Graphic designers
SOC Code: 27-1024Also known as:
Ad Designer (Advertising Designer), Ad Layout Worker (Advertising Layout Worker), Artist, Brand Designer, Catalogue Illustrator
Median Annual Salary
$61,300
+2.1% growth (2024-2034)
20K
Openings/Year
266K
Current Jobs
What Graphic designers Do
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.
💰 Salary
$61,300
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+2.1%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
20K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
265,900
Projected Employment (2034)
271,500
Related Careers
Web and digital interface designers
$98,090 •
+7.0% growth
Art directors
$111,040 •
+4.2% growth
Fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators
$60,560 •
-1.2% growth
Special effects artists and animators
$99,800 •
+1.6% growth
Desktop publishers
$53,620 •
-12.4% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Speaking
Writing
Critical Thinking
Active Learning
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Key information into computer equipment to create layouts for client or supervisor.
- Review final layouts and suggest improvements, as needed.
- Determine size and arrangement of illustrative material and copy, and select style and size of type.
- Develop graphics and layouts for product illustrations, company logos, and Web sites.
- Create designs, concepts, and sample layouts, based on knowledge of layout principles and esthetic design concepts.
- Use computer software to generate new images.
- Prepare digital files for printing.
- Confer with clients to discuss and determine layout design.
- Research the target audience of projects.
- Draw and print charts, graphs, illustrations, and other artwork, using computer.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Graphic designers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a graphic designers:
Graphic Design
10,676 degrees awarded •
578 colleges offer this program
Design and Visual Communications, General
6,186 degrees awarded •
257 colleges offer this program
Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design
5,236 degrees awarded •
343 colleges offer this program
Digital Arts
3,892 degrees awarded •
166 colleges offer this program
Computer Graphics
3,312 degrees awarded •
113 colleges offer this program
Commercial and Advertising Art
2,987 degrees awarded •
165 colleges offer this program
Industrial and Product Design
1,395 degrees awarded •
67 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Graphic designers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become graphic designers.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do graphic designers make?
The median annual salary for graphic designers is $61,300.
What education do graphic designers need?
Most graphic designers positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Graphic Design, Design and Visual Communications, General, Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design.
Is becoming graphic designers a good career choice?
Graphic designers is projected to see +2.1% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 20,000 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for graphic designers?
Top colleges for aspiring graphic designers include
New York University, The University of Texas at Austin, University of Florida, Carnegie Mellon University, University of Southern California.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to graphic designers?
Graphic designers may also be known as: Ad Designer (Advertising Designer), Ad Layout Worker (Advertising Layout Worker), Artist, Brand Designer, Catalogue Illustrator, Commercial Artist, Concept Artist, Creative Designer, Design Consultant, Designer, Digital Artist, Forms Designer, Graphic Art Designer, Graphic Artist, Graphic Design Coordinator, Graphic Designer, Graphics Coordinator, Graphics Specialist, Interface Designer, Label Maker.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.