Graphic Designers
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.
Common Job Titles
- Artist
- Designer
- Graphic Artist
- Graphic Designer
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeCreate visual designs for commercial packaging, promotional displays, and brand logos using advanced design software and industry-standard tools to meet client specifications.Advanced
- KnowledgeSynthesize design principles, typography, color theory, and composition techniques to produce aesthetically compelling and functionally effective visual communications.Advanced
- Hands-onOperate Adobe Creative Cloud software, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign to produce print-ready and digital design deliverables efficiently.Proficient
- KnowledgeEvaluate design concepts and visual solutions based on client objectives, target audience, and brand guidelines.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate client feedback and creative vision when collaborating with stakeholders to refine design iterations.Proficient
- KnowledgeDevelop design strategies and visual communication plans that align with marketing and sales objectives for diverse media channels.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate for design choices and creative concepts by presenting persuasive rationales to clients and cross-functional teams.Proficient
- KnowledgeOrganize multiple concurrent design projects with competing deadlines through effective time management and prioritization in fast-paced environments.Proficient
- KnowledgeApply knowledge of production processes and printing techniques to ensure designs are optimized for various mediums and output requirements.Developing
- Hands-onExecute web design and front-end coding tasks using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript following responsive design principles and accessibility standards.Developing
- MindsetEngage with continuous learning of emerging design trends and technologies to maintain relevance and innovation in a rapidly evolving field.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Graphic Designers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
214,260
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $37,600. 25th percentile: U.S. $47,200. 50th percentile: U.S. $61,300. 75th percentile: U.S. $79,000. 90th percentile: U.S. $103,030. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $37,600 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $103,030 |
| Workers on average earn | $68,610 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Design4.7/5
- Fine Arts4.4/5
- Computers and Electronics4.4/5
- Communications and Media4.3/5
- English Language3.8/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- AJAX
- Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe After Effects
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Photoshop
- Apple macOS
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
- Autodesk Revit
- Bentley MicroStation
- Cascading style sheets CSS
- Drupal
- Extensible markup language XML
- Figma
- Google Docs
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- Intuit QuickBooks
- JavaScript
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft Visio
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
- PHP
- Structured query language SQL
- Trimble SketchUp Pro
- WordPress
- jQuery
Technology Skills
- Adobe ActionScript
- Adobe ColdFusion
- Adobe Distiller
- Adobe Dreamweaver
- Adobe FrameMaker
- Adobe FreeHand MX
- Adobe Macromedia HomeSite
- Adobe PageMaker
Tools & Equipment
- 35 millimeter cameras
- Computer laser printers
- Computer scanners
- Desktop computers
- Digital cameras
- Graphics tablets
- Laptop computers
- Personal computers