Desktop Publishers vs Meter Readers, Utilities: Salary Comparison

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024).

National Salary Overview

Desktop Publishers

Median Salary
$50,503
Average (Mean)
$53,171
Employed Nationwide
4,040
VS

Meter Readers, Utilities

Median Salary
$53,380
Average (Mean)
$56,173
Employed Nationwide
19,700
Meter Readers, Utilities earns $2,876 more (5.7%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $50,503 $53,380
Average (Mean) Salary $53,171 $56,173
Total Employment 4,040 19,700
States with Higher Pay 9 17

Salary by State: Desktop Publishers vs Meter Readers, Utilities

Showing 26 states where both occupations have BLS data. Desktop Publishers pays more in 9 states; Meter Readers, Utilities pays more in 17.

State Desktop Publishers Meter Readers, Utilities Difference
Alabama $36,910
$38,460
$-1,550
Arizona $51,590
$52,840
$-1,250
California $68,880
$68,300
+$580
Colorado $74,190
$59,540
+$14,650
Florida $53,660
$42,300
+$11,360
Georgia $55,000
$42,340
+$12,660
Illinois $47,540
$54,140
$-6,600
Indiana $47,550
$49,240
$-1,690
Iowa $39,630
$54,680
$-15,050
Kentucky $38,370
$42,810
$-4,440
Maine $44,650
$59,030
$-14,380
Massachusetts $54,800
$75,620
$-20,820
Minnesota $58,750
$63,070
$-4,320
Nebraska $31,880
$80,410
$-48,530
New Jersey $49,330
$54,890
$-5,560
New York $82,600
$57,780
+$24,820
North Carolina $41,640
$37,520
+$4,120
Ohio $44,250
$50,480
$-6,230
Oklahoma $43,370
$34,840
+$8,530
Oregon $57,300
$61,780
$-4,480
Pennsylvania $52,840
$64,950
$-12,110
South Carolina $48,940
$45,480
+$3,460
Tennessee $36,620
$45,060
$-8,440
Texas $34,370
$40,620
$-6,250
Virginia $58,090
$39,900
+$18,190
Washington $60,340
$68,890
$-8,550

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Desktop Publishers or Meter Readers, Utilities?
On average across all states, a Meter Readers, Utilities earns more than a Desktop Publishers. The national median salary difference is $2,876 (5.7%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Desktop Publishers earn more than a Meter Readers, Utilities?
A Desktop Publishers earns a higher median salary than a Meter Readers, Utilities in 9 out of 26 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Meter Readers, Utilities pays more in 17 states.
What is the median salary for a Desktop Publishers vs Meter Readers, Utilities?
The national median salary for a Desktop Publishers is $50,503 per year, compared to $53,380 for a Meter Readers, Utilities, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Desktop Publishers or Meter Readers, Utilities?
There are more people employed as Meter Readers, Utilities. BLS reports approximately 4,040 Desktop Publishers positions and 19,700 Meter Readers, Utilities positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Desktop Publishers or Meter Readers, Utilities?
Both Desktop Publishers and Meter Readers, Utilities are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.