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Desktop Publisher Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Arcfield

Senior Desktop Publisher Jobs

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Responsibilities Arcfield has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Desktop Publisher, who: * Collaborates with the proposal team to prepare formatted templates, writer shells, reviews, and final ...

Noblis

Proposal Editor

Reston, VA · On-site

Serve as editor and desktop publisher for proposal sections, white papers, and other content to support proposal efforts. * Review solicitations for technical requirements and ensure that those ...

AAR

Proposal Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Manage the schedule and oversee activities of proposal resources including the proposal coordinator, desktop publisher, graphic artist, proposal writers, and subject matter experts * Translate ...

AAR Corporation

Proposal Manager

Washington, DC · Remote

Proficiency in desktop publishing, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, and Adobe Creative Cloud applications * Understanding of government contracting processes * This position ...

AAR Corporation

Proposal Manager

Washington, DC · Remote

Proficiency in desktop publishing, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, and Adobe Creative Cloud applications * Understanding of government contracting processes * This position ...

AAR Corporation

Proposal Manager

Washington, DC · Remote

$130K - $150K/yr

Proficiency in desktop publishing, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, and Adobe Creative Cloud applications * Understanding of government contracting processes Year One Critical ...

AAR Corporation

Proposal Manager

Washington, DC · Remote

$130K - $150K/yr

Proficiency in desktop publishing, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, and Adobe Creative Cloud applications * Understanding of government contracting processes Year One Critical ...

AAR

Proposal Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

Proficiency in desktop publishing, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, and Adobe Creative Cloud applications * Understanding of government contracting processes * This position ...

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All JobsDesktop Publisher JobsDesktop Publisher Jobs in Reston, VA

Desktop Publisher information

See Reston, VA salary details

$12

$25

$42

How much do desktop publisher jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for desktop publisher in Reston, VA is $25.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.25 and $28.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a desktop publisher?

A desktop publisher uses computer software to create attractive print materials, whether as an in-house employee of a company or in a graphic design firm. These materials include brochures, newsletters, magazines, business cards, books, letterheads, and more. As a desktop publisher, you typically receive the text, photographs, and visual images from either a client or coworker. It is rare for a desktop publisher to develop their own text and images. Your job duties involve arranging these words, pictures, and graphics into the correct format for publishing. Many desktop publishers also prepare materials for online and digital publication.

How much do desktop publishers make?

Desktop publishers typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $35,000 to $70,000 depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled desktop publishers proficient in design software like Adobe InDesign or QuarkXPress and with a strong portfolio can earn higher wages, especially in specialized or senior roles.

What is the difference between Desktop Publisher vs Graphic Designer?

AspectDesktop PublisherGraphic Designer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree or certification in desktop publishing, graphic design, or related fieldsOften holds a degree or certification in graphic design, visual arts, or similar
Work EnvironmentWorks mainly in publishing houses, marketing firms, or corporate settings, focusing on layout and formattingWorks in design studios, advertising agencies, or freelance, focusing on creating visual concepts
Industry UsageUsed in publishing, printing, and document layout industriesUsed across advertising, branding, and digital media industries

While both roles involve visual communication, a Desktop Publisher primarily focuses on layout, formatting, and preparing documents for print or digital publishing. A Graphic Designer creates original visual concepts and designs for branding, advertising, and digital media. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a desktop publisher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Desktop Publisher, you need a solid grasp of design principles, attention to detail, and proficiency in desktop publishing or graphic design, often supported by an associate’s degree or relevant certification. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and QuarkXPress is typically required. Strong communication, time management, and problem-solving skills help you collaborate effectively and meet tight deadlines. These skills ensure the creation of visually appealing, accurate, and professional documents that meet client or organizational needs.

What are some common challenges faced by desktop publishers when working with cross-functional teams?

Desktop publishers often collaborate closely with graphic designers, writers, and marketing professionals, which can sometimes present challenges in aligning design expectations, meeting tight deadlines, and ensuring version control. Clear communication and effective project management are essential to balance creative input with technical requirements and brand guidelines. Being proactive in seeking feedback and using collaborative tools can help mitigate misunderstandings and ensure smooth workflow across teams.

What jobs use desktop publishing?

Desktop publishers are employed in roles such as graphic designers, marketing coordinators, and publishing specialists, creating layouts for books, magazines, brochures, and digital content. They typically use software like Adobe InDesign or QuarkXPress and need strong design skills and attention to detail. These jobs are common in publishing houses, advertising agencies, corporate communications, and freelance work.
More about Desktop Publisher jobs
What job categories do people searching Desktop Publisher jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Desktop Publisher jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Desktop Publisher jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Desktop Publisher job openings:
Desktop Publisher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Desktop Publisher job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,605 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Desktop Publisher (Consultant)

Manhattan Strategy Group

Bethesda, MD • On-site

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description


Description

TheManhattan Strategy GroupLLC(MSG) in Bethesda, MD is seeking a desktop publisher with an accomplished portfolio and extensive experience in designing and producingtechnical paper, presentation,and othertemplates(usingcolor, font,andstyles)to be usedforgovernment clients and internal proposals. The desktop publisher willalso be involved inproposal and report development to make documents more informative and visually appealing.

The successful candidate will create visually appealing and technically correct documents from rough conceptual sketches and convert complex technical ideas and abstracts into compelling graphics. The candidate should be able to clearly communicate ideas visually, verbally, and in writing. The individual will work with a team of stakeholders, copywriters, creative strategists, media experts, designers, consultants, communications experts, and web developers to ensure projects run smoothly and are accurate and complete in a fast-paced environment under tight deadlines, to ensure that production and delivery are accomplished in a timely fashion.

Job Responsibilities/Duties

  • Develop andutilizeMicrosoft styles and themes for efficient, consistent deliverables that adhere to existing style guidelines and ensure brand consistency.
  • Troubleshoot andimplement changes to evolving document templatestocorrect errors, improve functionality, and applyrevisions,with an eye for compliance withbrand and style requirements.
  • Format and combine text, numerical data, photographs, charts,and other visual graphic elements to produce publication-readydigital and print-readymaterial.
  • Create proposal/report document layoutsutilizingmaster templates and stylesthatcomplywithfederal/client requirements and guidelines.
  • Assistproposal/report managerswith producingprofessional-quality, compliant,and visually appealingdocuments and materials.
  • Update and swap text content or images as needed; proofread, edit, and occasionally reworksubmittedcontent, adhering to existing brand and proposal/report style guidelines.
  • Resize images and apply filters to create engaging graphics for print, social media, and web collateral as needed, aligned with campaigns and cross-channel messaging.
  • Ensure that pagination, headers and footers, tables, graphics, etc. are correct and compliantin Word and PowerPoint.
  • Performiterativedesktop publishingtasks through multiple rounds ofreview cyclesusingappropriate versioncontrol ofdocuments and materials, as well as for final delivery.
  • Provide all original design files (not just final art) for future revision as needed.
  • UseSection 508-compliant design principles.
  • Stay current with design trends, technology,and digital file preparation.
  • Work with minimal supervision and bedetail-oriented.

Qualifications

  • Must beproficient-to-expert in Microsoft Office, esp. Word and PowerPoint
  • Knowledge of Adobe Suiteproducts is desirable
  • Section 508 Compliance knowledge/experience is desirable
  • Must have an online portfolio or ability to send work examples
  • Must be able to meet strict deadlines and manage workload
  • Minimum3years of experience
  • Experience with government contracts, a plus
  • Excellent analytic thinking and creativeproblem-solvingskills for visual information design
  • Ability to work extended hours (nights and weekends) when needed

Apply