How much does a Graphic Designer make?
A Graphic Designer creates visual concepts to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. This role is essential in many industries, from advertising to publishing. The average yearly salary for a Graphic Designer is around $56,574. This average helps job seekers understand what they might expect to earn in this field.
The salary for Graphic Designers can vary based on experience, skills, and location. Entry-level designers might start with a salary around $28,600. As designers gain experience, they can see their salaries increase. For example, those with 10 to 15 years of experience can earn between $61,509 and $69,736. Top earners in the field can make over $110,000 a year. This range shows that there are many opportunities for growth and advancement in this career.
What are the highest paying cities for a Graphic Designer?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $89,586
San Francisco offers a vibrant scene for creatives. Many tech giants and startups need skilled designers. Companies like Google and Salesforce offer exciting opportunities.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $83,286
San Jose is a hub for tech and innovation. Designers here work with leading companies. Firms like Adobe and eBay provide dynamic projects.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $74,952
Seattle boasts a thriving design community. The city is home to major tech firms. Designers here collaborate with companies like Amazon and Microsoft.
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Stamford, CT
Average Salary: $72,146
Stamford offers a mix of corporate and creative opportunities. The city is a center for finance and insurance. Designers work with companies like United Technologies and Charter Communications.
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Anchorage, AK
Average Salary: $71,072
Anchorage provides a unique blend of urban and natural beauty. Designers here enjoy a slower pace. Companies like Alaska Airlines and Northern Light offer interesting projects.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $71,042
Washington, DC, is a political and cultural hub. Designers here work with a variety of organizations. Firms like the Smithsonian and various government agencies offer diverse projects.
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Huntsville, AL
Average Salary: $70,153
Huntsville is known for its aerospace industry. Designers here work on cutting-edge projects. Companies like NASA and various defense contractors offer exciting opportunities.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $69,631
Boston is rich in history and culture. Designers here work with a mix of tech and traditional firms. Companies like General Electric and various universities offer diverse projects.
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Baltimore, MD
Average Salary: $66,927
Baltimore offers a mix of urban and historic charm. Designers here work with a variety of local and national companies. Firms like Under Armour and various media outlets offer interesting projects.
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Atlanta, GA
Average Salary: $65,980
Atlanta is a growing tech and media hub. Designers here work with a variety of companies. Firms like Coca-Cola and various media companies offer dynamic projects.
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What are the best companies a Graphic Designer can work for?

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Apple
Average Salary: $177,893
Apple offers exciting opportunities for Graphic Designers in various locations, including Cupertino, California, and other global offices. Designers here work on branding, marketing materials, and product packaging. They collaborate with top creatives to bring innovative ideas to life.
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Deloitte
Average Salary: $131,000
Deloitte provides Graphic Designer roles in cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. Designers create visual content for client presentations, marketing campaigns, and internal communications. They work in a dynamic environment, supporting various business units.
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Booz Allen Hamilton
Average Salary: $114,790
Booz Allen Hamilton has Graphic Designer positions in locations like McLean, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Designers here focus on creating visual content for government projects, reports, and presentations. They work with a team to deliver high-quality materials.
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Run Studios
Average Salary: $111,167
Run Studios offers Graphic Designer jobs in Los Angeles, California. Designers work on video game graphics, promotional materials, and in-game assets. They collaborate with artists and developers to create engaging visual content for games.
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Parsons
Average Salary: $102,281
Parsons provides Graphic Designer roles in cities like Washington, D.C., and San Diego, California. Designers create visual content for infrastructure projects, marketing materials, and client presentations. They work in a team-oriented environment, supporting various projects.
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Nothing Bundt Cakes
Average Salary: $101,940
Nothing Bundt Cakes offers Graphic Designer positions in locations like Morrisville, North Carolina. Designers work on branding, packaging, and marketing materials. They create visually appealing content to support the company's growth and brand identity.
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CACI International
Average Salary: $100,008
CACI International has Graphic Designer roles in Arlington, Virginia, and other locations. Designers create visual content for government projects, reports, and presentations. They work in a dynamic environment, supporting various business units.
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NBCUniversal
Average Salary: $99,211
NBCUniversal offers Graphic Designer jobs in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Designers work on branding, marketing materials, and promotional content for TV shows, movies, and digital platforms. They collaborate with creative teams to deliver engaging visual content.
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Global Payments
Average Salary: $90,683
Global Payments provides Graphic Designer roles in locations like Atlanta, Georgia, and other global offices. Designers create visual content for marketing campaigns, client presentations, and internal communications. They work in a fast-paced environment, supporting various business units.
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Onward Search
Average Salary: $85,917
Onward Search offers Graphic Designer jobs in cities like New York, San Francisco, and Chicago. Designers create visual content for marketing campaigns, client presentations, and internal communications. They work in a dynamic environment, supporting various projects and teams.
How to earn more as a Graphic Designer?
Aspiring graphic designers can enhance their earning potential through various strategies. Building a strong portfolio showcases skills and creativity, making a lasting impression on potential employers or clients. Networking with other professionals in the industry opens doors to new opportunities and collaborations. Staying updated with the latest design trends and software ensures competitiveness and relevance in the job market. Specializing in a niche area, such as branding or web design, can command higher rates for services. Continuous learning and skill development through courses and workshops keeps the designer's abilities sharp and valuable.
Another effective way to increase earnings is by offering additional services beyond basic design work. This can include services like branding, marketing strategy, or even consulting. Diversifying income streams can lead to higher overall earnings. Seeking freelance opportunities or starting a personal design business provides the chance to set competitive rates based on the value provided. Collaborating with other designers on larger projects can also increase earning potential. Maintaining a professional online presence through a personal website or social media platforms helps attract more clients and opportunities. Each of these strategies plays a crucial role in boosting a graphic designer's income.
Here are some key factors to consider for earning more as a graphic designer:
- Build a strong portfolio
- Network with industry professionals
- Stay updated with trends and software
- Specialize in a niche area
- Offer additional services



