How much does a graphic designer make?
a year · about $30 an hour
A typical graphic designer in the United States makes $62,960 a year, about $30 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They meet a client or art director, then use a computer to create a logo or page, choosing colors, pictures, and type. They review the layout, make requested changes, and prepare print or web files before the deadline.
Did you know? About one in five U.S. graphic designers is self-employed, so some spend part of the day hunting for their next project—not just designing.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $39,520 and $104,910How do you become one?
Most U.S. graphic designers earn a bachelor’s degree in design or a related field, build a portfolio, and may intern while studying; many start full-time in their early 20s. A license or exam is usually not needed; software certificates are optional.
School needed: Usually a bachelor's degree
Good for people who like creating and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay can differ with experience, in-demand skills, optional software certificates, location, employer or industry, and specialty, such as packaging or book design. Deadlines affect work hours, and freelancers’ income can depend on winning projects; a strong portfolio helps them compete.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in District of Columbia ($87,920), lowest in West Virginia ($40,350).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
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Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $39,520 | $62,960 | $104,910 | about 198,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $87,920 | about 1,000 |
| Rhode Island | $78,220 | about 750 |
| New York | $77,340 | about 15,000 |
| Massachusetts | $76,710 | about 4,000 |
| California | $75,130 | about 27,000 |
Official definition: 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. Excludes “Web and Digital Interface Designers” (15-1255).
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/27-1024.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2016/article/will-i-need-a-license-or-certification.ht
- www.forbes.com/advisor/education/business-and-marketing/graphic-design-bachelors
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY