Graphic Design Career Statistics

• Designers usually need a bachelor's degree to land a good job; master's degree holders will do even better.
• Graphic designers usually work regular schedules, but may work weekends and evenings to meet their clients' production schedules.
• Designers as a whole held about 532,000 jobs in 2002. Of these, about 212,000 were graphic designers (the largest portion).
• Most graphic designers work:
• For specialty design services
• In newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishing
• In advertising or related services
• Demand for graphic designers with skills in web design and video entertainment should be excellent.
• Among the different design specialties, demand for graphic designers is expected to grab the share of the market.
• Graphic designers earned an overall average of about $36,680 in 2002.
• The top 10% made over $64,160.
• The advertising industry paid their graphic designers the most: an average of $39,510.
• Earnings usually vary with experience (as well as the size and location of the firm and the general economy). Entry-level staffers earn about $40,000. Independent/freelance designers earn about $55,000. Directors of large firms or departments may earn $85,000 or more. Partners or owners of firms can expect an average of $93,000 per year.