Desktop Publishers Salary in California

Desktop publishers in California earn the most in San Francisco (average $89,920 a year) and the least in Sacramento ($75,730), across the 3 California metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the desktop publishers average at $78,250 and the median at $71,930 for 320 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $61,970.

Desktop Publishers average salary by city in California

San Francisco$89,920
Los Angeles$82,020
Sacramento$75,730

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
San Francisco	$89,920	$83,280	$58,590	$67,818	116
Los Angeles	$82,020	$82,010	$48,100	$62,995	114
Sacramento	$75,730	$77,750	$67,730	$59,120	107

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; California State Disability Insurance (1.3% of wages, paid by employees) is not included. Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Desktop Publishers salary in other states

Desktop Publishers salary by city and state

More about pay in California

Sources and how to read this page

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 43-9031.
U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.

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