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.
Graphic Designers
SOC: 27-1024 O*NET: 27-1024.00
Median Salary
$62,960
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 2.1%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
20
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
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.
What does a Graphic Designers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$39,520
10th percentile
Early Career
$49,040
25th percentile
Median
$62,960
50th percentile
Experienced
$81,830
75th percentile
Top Earners
$104,910
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$39,520
25th
$49,040
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$62,960
Mean: $70,560
75th
$81,830
90th
$104,910
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $65,390 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $49,040 and $81,830
- •Salary spread is 52.1% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 197,830 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:265,900
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services35.4%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services35.4%
Manufacturing18.8%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+2.1%
Annual Openings:20,000
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)265,900
Current
2034 (Projected)271,500
+2.1%
+5,700
Employment Change
+2.1%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Graphic Designers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
27,390 jobs$75,1301.18x
New York
14,530 jobs$77,3401.18x
Texas
13,670 jobs$60,1500.76x
Florida
12,660 jobs$61,6601.00x
Illinois
8,960 jobs$62,5601.15x
Pennsylvania
8,150 jobs$60,7301.06x
Ohio
7,280 jobs$60,0801.03x
Michigan
6,070 jobs$57,3501.08x
Georgia
5,920 jobs$60,2500.95x
New Jersey
5,670 jobs$73,7901.04x
North Carolina
5,660 jobs$58,4500.90x
Minnesota
5,570 jobs$63,8601.48x
Virginia
4,740 jobs$72,3100.91x
Missouri
4,500 jobs$56,7501.20x
Massachusetts
4,450 jobs$76,7100.96x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Active Listening
100%
#2
Design
100%
#3
Originality
100%
#4
Speaking
94%
#5
Computers and Electronics
92%
#6
Near Vision
92%
#7
Fine Arts
86%
#8
Critical Thinking
86%
#9
Fluency of Ideas
82%
#10
Writing
80%
Skills Overview
Active Listening
advanced5.0
100%
Design
advanced5.0
100%
Originality
advanced5.0
100%
Speaking
advanced4.7
94%
Computers and Electronics
advanced4.6
92%
Near Vision
advanced4.6
92%
Fine Arts
intermediate4.3
86%
Critical Thinking
intermediate4.3
86%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Active Listening
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Design
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Originality
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Speaking
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Computers and Electronics
advancedImportance92%
knowledge
4.6/5.0
Near Vision
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Fine Arts
intermediateImportance86%
knowledge
4.3/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Fluency of Ideas
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Communications and Media
intermediateImportance78%
knowledge
3.9/5.0
Active Learning
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts100%
5 shared skills
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers82%
5 shared skills
Advertising and Promotions Managers82%
5 shared skills
Urologists82%
5 shared skills
Audiologists82%
5 shared skills
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Writing
- ✓Design
- ✓Computers and Electronics
Learn on the Job:
- →Coordination
- →Social Perceptiveness
- →Sales and Marketing
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Writing
- ✓Design
- ✓Computers and Electronics
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Speaking
- ★Writing
- ★Design
- ★Computers and Electronics
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Graphic Designers
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Intuit QuickBooks
🔥 Hot TechAutodesk AutoCAD
🔥 Hot TechAutodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
🔥 Hot TechAutodesk Revit
🔥 Hot TechBentley MicroStation
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechStructured query language SQL
🔥 Hot TechAdobe InDesign
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Acrobat
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechExtensible markup language XML
🔥 Hot TechFigma
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Intuit QuickBooks
Autodesk AutoCAD
Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
Autodesk Revit
Bentley MicroStation
Microsoft Access
Structured query language SQL
Adobe InDesign
Adobe Acrobat
Microsoft Outlook
Extensible markup language XML
Figma
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
19
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Planning & Development (5)General Responsibilities (9)Documentation & Record-Keeping (5)
1
Create designs, concepts, and sample layouts, based on knowledge of layout principles and esthetic design concepts.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development100% perform100%
2
Determine size and arrangement of illustrative material and copy, and select style and size of type.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Use computer software to generate new images.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Mark up, paste, and assemble final layouts to prepare layouts for printer.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping91% perform94%
5
Draw and print charts, graphs, illustrations, and other artwork, using computer.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Review final layouts and suggest improvements, as needed.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Confer with clients to discuss and determine layout design.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development82% perform88%
8
Develop graphics and layouts for product illustrations, company logos, and Web sites.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development79% perform86%
9
Key information into computer equipment to create layouts for client or supervisor.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Prepare illustrations or rough sketches of material, discussing them with clients or supervisors and making necessary changes.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on planning & development activities
- •37% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Graphic Designers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Graphic Designers professionals typically have a ACE Holland code and highly value achievement
AArtistic
CConventional
EEnterprising
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Graphic Designers
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.80
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.65
Adaptability/Flexibility
Very ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level4.45
Innovation
Very ImportantInnovation
Importance Level4.45
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.45
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.40
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.8
Dependability
4.7
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.5
Innovation
4.5
Cooperation
4.5
Initiative
4.4
Self-Control
4.3
Achievement/Effort
4.2
Stress Tolerance
4.2
Independence
4.2
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training:
Significant preparation with related work experience
💼 Experience Requirement
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Bachelor's degree in related field
- • Several years of work experience
- • Professional certifications often required
4
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Graphic Designers.
Browse Training Programs →The Apprenticeship Route: Earn While You Learn
You don't necessarily need to pay for school to enter this field. There are 58 registered apprenticeship sponsors for this occupation in the U.S. DOL system. Apprentices earn a wage from day one, typically starting at 40–50% of the journeyman rate, and finish with no tuition debt.
Most sponsors: CA (7) , SC (7) , GU (6) , MI (4) , TX (4)
How apprenticeships work →Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov)
Trade Colleges That Train for Graphic Designers
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Mesa Community College
Mesa, AZ
1.1k program completions/year
Chattahoochee Technical College
Marietta, GA
1.1k program completions/year
Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Chandler, AZ
733 program completions/year
Central Piedmont Community College
Charlotte, NC
626 program completions/year
Estrella Mountain Community College
Avondale, AZ
561 program completions/year
Saddleback College
Mission Viejo, CA
493 program completions/year
Wake Technical Community College
Raleigh, NC
481 program completions/year
Mt San Antonio College
Walnut, CA
465 program completions/year
Long Beach City College
Long Beach, CA
457 program completions/year
Pasadena City College
Pasadena, CA
453 program completions/year
Orange Coast College
Costa Mesa, CA
441 program completions/year
Columbus State Community College
Columbus, OH
409 program completions/year