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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Military Graphic Designers and Desktop Publishers

Median Salary
70,151
Workforce Count
1,479

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Graphic designers and desktop publishers use their creativity to develop and produce informative, visually appealing products and presentations. They use computer software or manually develop the overall layout and production design for various media such as advertisements, brochures, magazines, and reports.

What is the work environment like?

Graphic designers and desktop publishers usually work in offices on land or aboard ships.

How many people have this role in the Military?

1,479

Compensation

Understanding How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary

Base pay is the standard income you’ll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.

  • Always fixed based on rank and service time.
  • Distributed monthly.
Learn More About Military Benefits

What is the typical salary range?

Salary by Years of Service

$107,677

2 Years

$70,015

6 Years

$107,677

10+ Years
Median Salary
70,151

Military Details

Is this a staff or leadership role?

Enlisted
Officer
Officers are service members who plan, direct operations and manage enlisted personnel, developing a broad range of leadership-related skills.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer Paths

What does the training for this role entail?

Graphic designers and desktop publishers develop skills through classroom and on-the-job instruction, including practice in preparing graphic designs and illustrations. Training content may include:

  • Graphics, lettering, drawing, and layout techniques
  • Illustration and television graphic techniques
  • Theory and use of color
  • Use of production equipment
  • Creation of original artwork and portfolios
  • Development of digital media and print products

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Bachelor's degree

    65%

  • High school

    15%

  • Master's degree

    10%

  • Some college

    5%

  • Associate's degree

    5%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Design and Visual Communications, General
  • Industrial and Product Design
  • Commercial and Advertising Art
  • Digital Arts
  • Graphic Design
  • Computer Graphics
  • Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design

Learn About How Military Can Pay for 100% of your College Degree

The Military has several programs that cover college costs — so you can pursue your education with little to no debt.
Learn More About Paying For College

Skills and Interest

What skills will set you up for success?

Skills

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Math and Science Skills

    Low

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Low

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge is essential to bring to the table?

  • Design
  • Fine Arts
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Communications and Media
  • Sales and Marketing

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Low

  • Responsibility

    Low

  • Decision Making

    Low

  • Physical Activity

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Artistic

You love creating things and expressing yourself through art, writing and music.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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