Overview Salaries

Graphic Designer Salaries

Updated on Mar 10, 2026
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Salary

How much does a Graphic Designer make?

The average salary for a Graphic Designer is $55,994 per year in the US.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Graphic Designer positions, showing an average salary of $55,994 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Graphic Designer positions, showing an average salary of $55,994 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Graphic Designer positions, showing an average salary of $55,994 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Graphic Designer positions, showing an average salary of $55,994 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graphic designers create visual content for different media. Their work includes designing logos, ads, and other graphics for websites, magazines, or products. Graphic designers often work with clients to meet their needs. This role requires creativity and technical skills. They use software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Graphic designers work in many industries, including advertising, marketing, and media.

The salary for graphic designers varies based on experience, skills, and location. The average yearly salary for a graphic designer is about $55,994. Here is a breakdown of the salary range:

  • The bottom 10 percent earn around $28,000 a year.
  • The next 10 percent earn around $36,818.
  • The next 10 percent earn around $45,636.
  • The middle 10 percent earn around $54,455.
  • The next 10 percent earn around $63,273.
  • The next 10 percent earn around $72,091.
  • The next 10 percent earn around $80,909.
  • The next 10 percent earn around $89,727.
  • The top 10 percent earn around $98,545 or more.
Aspiring graphic designers can expect to see an increase in salary as they gain more experience and expertise in their field.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Graphic Designer?

Graphic designers can find top-tier salaries in major cities like San Francisco and San Jose, California. Both cities provide a competitive edge with average salaries of nearly $92,000 and $87,000, respectively. Seattle, Anchorage, and other listed cities also offer strong compensation packages for creative professionals.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Graphic Designer jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $92,331 and Huntsville, AL with the lowest at $66,997.

  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $92,331
    In San Francisco, design creativity thrives. The tech-savvy city boasts companies like Google and Apple. Designers enjoy a vibrant culture that embraces innovation.
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  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $86,567
    San Jose offers a dynamic environment for design professionals. Silicon Valley companies provide exciting opportunities. Designers here value a blend of creativity and technology.
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  3. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $78,596
    Seattle's design scene is on the rise. Companies such as Amazon and Microsoft offer diverse projects. The city's unique style inspires fresh and bold ideas.
    Find Graphic Designer jobs in Seattle, WA


  4. Anchorage, AK
    Average Salary: $77,534
    Anchorage provides a fresh perspective on design. Local businesses value creative solutions. The city's natural beauty influences a unique design approach.
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  5. Stamford, CT
    Average Salary: $70,907
    Stamford offers a thriving design market. Financial firms and tech companies look for talented designers. The city balances corporate and creative needs well.
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  6. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $70,726
    In Washington, DC, design meets politics. Government agencies and tech firms need skilled designers. The city offers a mix of tradition and modernity.
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  7. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $69,770
    Boston's design world is rich with history. Tech giants and startups provide varied projects. The city values both innovation and classic design principles.
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  8. Baltimore, MD
    Average Salary: $67,186
    Baltimore is a city of contrasts in design. Local firms and media companies offer unique opportunities. Designers here work on projects that tell compelling stories.
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  9. Atlanta, GA
    Average Salary: $67,067
    Atlanta's design industry is growing. Media and entertainment firms are in demand. The city's vibrant culture inspires dynamic and engaging designs.
    Find Graphic Designer jobs in Atlanta, GA


  10. Huntsville, AL
    Average Salary: $66,997
    Huntsville offers a unique blend of design and technology. Space and defense companies provide innovative projects. Designers here work on cutting-edge solutions.
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What are the best companies a Graphic Designer can work for?

Deloitte tops the list of the best-paying companies for Graphic Designers, offering an average salary of $131,000. Peraton and Run Studios follow closely, with each providing over $100,000 annually. Companies like CannonDesign, Hasbro, and Onward Search also offer competitive salaries, making them attractive options for graphic designers seeking both skill development and financial growth.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Graphic Designer jobs, highlighting Deloitte with the highest at $131,000 and Centric Brands with the lowest at $70,391.

  1. Deloitte
    Average Salary: $131,000
    Deloitte offers exciting opportunities for Graphic Designers. They work on diverse projects, creating visual content for global audiences. This company operates in many locations worldwide, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.


  2. Peraton
    Average Salary: $123,409
    At Peraton, Graphic Designers focus on creating impactful visual content. They work on projects that support national security and defense. Peraton operates across the United States, with major offices in Virginia, California, and Texas.


  3. Run Studios
    Average Salary: $110,250
    Run Studios provides a creative environment for Graphic Designers. They work on projects for major video game companies. Run Studios has locations in Los Angeles, California, and Boston, Massachusetts.


  4. CannonDesign
    Average Salary: $91,954
    CannonDesign offers Graphic Designers the chance to work on innovative projects. They create visual content for architecture and design projects. This company has offices in Chicago, Illinois, and San Francisco, California.


  5. Hasbro, Inc.
    Average Salary: $87,499
    Hasbro, Inc. provides opportunities for Graphic Designers to work on iconic brands. They create visual content for toys and games. Hasbro operates in several locations, including Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and New York, New York.


  6. Onward Search
    Average Salary: $81,250
    Onward Search offers roles for Graphic Designers in tech companies. They create visual content for software and app interfaces. This company has locations in New York, New York, and San Francisco, California.


  7. LivCor
    Average Salary: $80,000
    LivCor offers a supportive environment for Graphic Designers. They work on projects for healthcare organizations. LivCor operates in Boston, Massachusetts, and Atlanta, Georgia.


  8. CELLA
    Average Salary: $79,541
    CELLA provides opportunities for Graphic Designers in architecture and design. They create visual content for building projects. This company has offices in Chicago, Illinois, and San Francisco, California.


  9. Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.
    Average Salary: $72,976
    Kimley-Horn offers roles for Graphic Designers in transportation and infrastructure. They create visual content for projects nationwide. This company has offices in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles, California.


  10. Centric Brands
    Average Salary: $70,391
    Centric Brands offers opportunities for Graphic Designers in the retail industry. They create visual content for fashion brands. This company operates in Los Angeles, California, and New York, New York.

How to earn more as a Graphic Designer?

A graphic designer has many ways to increase their earnings. Focusing on certain key areas can lead to higher pay and more job opportunities. Building a strong portfolio is one way to make more. This showcases your best work and demonstrates your skills to potential clients. Including a variety of projects can attract different types of clients.

Networking also plays a big role in earning more as a graphic designer. Connecting with other professionals can lead to new job opportunities and collaborations. Attending industry events, joining online groups, and reaching out to others in the field can open doors. Another way to make more is by learning new skills. Staying up-to-date with the latest software and design trends can make a designer more valuable. Continuous learning can lead to better job offers and higher pay.

Specializing in a niche can also increase earnings. Focusing on a specific area, such as branding or web design, can set a designer apart. Clients often pay a premium for specialized skills. Finally, negotiating salaries and freelance rates is important. Knowing your worth and confidently asking for higher pay can lead to better financial rewards.

Here are some key factors to consider:

  1. Build a strong portfolio
  2. Network with other professionals
  3. Learn new skills and stay updated
  4. Specialize in a niche area
  5. Negotiate salaries and rates

Currently 1,029 Graphic Designer job openings, nationwide.

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How's the job market for a Graphic Designer in the US?

Learn what a Graphic Designer does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Graphic Designer today.
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Graphic Designer
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