How much does a Graphic Designer make?
A Graphic Designer creates visual content for a variety of media. They use software to design logos, advertisements, and other graphics. The average yearly salary for a Graphic Designer is around $56,311. This means most Graphic Designers earn between this amount and more each year.
The salary can vary based on experience and location. Entry-level Graphic Designers may start with a lower salary. As they gain experience, their salary can increase. Some Graphic Designers work in big cities where the cost of living is higher. These cities may offer higher salaries to attract talent. Here is a look at the salary distribution for Graphic Designers:
- 10% earn less than $28,400
- 20% earn between $28,400 and $36,621
- 30% earn between $36,621 and $44,842
- 40% earn between $44,842 and $53,063
- 50% earn between $53,063 and $61,284
- 60% earn between $61,284 and $69,505
- 70% earn between $69,505 and $77,726
- 80% earn between $77,726 and $85,947
- 90% earn between $85,947 and $94,168
- 95% earn between $94,168 and $102,389
- 99% earn less than $102,389
What are the highest paying cities for a Graphic Designer?
-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $87,750
In San Francisco, creatives thrive in a vibrant tech hub. Companies like Google and Apple offer dynamic projects. The city's rich culture fuels innovative design work.
Find Graphic Designer jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $83,807
San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley, offers exciting opportunities. Tech giants like Adobe and eBay need fresh design talent. The city's fast-paced environment keeps projects exciting.
Find Graphic Designer jobs in San Jose, CA
-
Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $74,318
Seattle's creative scene is booming. Companies like Amazon and Microsoft seek talented designers. The city's unique blend of tech and nature inspires unique projects.
Find Graphic Designer jobs in Seattle, WA
-
Washington, DC
Average Salary: $71,238
In Washington, DC, design meets politics. Firms like Accenture and Deloitte offer impactful projects. The city's historic charm adds depth to creative work.
Find Graphic Designer jobs in Washington, DC
-
Stamford, CT
Average Salary: $70,858
Stamford offers a mix of corporate and creative opportunities. Companies like GE and United Technologies need skilled designers. The city's suburban feel provides a balanced work environment.
Find Graphic Designer jobs in Stamford, CT
-
Boston, MA
Average Salary: $70,115
Boston's rich history and modern tech scene blend well. Firms like Fidelity and State Street need innovative design. The city's academic influence adds to the creative atmosphere.
Find Graphic Designer jobs in Boston, MA
-
Anchorage, AK
Average Salary: $69,852
In Anchorage, design work thrives in a unique setting. Companies like ConocoPhillips and Alaska Airlines offer diverse projects. The city's natural beauty inspires creative solutions.
Find Graphic Designer jobs in Anchorage, AK
-
Huntsville, AL
Average Salary: $68,582
Huntsville, known as Rocket City, offers exciting design roles. NASA and other aerospace firms need creative talent. The city's innovative spirit drives unique projects.
Find Graphic Designer jobs in Huntsville, AL
-
Baltimore, MD
Average Salary: $66,867
Baltimore offers a mix of urban and creative opportunities. Companies like Under Armour and Johns Hopkins need fresh design. The city's vibrant arts scene adds to the creative environment.
Find Graphic Designer jobs in Baltimore, MD
-
Austin, TX
Average Salary: $66,260
In Austin, the tech and music scenes blend well. Companies like Dell and Apple offer exciting projects. The city's lively culture inspires innovative design work.
Find Graphic Designer jobs in Austin, TX
What are the best companies a Graphic Designer can work for?
-
Apple
Average Salary: $181,040
Apple offers exciting opportunities for Graphic Designers. They work on creating visuals for products and marketing materials. Apple operates globally, with major offices in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
-
Peraton
Average Salary: $135,958
Peraton provides Graphic Designers with chances to enhance branding and communication. They focus on delivering high-quality designs for various projects. Peraton has offices across the U.S. and internationally.
-
Deloitte
Average Salary: $131,000
At Deloitte, Graphic Designers create impactful visuals for clients. They work on projects that need strong design skills. Deloitte operates in many countries, with offices in North America, Europe, and Asia.
-
Booz Allen Hamilton
Average Salary: $112,441
Booz Allen Hamilton offers Graphic Designers roles in creating designs for government projects. They focus on delivering clear and effective visuals. The company has offices across the U.S. and internationally.
-
Run Studios
Average Salary: $109,692
Run Studios provides a creative environment for Graphic Designers. They work on projects that need innovative design solutions. The company operates in the U.S., with a focus on the entertainment industry.
-
Parsons
Average Salary: $102,608
Parsons offers Graphic Designers roles in creating designs for infrastructure projects. They focus on delivering high-quality visuals. The company operates in many countries, with offices in North America and internationally.
-
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Average Salary: $101,940
Nothing Bundt Cakes provides Graphic Designers with chances to create eye-catching designs. They work on projects that need creative and appealing visuals. The company operates in the U.S., with many locations.
-
CACI International
Average Salary: $99,988
CACI International offers Graphic Designers roles in creating designs for defense and security projects. They focus on delivering clear and effective visuals. The company operates in many countries, with offices in North America and internationally.
-
Global Payments
Average Salary: $90,683
Global Payments provides Graphic Designers with chances to create designs for financial technology projects. They focus on delivering clear and effective visuals. The company operates in many countries, with offices in North America and internationally.
-
Amentum
Average Salary: $87,673
Amentum offers Graphic Designers roles in creating designs for government projects. They focus on delivering clear and effective visuals. The company operates in many countries, with offices in North America and internationally.
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 can lead to job opportunities and collaborations that may increase income. Staying updated on the latest design trends and software ensures that a designer remains competitive and valuable in the market.
Specializing in a niche area of graphic design, such as branding or digital marketing, can also lead to higher-paying projects. Continuous learning and skill development through courses or workshops can open doors to advanced roles and higher salaries. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Develop a strong portfolio.
- Network with industry professionals.
- Stay updated on trends and software.
- Specialize in a niche area.
- Invest in continuous learning and skill development.
