Graphic Designer Salaries

Graphic design is a dynamic field where compensation varies based on experience, location, and expertise. Understanding these factors can help both aspiring and current designers navigate their career paths effectively. 

One of the most significant distinctions in the industry is between an employed graphic designer and a freelance graphic designer. The salary data presented here primarily reflects graphic designers working in traditional employment settings—those hired by companies, agencies, or organizations. These graphic designers typically receive a stable paycheck, benefits, and structured career progression opportunities. In contrast, freelance graphic designers operate as independent contractors, which introduces an entirely different set of financial considerations.

Freelance graphic designers’ incomes can vary widely due to multiple factors, including geographic location, business acumen, client acquisition skills, level of experience, industry knowledge, and creative expertise. Unlike salaried graphic designers, freelancers must consistently market themselves, set competitive rates, and manage client relationships while handling administrative tasks like invoicing and taxes. While a successful freelance graphic designer can potentially out-earn a salaried graphic designer, achieving financial stability requires persistence, networking, the ability to adapt to fluctuating demand and handle the high and lows of income. It is not uncommon for a graphic designer near me or you working as a freelancer to not have income for weeks, especially when starting off.

Additionally, the lifestyle of freelance graphic designers is often overstated and hyper-glamorized. Social media and popular narratives frequently depict freelancing as a carefree career filled with flexible schedules, travel opportunities, and limitless creative freedom. However, the reality is often far less glamorous. Freelancers face inconsistent income streams, lack of employer-provided benefits, and the ongoing pressure of securing new clients. Many freelancers work long hours, especially when starting out, as they build their reputation and portfolio. The unpredictability of work can also lead to financial stress, making freelancing a challenging path that requires not only design skills but also entrepreneurial resilience.

Ultimately, both employment paths—salaried and freelance—have their advantages and challenges. While traditional employment provides stability and career growth within a structured organization, freelancing offers creative independence and the potential for higher earnings in the long run. However, aspiring freelancers should be mindful of the realities behind the freelance lifestyle and prepare for the responsibilities that come with running their own business.

Why BLS Salary Data for Graphic Designers Is the Most Reliable Source

The salary statistics provided in this report are sourced directly from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), one of the most reputable and authoritative sources of labor market data. The BLS collects its data through rigorous methodologies, including employer surveys and workforce studies, ensuring that the numbers reflect actual employment and wage information rather than estimates or self-reported figures. Unlike many private websites that rely on user-submitted data, industry assumptions, or broad generalizations, the BLS compiles real-world statistics based on verified payroll reports and employment records. Because of this, BLS data is free from commercial bias and provides an objective, comprehensive view of salary trends across industries, locations, and experience levels. For graphic designers, this means the salary data is based on actual earnings from professionals in the field, rather than speculative numbers that may misrepresent reality. This makes the BLS a reliable and trustworthy resource for job seekers, employers, and freelancers when assessing career opportunities, wage expectations, and industry trends.

Experience Levels in Graphic Design

In the graphic design industry, experience levels are generally categorized as follows:

• Beginner (Junior Designer): Typically has 0-2 years of experience. Beginners are often recent graduates or individuals transitioning into graphic design from other fields. They usually work under the supervision of more experienced designers and are in the process of building their portfolios.

• Intermediate (Mid-Level Designer): Generally possesses 3-5 years of experience. Intermediate designers have a solid understanding of design principles and can handle projects with minimal supervision. They often take on more complex tasks and may begin to mentor junior designers.

• Expert (Senior Designer): Typically has over 5 years of experience. Experts are highly skilled professionals who lead design projects, make strategic design decisions, and often hold leadership positions within a team or organization. 

Although senior graphic designers often hold leadership roles, only a small percentage of graphic designers attain this position within a company. This is because senior roles are limited, creating a more competitive landscape. As a result, even highly experienced graphic designers frequently earn mid-level salaries despite their years of expertise.

Graphic Designer Salaries by State

Salaries for graphic designers vary significantly across different states due to factors such as cost of living, demand for design services, and industry presence. Based on the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as of May 2023, here's an overview of graphic designer salaries across all 50 U.S. states. 

By examining both the average salary and the Cost of Living Index, graphic designers can better assess the real value of their earnings in different states. A higher salary in a state with a high cost of living may offer less purchasing power than a lower salary in a more affordable state. This analysis underscores the importance of considering both salary and living costs when evaluating job opportunities across various locations.

In simple terms, the Cost of Living Index measures how expensive it is to live in each state compared to the national average (which is set at 100). A higher number means the state is more expensive, while a lower number means it is more affordable.

In more complex terms, An index above 100 means the state is more expensive than the national average, while an index below 100 indicates it is less expensive. For example, Hawaii has the highest Cost of Living Index at 193.3, making it nearly twice as expensive as the national average, whereas Mississippi has one of the lowest at 87.5, indicating it's more affordable.

The Adjusted Salary shows how much a graphic designer’s salary is really worth when considering the cost of living. If a state has a high cost of living, the adjusted salary will be lower, meaning your money won’t go as far. If a state has a low cost of living, the adjusted salary will be higher, meaning your earnings have more purchasing power. This helps compare how far a salary actually goes in different states.

The table below presents the average annual salaries for graphic designers in each state, as reported by the BLS, and also includes the Cost of Living Index from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, along with the adjusted salary calculated based on the Cost of Living Index.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for salary data; Missouri Economic Research and Information Center for Cost of Living Index. Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC) derives its cost of living index by averaging the indices of cities and metropolitan areas within each state. 

Please note that these figures are approximate and rounded to the nearest thousand for clarity. Salaries can vary based on factors such as experience, education, industry, and specific employer demands within each state.

Note: The adjusted salary is calculated by dividing the average salary by the Cost of Living Index (where the national average is 100) and then multiplying by 100 to standardize the value.

This table provides a clearer perspective on how the cost of living in each state affects the real value of a graphic designer's salary. For instance, while Virginia offers a higher average salary, its cost of living reduces the adjusted salary to a comparable level with states offering lower nominal salaries but also having a lower cost of living.

Cost of Living Adjusted Salaries

It is vital you consider the cost of living when evaluating job offers, as a higher salary in an expensive city may not provide the same financial comfort as a lower salary in a more affordable area. For instance, while a graphic designer earning $75,000 in New York City may seem well-compensated, high rents—often exceeding $3,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment—can significantly reduce disposable income. In contrast, a designer earning $55,000 in a smaller city like Austin or Nashville may enjoy a comparable or even better quality of life due to lower rent, utilities, and everyday expenses. Factoring in transportation costs, taxes, and general living expenses is essential to truly understanding the value of a salary in different locations.

Salaries can vary significantly when adjusted for the cost of living in different regions. For instance, a graphic designer earning $60,000 in New York City may have less purchasing power than someone earning $50,000 in a smaller city with a lower cost of living. While the BLS does not provide cost of living adjusted salaries, it's crucial for professionals to consider local economic conditions when evaluating compensation. 

This provides a real-world understanding of how much designers actually "take home" when factoring in local costs. 

Graphic Designer Salaries by Major Cities

Urban centers often offer higher salaries for graphic designers, reflecting the increased demand and cost of living in these areas. Based on the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as of May 2023, here's an overview of graphic designer salaries across various metropolitan areas in the United States. 

The table below presents the average annual salaries for graphic designers in select metropolitan areas, as reported by the BLS: 

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Please note that these figures are approximate and rounded to the nearest dollar for clarity. Salaries can vary based on factors such as experience, education, industry, and specific employer demands within each metropolitan area.

Graphic Designer Salaries by Industry

Graphic designers find opportunities in various sectors, each offering different compensation levels. Below is a breakdown of average annual salaries by industry:

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

This data illustrates that industries such as Management of Companies and Enterprises and Specialized Design Services tend to offer higher average salaries for graphic designers.

Graphic Designer Salary Percentiles

Understanding salary distribution within the graphic design field can provide insight into potential earnings at various career stages. The BLS provides percentile wage estimates, which help illustrate how salaries are distributed among professionals in the field.

A percentile represents the percentage of workers earning below a specific salary threshold. For example, if a graphic designer's salary is in the 75th percentile, it means they earn more than 75% of graphic designers but less than the top 25%. The 10th percentile typically represents entry-level designers or those in lower-paying markets, while the 50th percentile (median) reflects the midpoint, where half of designers earn more and half earn less. The 90th percentile represents the highest earners in the field, often senior designers, art directors, or those with specialized skills.

It is important to note that the 90th percentile represents only the top 10% of graphic designers, meaning that 90% of professionals in the field earn less than this amount. While reaching this level is possible, it requires significant expertise, a strong reputation, leadership roles, or working in highly lucrative industries. According to BLS employment data, there are approximately 215,000 graphic designers employed in the U.S., so the 90th percentile would represent only about 21,500 designers nationwide. Many of these professionals hold high-level positions such as creative directors, senior brand strategists, or independent freelance graphic designers commanding premium rates. The exclusivity of this tier highlights the challenge of reaching the highest salary levels in the field and emphasizes the need for business acumen, industry connections, and specialized expertise to stand out. 

Interpreting salary data based on percentiles helps professionals understand where they might fall in the income range based on their experience, skill level, and location. It also provides insight into salary progression, as moving from the 25th to the 75th percentile often requires gaining experience, industry expertise, and a strong portfolio. This data is useful for salary negotiations, career planning, and setting realistic income expectations within the graphic design profession.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

These figures indicate that while the median annual salary for graphic designers is $58,910, top earners in the 90th percentile, that is the top 10% of all graphic designers, employed and freelance, can make up to $98,260 annually.

Historical Salary Trends for Graphic Designers

Examining historical data can shed light on how salaries have evolved over time. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for graphic designers in 2019 was $52,110. By 2023, this median increased to $58,910, reflecting a positive growth trend in the field.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Comparison with Related Occupations

It's beneficial to compare graphic designer salaries with those of related professions to understand the broader job market landscape:

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

This comparison reveals that while graphic designers earn a competitive salary, certain related occupations, such as Art Directors and Multimedia Artists, offer higher median wages. It's important to note that Art Directors are those in the top 10% of graphic designers in leadership positions and the top 10% of freelance graphic designers. While a top graphic designer in Los Angeles or another city, like New York, might earn more, the high cost of living significantly reduces the actual disposable income.

Additional Considerations

It's important to note that these figures can vary based on industry, company size, and individual skill sets. For instance, graphic designers in specialized industries or those with expertise in high-demand areas may command higher salaries. Additionally, freelancers might have different earning potentials based on their client base and project rates.

In conclusion, a career in graphic design offers diverse opportunities with compensation reflecting factors such as experience, location, and specialization. Staying informed about industry trends and continuously developing skills can enhance earning potential and career advancement.