Graphic Designer: Career Overview
Official government data · Updated April 2026
Graphic Designers earn a national median of $61,300/yr with 2.1% projected employment growth over 2024–2034. The role draws on expertise in Design, Computers and Electronics, Fine Arts.
Median Salary
$61,300
National · 2024
10-Year Growth
2.1%
Slower than average
Employed Nationally
214,260
2024 data
Typical Education
Bachelor's degree
Entry-level
What Employers Expect From a Graphic Designer
These are the competencies recruiters screen for in Graphic Designer candidates, ranked by importance. Your resume should demonstrate each one:
Knowledge Areas
Core knowledge domains most important for Graphic Designer performance, based on verified occupational data.
Tools & Technologies
High-demand tools and technologies for Graphic Designer roles.
Job Outlook: 2024–2034
Employment is projected to grow 2.1% for Graphic Designer roles over the 2024–2034 decade. That's slower than average compared to the 4% average across all occupations.
- Current Employment
- 214,260
- Projected Growth
- 2.1%
- Typical Education
- Bachelor's degree
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does a Graphic Designer do?
- Graphic Designers apply expertise in Design, Computers and Electronics, Fine Arts to perform their core responsibilities. Key competencies include Active Listening, Speaking, Writing, Critical Thinking.
- How much does a Graphic Designer make?
- The national median salary for a Graphic Designer is $61,300 per year based on official government wage survey data. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.
- Is Graphic Designer a good career in 2026?
- Employment for Graphic Designer roles is projected to grow 2.1% over the 2024–2034 decade — slower than average compared to all occupations. There are currently 214,260 workers in this occupation nationally.
- What education do you need to become a Graphic Designer?
- The typical entry-level education for a Graphic Designer is Bachelor's degree. Requirements vary by employer and specialization.
- What skills do Graphic Designers need?
- The most important skills for Graphic Designer roles based on verified occupational data: Active Listening, Speaking, Writing, Critical Thinking, Active Learning, Reading Comprehension, Social Perceptiveness, Coordination, Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making. Key tools and technologies include: Adobe After Effects, Adobe Creative Cloud software, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop.
Does Your Resume Cover These Skills?
Tap the skills that are currently on your resume.
Salary, employment, and skills figures sourced from official U.S. government records and occupational databases. Actual compensation and requirements vary by location, experience, and employer. Salary and employment figures from official U.S. government records. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.