### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Graphic Designers Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            						
							
				                                                
                                            




            			graphic designers imageGraphic designers combine art and technology to develop graphics for product illustrations, logos, and websites.							
						Quick Facts:     Graphic Designers2023     Median Pay
            						$58,910     per year
										$28.32     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    Bachelor's degreeWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    NoneNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    270,900Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    3% (As fast as average)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    8,900What Graphic Designers Do
                                                
                        
                        
Graphic designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Many of these workers are employed in specialized design services, publishing, or advertising, public relations, and related services industries.
            
                                                How to Become a Graphic Designer
                                                
                        
Graphic designers usually need a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field. Candidates for graphic design positions should have a portfolio that demonstrates their creativity and originality.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for graphic designers was $58,910 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Employment							of graphic designers is projected to grow							 3 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
						About 22,800 openings for graphic designers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for graphic designers.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of graphic designers with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about graphic designers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Graphic Designers Do 
            

			Graphic designersGraphic designers create designs either by hand or using computer software packages.			
Graphic designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They develop the overall layout and production design for applications such as advertisements, brochures, magazines, and reports.
Duties
Graphic designers typically do the following:
Meet with clients or the art director to determine the scope of a project
Use digital illustration, photo editing software, and layout software to create designs
Create visual elements such as logos, original images, and illustrations to help deliver a message
Design layouts, including selection of colors, images, and typefaces
Present design concepts to clients or art directors
Incorporate changes recommended by clients or art directors into final designs
Review designs for errors before printing or publishing themGraphic designers, also referred to as graphic artists or communication designers, combine art and technology to communicate ideas through images and the layout of websites and printed pages. They may use a variety of design elements to achieve artistic or decorative effects.
Graphic designers work with both text and images. They often select the type, font, size, color, and line length of headlines, headings, and text. Graphic designers also decide how images and text will go together in print or on a webpage, including how much space each will have. When using text in layouts, graphic designers collaborate with writers, who choose the words and decide whether the words will be put into paragraphs, lists, or tables. Through the use of images, text, and color, graphic designers may transform data into visual graphics and diagrams to make complex ideas more accessible.
Graphic design is important to market and sell products, and it is a critical component of brochures and logos. Therefore, graphic designers often work closely with people in advertising and promotions, public relations, and marketing.
Frequently, designers specialize in a particular category or type of client. For example, some designers create the graphics used on product packaging, and others may work on the visual designs used on book jackets.
Graphic designers need to keep up to date with software and computer technologies in order to remain competitive.
Some individuals with a background in graphic design become postsecondary teachers and teach in design schools, colleges, and universities.
Some graphic designers specialize in experiential graphic design. These designers work with architects, industrial designers, landscape architects, and interior designers to create interactive design environments, such as museum exhibitions, public arts exhibits, and retail spaces.
 Work Environment
			Graphic designersGraphic designers generally work in a studio where they have access to drafting tables and computers.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Graphic designers held about 270,900 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of graphic designers were as follows:
        Self-employed workers
                19%Advertising, public relations, and related services
                9Specialized design services
                9Printing and related support activities
                6Publishing industries
                6Graphic designers generally work in studios, where they have access to equipment such as drafting tables, computers, and software. Although many graphic designers work independently, those who work for specialized graphic design firms are often part of a design team. Many graphic designers collaborate with colleagues or work with clients on projects.
Work Schedules
Graphic designers’ schedules vary depending on workloads and deadlines.
Those who are self-employed may need to adjust their workday to meet with clients in the evenings or on weekends. In addition, they may spend some of their time looking for new projects or competing with other designers for contracts.
 How to Become a Graphic Designer

			Graphic designersGraphic designers should demonstrate their creativity and originality through a professional portfolio.			
Graphic designers usually need a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field. Candidates for graphic design positions should have a portfolio that demonstrates their creativity and originality.
Education
Graphic designers typically need a bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related fine arts field. People who have a bachelor’s degree in another field may complete technical training in graphic design to meet most hiring qualifications.
The National Association of Schools of Art and Design accredits more than 360 postsecondary colleges, universities, and independent institutes with programs in art and design. Most programs include courses in studio art, principles of design, computerized design, commercial graphics production, printing techniques, and website design. In addition, students should consider courses in writing, marketing, and business, all of which are useful in helping designers work effectively on project teams.
High school students interested in graphic design should take basic art and design courses, if available. Many bachelor’s degree programs require students to complete a year of basic art and design courses before being admitted to a formal degree program. Some schools require applicants to submit sketches and other examples of their artistic ability.
Many programs provide students with the opportunity to build a portfolio—a collection of completed works that demonstrates an artist’s styles and abilities. For many artists, including graphic designers, developing a portfolio is essential because employers rely on portfolios in making hiring decisions.
Graphic designers must keep up with new and updated computer graphics and design software, either on their own or through formal software training programs. Professional associations that specialize in graphic design, such as AIGA, offer courses intended to keep the skills of their members up to date.
Other Experience
Graphic designers often gain experience through internships, which they may undertake while enrolled in a design program. Internships allow aspiring graphic designers to work with designers and to experience the design process from concept to completion.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Certification programs are generally available through software product vendors. Certification in graphic design software demonstrates competence and may provide jobseekers with a competitive advantage.
Advancement
Experienced graphic designers may advance to chief designer, art director, or other supervisory positions.
Important Qualities
***Analytical skills.*** Graphic designers must be able to perceive their work from their consumers’ point of view to ensure that the designs convey the client’s message.
***Artistic ability*.** Graphic designers must be able to create designs that are artistically interesting and appealing to clients and consumers. They produce rough illustrations of design ideas, either by hand sketching or by using computer programs.
***Communication skills*.** Graphic designers must communicate with clients, customers, and other designers to ensure that their designs accurately and effectively convey information.
***Computer skills*.** Most graphic designers use specialized graphic design software to prepare their designs.
***Creativity*.** Graphic designers must be able to think of new approaches to communicating ideas to consumers. They develop unique designs that convey their client’s message.
***Time-management skills*.** Graphic designers often work simultaneously on multiple projects, each with a different deadline.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                Graphic DesignersMedian annual wages, May 2023Graphic designers$58,910  Art and design workers$51,660  Total, all occupations$48,060Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for graphic designers was $58,910 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $36,420, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $100,450.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for graphic designers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Specialized design services
                $62,330Advertising, public relations, and related services
                56,970Publishing industries
                54,450Printing and related support activities
                44,500Graphic designers’ schedules vary depending on workload and deadlines.
Those who are self-employed may need to adjust their workday to meet with clients in the evenings or on weekends. In addition, they may spend some of their time looking for new projects or competing with other designers for contracts.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
              Graphic DesignersPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Total, all occupations3%  Art and design workers3%  Graphic designers3%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Employment				of graphic designers is projected to grow				 3 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
			
			About 22,800 openings for graphic designers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
			Employment
	
			
As companies continue to increase their digital presence, graphic designers may be needed to help create visually appealing and effective layouts of websites and social media sites. However, a decrease in print newspapers and magazines may limit employment growth for graphic designers who create advertisements for companies and products.
			

                        Employment projections data for     graphic designers, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Graphic designers**
			27-1024
			270,900
			279,800
			3
			8,900
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Graphic designers **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of graphic designers. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Art Directors**
            Art directors are responsible for the visual style and images in magazines, newspapers, product packaging, and movie and television productions.
            Bachelor's degree
            $106,500**Craft and Fine Artists**
            Craft and fine artists use a variety of materials and techniques to create art for sale and exhibition.
            See How to Become One
            $52,910**Desktop Publishers**
            Desktop publishers use computer software to design page layouts for items that are printed or published online.
            Associate's degree
            $51,290**Drafters**
            Drafters use software to convert the designs of engineers and architects into technical drawings.
            Associate's degree
            $62,530**Industrial Designers**
            Industrial designers combine art, business, and engineering to develop the concepts for manufactured products.
            Bachelor's degree
            $76,250**Special Effects Artists and Animators**
            Special effects artists and animators create images that appear to move and visual effects for various forms of media and entertainment.
            Bachelor's degree
            $99,060**Technical Writers**
            Technical writers prepare instruction manuals, how-to guides, journal articles, and other supporting documents to communicate complex and technical information more easily.
            Bachelor's degree
            $80,050**Web Developers and Digital Designers**
            Web developers create and maintain websites. Digital designers develop, create, and test website or interface layout, functions, and navigation for usability.
            Bachelor's degree
            $92,750
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more information about graphic design, visit
AIGA
Graphic Artists Guild
Society for Experiential Graphic Design
For more information about art and design and a list of accredited college-level programs, visit
National Association of Schools of Art and Design

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Graphic Designers
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Graphic Designers, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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