How much does a graphic designer make?
Answer: A typical graphic designer in the United States makes $62,960 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 198,000 people work in this job. About the same as the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Graphic designer pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| 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 |
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.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a graphic designer 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. Excludes “Web and Digital Interface Designers” (15-1255).
What's a typical day like?
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.
How to get this job
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.
Usually a bachelor's degree (preparation level 4 of 5)
Good for people who like creating and keeping things organized.
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.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
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