Graphic Designers
Graphic designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers.
Is graphic designers a good career?
It scores 17/100 and ranks #439 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays above the U.S. median wage ($62,960)
- High volume of openings — about 20,000 a year
Possible tradeoffs
- Slower-than-average projected growth (+2.1%)
- Typically requires a bachelor's degree
What graphic designers earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. graphic designers earn between $49,040 and $81,830 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live graphic designers jobs
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- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow slower than average through 2034.
Education
Graphic designers typically need a bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related fine arts field. People who have a bachelor’s degree in another field may complete technical training in graphic design to meet most hiring qualifications.
More than 360 postsecondary colleges, universities, and independent institutes are accredited with programs in art and design. Most programs include courses in studio art, principles of design, computerized design, commercial graphics production, printing techniques, and website design. In addition, students should consider courses in writing, marketing, and business, all of which are useful in helping designers work effectively on project teams.
High school students interested in graphic design should take basic art and design courses, if available. Many bachelor’s degree programs require students to complete a year of basic art and design courses before being admitted to a formal degree program. Some schools require applicants to submit sketches and other examples of their artistic ability.
Many programs provide students with the opportunity to build a portfolio—a collection of completed works that demonstrates an artist’s styles and abilities. For many artists, including graphic designers, developing a portfolio is essential because employers rely on portfolios in making hiring decisions.
Graphic designers must keep up with new and updated computer graphics and design software, either on their own or through formal software training programs. Professional associations that specialize in graphic design offer courses intended to keep the skills of their members up to date.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Certification programs are generally available through software product vendors. Certification in graphic design software demonstrates competence and may provide jobseekers with a competitive advantage.
Advancement
Experienced graphic designers may advance to chief designer, art director, or other supervisory positions.
Important qualities
Analytical skills. Graphic designers must be able to perceive their work from their consumers’ point of view to ensure that the designs convey the client’s message.
Artistic ability. Graphic designers must be able to create designs that are artistically interesting and appealing to clients and consumers. They produce rough illustrations of design ideas, either by hand sketching or by using computer programs.
Communication skills. Graphic designers must communicate with clients, customers, and other designers to ensure that their designs accurately and effectively convey information.
Computer skills. Most graphic designers use specialized graphic design software to prepare their designs.
Creativity. Graphic designers must be able to think of new approaches to communicating ideas to consumers. They develop unique designs that convey their client’s message.
Time-management skills. Graphic designers often work simultaneously on multiple projects, each with a different deadline.
Related occupations
How much do graphic designers make?
The national median wage is $62,960 a year, with the middle half earning between $49,040 and $81,830 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is graphic designers a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 17 of 100 and ranks #439 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +2.1% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a graphic designer?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree.
Where do graphic designers earn the most?
Among states, District of Columbia pays the highest median ($87,920). Local pay for every state and metro is below.