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How much does a Graphic Designer make?

The average salary for a Graphic Designer is $54,959 per year in the US.

A graphic designer creates visual concepts to communicate ideas. This profession can be rewarding, both creatively and financially. The salary for graphic designers can vary based on experience and location. On average, a graphic designer earns about $54,959 a year. This figure serves as a good benchmark, but salaries can differ widely.

Factors such as skill level, location, and the type of industry impact earning potential. Entry-level designers might earn closer to $28,000 annually, while seasoned professionals can make up to $115,000 or more each year. Specialized areas like web design or animation often command higher salaries. Urban areas with a high cost of living, like New York or San Francisco, typically offer higher wages compared to smaller cities or rural areas.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Graphic Designer?

Top cities for graphic designers offer great pay and opportunities. San Francisco leads with the highest average salary at $94,863. Anchorage follows closely, with an average of $89,388. Cities like San Jose, Seattle, and Washington, DC, also offer high salaries for graphic designers. In these cities, graphic designers can expect to earn between $83,451 and $71,708. These cities provide a range of creative jobs and a chance to work with top companies.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Graphic Designer jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $94,863 and Atlanta, GA with the lowest at $67,722.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $94,863
    San Francisco offers a vibrant creative scene. Designers work with tech companies and startups. They enjoy a lively atmosphere and plenty of networking opportunities.
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  2. Anchorage, AK
    Average Salary: $89,388
    In Anchorage, graphic designers find a mix of outdoor beauty and urban projects. Companies here value creativity and innovation. It's a great place for those who enjoy a unique environment.
    Find Graphic Designer jobs in Anchorage, AK


  3. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $83,451
    San Jose is at the heart of Silicon Valley. Designers here create for tech giants. The city offers many chances to learn and grow. It’s an exciting place for those in the tech field.
    Find Graphic Designer jobs in San Jose, CA


  4. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $79,553
    Seattle boasts a thriving arts community. Designers work for companies like Amazon and Microsoft. The city offers a mix of urban and natural settings, perfect for creative minds.
    Find Graphic Designer jobs in Seattle, WA


  5. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $71,708
    In Washington, DC, designers often work on projects for the government or non-profits. The city's rich history provides unique inspiration. It’s a dynamic environment with many opportunities.
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  6. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $70,375
    Boston is a hub for education and innovation. Designers work for many tech companies and universities. The city offers a mix of history and modern trends, enriching creative projects.
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  7. Richmond, VA
    Average Salary: $69,882
    Richmond offers a blend of Southern charm and modern business. Designers here work for a variety of companies. It’s a place where creativity meets community spirit.
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  8. Baltimore, MD
    Average Salary: $68,639
    Baltimore has a unique blend of urban and suburban living. Designers work for diverse companies. The city's rich culture and history provide plenty of inspiration.
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  9. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $68,229
    Portland is known for its artistic vibe. Designers here create for a variety of small businesses and startups. The city values creativity and community, making it a great place for designers.
    Find Graphic Designer jobs in Portland, OR


  10. Atlanta, GA
    Average Salary: $67,722
    Atlanta offers a growing tech scene. Designers work for companies in a variety of industries. The city provides a mix of Southern hospitality and modern opportunities.
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What are the best companies a Graphic Designer can work for?

Peraton, Run Studios, and Hasbro, Inc. offer some of the best pay for graphic designers. These companies value creative skills and design talent. Their average salaries are higher than many other employers in the field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Graphic Designer jobs, highlighting Peraton with the highest at $124,731 and Robert Half with the lowest at $62,028.
  1. Peraton
    Average Salary: $124,731
    Peraton is a global company providing defense and technology services. The Graphic Designer role involves creating visual content for marketing and communication across various locations, including Arlington, VA, and Fairfax, VA.


  2. Run Studios
    Average Salary: $109,308
    Run Studios specializes in game development and media. Graphic Designers here create engaging visual assets for games and digital media, working from their studios in Chicago, IL, and San Francisco, CA.


  3. Hasbro, Inc.
    Average Salary: $85,789
    Hasbro, Inc. is a leading toy and entertainment company. Graphic Designers at Hasbro develop visual content for packaging and promotional materials in locations such as Pawtucket, RI, and East Longmeadow, MA.


  4. CannonDesign
    Average Salary: $83,637
    CannonDesign focuses on architectural and design services. Graphic Designers contribute to visual identity and branding, working from offices in St. Louis, MO, and Seattle, WA.


  5. CELLA
    Average Salary: $78,401
    CELLA is a leading engineering and design firm. Graphic Designers here create visual content for projects across multiple cities, including Boston, MA, and Denver, CO.


  6. 24 Seven
    Average Salary: $77,177
    24 Seven offers retail and consumer solutions. Graphic Designers craft promotional materials and visual content for retail environments, working from locations such as Atlanta, GA, and New York, NY.


  7. Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.
    Average Salary: $74,653
    Kimley-Horn is a civil engineering firm. Graphic Designers here produce visual content for reports and presentations in cities like Charlotte, NC, and Minneapolis, MN.


  8. Centric Brands
    Average Salary: $72,631
    Centric Brands is a lifestyle brand company. Graphic Designers create visual content for retail and marketing, working from offices in Nashville, TN, and Las Vegas, NV.


  9. Cushman & Wakefield
    Average Salary: $66,089
    Cushman & Wakefield is a real estate services firm. Graphic Designers here develop visual content for marketing and client presentations across locations like Chicago, IL, and Los Angeles, CA.


  10. Robert Half
    Average Salary: $62,028
    Robert Half provides staffing services across various industries. Graphic Designers create visual content for client projects in cities including San Francisco, CA, and New York, NY.

How to earn more as a Graphic Designer?

To earn more as a Graphic Designer, consider focusing on these key factors. Each of these elements plays an important role in helping you advance your career and improve your income.

First, expanding your skill set can open many doors. Learning new software, tools, and techniques makes you more valuable. Keeping up with trends also helps you stand out. Specializing in areas like digital marketing or animation can set you apart from others. Improving these skills requires practice and dedication. It can also lead to higher-paying opportunities.

  1. Skill Enhancement: Invest time in learning new skills and staying updated with industry trends.
  2. Portfolio Development: Create a strong, diverse portfolio that showcases your best work. Highlight a range of projects to attract more clients.
  3. Networking: Build relationships with other designers, potential clients, and industry professionals. Attend workshops, webinars, and local meetups.
  4. Freelancing: Take on freelance projects to gain experience and build your reputation. This can lead to higher-paying gigs and more stability.
  5. Continuous Learning: Keep learning by taking courses, reading books, and seeking feedback. This helps you improve and stay competitive.

Currently 883 Graphic Designer job openings, nationwide.

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
883 Job Openings