HandsOnward
Sign InBuild My Roadmap

Graphic Designers

Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed

Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $62,960/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$39,520$104,910

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +2.1% projected growth, 20242034 — about as fast as average.

About 20,000 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills
Active ListeningSpeakingCritical ThinkingActive LearningWritingSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationReading ComprehensionComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision Making
Top knowledge areas
DesignComputers and ElectronicsFine ArtsCommunications and MediaEnglish LanguageSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServiceProduction and Processing
Core tasks

Key information into computer equipment to create layouts for client or supervisor.

Review final layouts and suggest improvements, as needed.

Determine size and arrangement of illustrative material and copy, and select style and size of type.

Develop graphics and layouts for product illustrations, company logos, and Web sites.

Create designs, concepts, and sample layouts, based on knowledge of layout principles and esthetic design concepts.

Use computer software to generate new images.

Prepare digital files for printing.

Confer with clients to discuss and determine layout design.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Graphic Designers?

The median pay for Graphic Designers is $62,960 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Graphic Designers?

Employment for Graphic Designers is projected to change +2.1% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.

What education is typically required for Graphic Designers?

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.

How many job openings are there each year for Graphic Designers?

About 20,000 openings per year, on average, over the decade.