The printing & publishing industry is one of the largest manufacturing industries in Texas and is divided into three segments -- publishing, printing & imaging, and newspapers.

The most notable difference among the segments is usually found in the degree of participation in the manufacturing process -- defined by who actually owns and operates the printing presses and related equipment which produce the printed products. The publishing sector concentrates on editorial development, printing and imaging concentrates on manufacturing, and newspapers focus on both editorial and manufacturing.

Considered a blue collar industry, the industry has metamorphosed into a high tech industry since 1991. Over these past six years certain manufacturing positions of the industry have been totally replaced as prepress print production has gone digital. And the operators of this equipment are much more conversant with an Apple Macintosh or UNIX computer than 10 tons of forged steel. Although printing presses are forecast to still be in use for many years, digital imaging is beginning to make inroads in the everyday world of black and white printing and short run color.

In Texas there are over 3,800 firms that comprise the printing and publishing industry. These companies employ over 70,000 and generate over $6.2 Billion in sales making Texas the fifth largest print production state in the US. Only California, New York, Illinois, and New Jersey rank higher.

The industry is a haven for small business entrepreneurs. The average printing & imaging company in Texas employs less than 15 people. The manufacturing "giants" of the Texas industry, who employ more than 300 people, can be counted on one hand, and practically the entire industry is comprised of family run businesses.

The industry also provides excellent compensation for many individuals. Skilled technicians earn rates of $15 - $25 per hour --- without the requirement of a four-year degree. Sales reps and plant managers routinely earn compensation in excess of $50,000 per year.