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Graphic Design Careers, Jobs & Salaries

Graphic designers create visual images used in a variety of communicative pieces, such as magazines, newspapers, reports, packaging, journals, websites, signs, and other publications. Most products

They are skilled in employing color, illustration, photography, type, and animation to convey a message, to either persuade or inform. Graphic designers typically have strong artistic and creative skills as well as excellent computer skills.

Education Requirements

Most entry-level graphic design jobs require applicants to hold a bachelor's degree, although some technical positions may only require an associate's degree . Students should seek out programs that emphasize computer graphic design, and that encourage portfolio development.

Careers

Many graphic designers find employment in specialized design companies, large advertising firms, printing support services, or newspaper, book, magazine, and directory publishers. A number also work on a freelance basis. 

Other designers produce computer graphics for computer system design firms or motion picture production companies. A small number of designers also work in engineering services or for management, scientific, and technical consulting firms.

Graphic designers hold about 209,000 jobs. Roughly 25 percent are self-employed, and many salaried employees also do freelance work. 

Salaries

The mean annual salary for graphic designers is $46,750. Salaries range from $26,110 for the lowest 10 percent, and $74,660 for the top 10 percent. Specialized design services, which employ the most graphic designers, pay an average annual salary of $50,190.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the top paying industry for graphic designers is the U.S. federal government's executive branch, which pays, on average, $70,820. The motion picture / video industry follows at $62,130 and then the aerospace product and parts industry at $62,030.

Outlook

The BLS forecasts average growth for the graphic design field through 2016. Demand for those with expertise in web design and animation is expected to be particularly strong as demand grows for interactive media (mobile devices, web sites, video games, and online marketing).

Though many firms are now outsourcing their low-level technical needs overseas, higher level positions are expected to stay in the U.S.

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