Desktop Publishers
of tasks in the Desktop Publishers role are ones AI can already do, per AI experts.
From a Stanford study where AI experts and desktop publishers workers rated each real task (O*NET). Not a guess from the job title.
Key statistics
Free to cite, with a link back to Automatable.
- AI can already do 58% of the 12 work tasks in the Desktop Publishers role, according to AI experts in the Stanford WORKBank study (O*NET SOC 43-9031.00).
- Workers in the Desktop Publishers role want about 50% of their tasks automated (Stanford WORKBank, 1,500 U.S. workers).
- 4 of 12 Desktop Publishers tasks are Automation Green Light, wanted by workers and do-able by AI, that is 33% of the role (Stanford WORKBank).
- The typical Desktop Publishers task scores 3.26/5 for worker desire to automate and 3.61/5 for AI capability today (Stanford WORKBank, 1-5 scale).
- The Desktop Publishers role (O*NET SOC 43-9031.00) has a median U.S. wage of $60,250 and about 4,000 people employed (U.S. O*NET / BLS).
Top tasks to automate
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- Convert various types of files for printing or for the Internet, using computer software.
- Select number of colors and determine color separations.
- Study layout or other design instructions to determine work to be done and sequence of operations.
- Check preliminary and final proofs for errors and make necessary corrections.
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What workers told Stanford
Of the 12 tasks studied for Desktop Publishers, 4 (33%) are in the Automation Green Light zone, AI can largely do them and workers want it. Across all tasks, workers want about 50% automated. The typical task scores 3.26/5 for worker desire and 3.61/5 for AI capability.
All 12 tasks, most-wanted first
Convert various types of files for printing or for the Internet, using computer software.
Green Lightwant 4.5 · AI 4.5Enter digitized data into electronic prepress system computer memory, using scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse.
R&D Opportunitywant 4 · AI 3.33Select number of colors and determine color separations.
Green Lightwant 3.67 · AI 4Enter text into computer keyboard and select the size and style of type, column width, and appropriate spacing for printed materials.
R&D Opportunitywant 3.57 · AI 3Study layout or other design instructions to determine work to be done and sequence of operations.
Green Lightwant 3.4 · AI 4Check preliminary and final proofs for errors and make necessary corrections.
Green Lightwant 3.22 · AI 3.5Import text and art elements, such as electronic clip art or electronic files from photographs that have been scanned or produced with a digital camera, using computer software.
Red Lightwant 2.88 · AI 4Edit graphics and photos, using pixel or bitmap editing, airbrushing, masking, or image retouching.
Red Lightwant 2.86 · AI 4Prepare sample layouts for approval, using computer software.
Low Prioritywant 2.86 · AI 3View monitors for visual representation of work in progress and for instructions and feedback throughout process, making modifications as necessary.
Low Prioritywant 2.75 · AI 2.5Position text and art elements from a variety of databases in a visually appealing way to design print or web pages, using knowledge of type styles and size and layout patterns.
Low Prioritywant 2.71 · AI 3Operate desktop publishing software and equipment to design, lay out, and produce camera-ready copy.
Red Lightwant 2.67 · AI 4.5
Related occupations
Other Office and Administrative Support roles in the Stanford WORKBank study, closest AI-capability share first.
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing ClerksAI can do 60% of tasks today · workers want 53% automated
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative AssistantsAI can do 63% of tasks today · workers want 50% automated
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel ClerksAI can do 45% of tasks today · workers want 27% automated
- Public Safety TelecommunicatorsAI can do 40% of tasks today · workers want 80% automated
- Data Entry KeyersAI can do 83% of tasks today · workers want 100% automated
- Customer Service RepresentativesAI can do 91% of tasks today · workers want 27% automated
Lower-automation alternatives
Less of these jobs is automatable today: AI experts rate a smaller share of their tasks as doable than the 58% for Desktop Publishers (Stanford WORKBank).