Desktop publishing operators and related occupations
Also called: Terminal operator, Desktop compositor, Varityper operator, Videotext operator, Preproduction operator, Ludlow machine operator, Phototypesetter operator, Intertype machine operator, Monotype keyboard operator, Electronic letterer operator, Input operator - typesetting, Typecasting machine operator
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.
Main tasks
- 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
- 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
How to become one
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.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $46,352 a year The middle half earn $39,039 to $54,425.
Related jobs
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Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03