Graphic Designer

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Graphic Designer
O*NET-SOC: 27-1024.00
Creative Arts
Designs or creates graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, logos, or marketing materials. Uses design software and principles of visual composition, typography, and branding.
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$61K
Median Salary
+3%
Stable
Bachelor's Degree
Min. Education
Good Balance
Work-Life Balance
About This Role

Graphic designers create visual solutions for communication problems, working on everything from logos and brand guidelines to social media posts, packaging, and website layouts. On a typical day they open projects in tools like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, or Figma, review briefs in a project management system, and sketch or prototype several concepts before refining one or two directions. They decide on color palettes, typography, iconography, and imagery that align with a brand’s identity, then carefully adjust alignment, spacing, and hierarchy so information is clear and visually appealing. Designers also export assets at different sizes and formats, organize layers and file structures, and prepare print-ready or developer-ready files with clear specifications.
A Day in the Life

9:30 AM - Review briefs and priorities

Open the project management tool, read new or updated briefs, and decide which designs to move forward today based on deadlines and dependencies.
10:00 AM - Sketch concepts

Create quick thumbnail sketches on paper or low-fidelity wireframes in Figma to explore compositions, typography, and image ideas before refining.
11:00 AM - Design in Adobe Creative Cloud

Build higher-fidelity layouts in Illustrator, Photoshop, or InDesign, test color palettes and fonts, and iterate on a few promising directions.
12:30 PM - Lunch and inspiration

Take a break to eat, then browse design blogs or portfolios briefly to gather references and keep a fresh visual library in mind.
1:30 PM - Present work and gather feedback

Join a review with a creative director or client, walk through design rationale, and capture specific revisions and constraints for the next round.
3:00 PM - Refine and finalize assets

Tighten typography, adjust spacing and alignment, prepare multiple layout variations, and ensure files follow brand guidelines and grid systems.
4:30 PM - Export and hand off files

Export web, print, and social formats, name and organize files, and upload them with notes for developers, printers, or marketers before closing out tasks.
Tools & Technologies

Web Development

CSS
HTML
AJAX
JavaScript
PHP

Graphics & Design

Adobe Creative Cloud software
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Trimble SketchUp Pro
Adobe FreeHand MX

CAD & Design

Autodesk AutoCAD
Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
Autodesk Revit
Bentley MicroStation
Computer aided design and drafting CADD software

Word Processing

Microsoft Word
Google Docs

Web & Social Media

Facebook
WordPress
Adobe Dreamweaver
Adobe Macromedia HomeSite
LinkedIn

Databases & Data Tools

Microsoft Access
SQL
FileMaker Pro

Salary Details

Salary Distribution
Salary distribution for Graphic Designer: 10th percentile $38K, 25th $47K, median $61K, 75th $79K, 90th $103K
Median $38K $47K $61K $79K $103K
Most professionals earn between $47K and $79K
Graphic Designer salary percentile distribution Percentile Salary 10th $38K 25th $47K 50th (Median) $61K 75th $79K 90th $103K
Salary by State
Graphic Designer salary by state map
Graphic Designer salary by state State Median Salary Salary Range District of Columbia $91K $61K - $138K California $76K $45K - $128K Massachusetts $76K $47K - $122K Washington $76K $47K - $133K New York $75K $47K - $125K Virginia $70K $38K - $116K New Jersey $67K $45K - $115K Colorado $66K $46K - $106K Maryland $66K $42K - $104K Connecticut $65K $46K - $103K Rhode Island $64K $47K - $98K Oregon $64K $40K - $114K Vermont $62K $45K - $98K Texas $62K $35K - $80K Illinois $60K $38K - $95K Utah $59K $35K - $92K Minnesota $59K $39K - $94K Wisconsin $58K $39K - $81K Florida $58K $37K - $96K Georgia $58K $35K - $97K New Mexico $58K $37K - $103K New Hampshire $57K $40K - $88K Nevada $57K $32K - $85K Indiana $56K $37K - $108K South Carolina $56K $35K - $83K Delaware $56K $37K - $83K Montana $55K $35K - $101K Alaska $55K $38K - $86K Ohio $55K $37K - $87K Maine $53K $37K - $85K Pennsylvania $53K $37K - $92K Michigan $53K $35K - $84K Nebraska $52K $36K - $79K Arizona $52K $39K - $89K Tennessee $52K $30K - $90K Hawaii $52K $30K - $87K Missouri $51K $35K - $81K North Carolina $51K $35K - $93K Kentucky $50K $31K - $78K Oklahoma $50K $26K - $77K Kansas $50K $36K - $83K Idaho $49K $27K - $94K Alabama $48K $30K - $85K North Dakota $48K $34K - $73K Iowa $48K $34K - $73K Arkansas $46K $30K - $81K Louisiana $46K $31K - $73K Mississippi $45K $31K - $76K South Dakota $44K $33K - $60K Wyoming $43K $31K - $84K West Virginia $37K $27K - $69K
Lower ($37K-$64K)Middle (~$64K)Higher ($64K-$91K)
Highest Paying States

District of Columbia$91K
California$76K
Massachusetts$76K
Washington$76K
New York$75K
Lowest Paying States

West Virginia$37K
Wyoming$43K
South Dakota$44K
Mississippi$45K
Louisiana$46K
Certifications, Training & Memberships

Recommended
Adobe Certified Professional (ACP)
Adobe
Certification
Validates proficiency in key Adobe Creative Cloud applications such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, showing solid technical tool skills for design work.
Graphic Design certificate or diploma
Accredited colleges, universities, and design schools
Course
Provides structured training in typography, layout, color theory, and branding, often including portfolio-building studio projects with critique.
Helpful
User Interface (UI) or Visual Design certificate
Universities and online platforms
Course
Focuses on digital interface design, including grids, responsive layouts, and component systems for apps and websites, complementing traditional graphic design skills.
Professional Memberships
AIGA membership
AIGA
Membership
Connects designers to a professional community, events, and resources around ethics, practice, and career development in communication design.
Work Environment

Remote Work Fully Remote
Work Setting Traditional office / indoor
Physical Activity Mostly sedentary
Social Interaction Highly collaborative — frequent team interaction
Schedule Extended hours common
Your Skills & Attributes

Skills & Competencies Matches (49)
Active Listening
Good Match
Complex Problem Solving
Moderate Match
Judgment and Decision Making
Moderate Match
Time Management
Moderate Match
Monitoring
Moderate Match
Frequently Asked Questions

Is Graphic Designer a good career?
Graphic Designer can be a rewarding career choice. Based on current data, the median salary is $61K and job outlook is stable (3% projected growth). Whether it's a good fit depends on your skills, interests, and values — take our quiz to find out how well you match.
What degree do you need to become a Graphic Designer?
The typical education requirement for a Graphic Designer is a Bachelor's Degree. However, requirements can vary by employer and specialization. Some professionals enter the field with alternative credentials or relevant work experience.
How long does it take to become a Graphic Designer?
Becoming a Graphic Designer typically requires about 4 years of undergraduate study. Additional time may be needed for certifications, internships, or on-the-job training depending on the specific role and employer requirements.
What is the work-life balance like for a Graphic Designer?
The work-life balance for a Graphic Designer is generally considered good, with reasonable hours and manageable workloads. Individual experiences vary based on employer, specialization, seniority level, and geographic location.
What is the job outlook for Graphic Designer?
The job outlook for Graphic Designer is stable. Employment is projected to grow by 3% over the coming decade. Labor market conditions can vary by region and specialization.
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