age | 43 | 50 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
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.
A word processor is responsible for setting up and preparing mailing labels, letters, reports, and other materials using word processing software and a keyboard. They use word processing commands to create documents needed for company operations. They are also expected to perform some clerical duties in and around the office, like answering telephone calls and copying documents.
Desktop publishing specialists and word processors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Desktop Publishing Specialist | Word Processor | |
| Average salary | $53,593 | $39,454 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $73,000 | Between $26,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Foster City, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | California |
| Best paying company | Citi | Kent Daniels & Associates |
| Best paying industry | Media | Professional |
There are a few differences between a desktop publishing specialist and a word processor in terms of educational background:
| Desktop Publishing Specialist | Word Processor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 38% |
| Most common major | Graphic Design | Business |
| Most common college | University of Texas at Austin | - |
Here are the differences between desktop publishing specialists' and word processors' demographics:
| Desktop Publishing Specialist | Word Processor | |
| Average age | 43 | 50 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 38.1% Female, 61.9% | Male, 13.6% Female, 86.4% |
| 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, 6.7% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 10.7% Asian, 4.7% White, 72.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 7% | 7% |