Graphic Designer Average Salary in United States 2023
How much money does a person working as Graphic Designer make in United States?
LOW
28,300
USD AVERAGE
61,400
USD HIGH
97,700
USD
A person working as Graphic Designer in United States typically earns around 61,400 USD per year. Salaries range from 28,300 USD (lowest) to 97,700 USD (highest).
This is the average yearly salary including housing, transport, and other benefits. Graphic Designer salaries vary drastically based on experience, skills, gender, or location. Below you will find a detailed breakdown based on many different criteria.
Graphic Designer Pay Scale and Salaries in United States
Salary Structure and Pay Scale Comparison
58,300 USD or more
51,100 to 58,300 USD
35,200 USD or less
35,200 to 51,100 USD
 28,300 USD |
58,700 USD |
97,700 USD |
Median Salary, maximum and minimum salary, minimum wage, starting salary, and the salary range
Salary Range, Minimum Wage, and Starting Salary
Graphic Designer salaries in United States range from 28,300 USD per year (starting salary) to 97,700 USD per year (maximum salary). This is not the minimum wage as per the law, only the lowest reported number in the salary survey that had thousands of participants and professionals from all over the country.
Median Salary
The median salary is 58,700 USD per year, which means that half (50%) of people working as Graphic Designer(s) are earning less than 58,700 USD while the other half are earning more than 58,700 USD. The median represents the middle salary value. Generally speaking, you would want to be on the right side of the graph with the group earning more than the median salary.
Percentiles and Salary Scale
Closely related to the median are two values: the 25th and the 75th percentiles. Reading from the salary distribution diagram, 25% of Graphic Designer(s) are earning less than 47,300 USD while 75% of them are earning more than 47,300 USD. Also from the diagram, 75% of Graphic Designer(s) are earning less than 67,700 USD while 25% are earning more than 67,700 USD.
Pay Scale Structure
We grouped the most common and recurring salaries into brackets to give more insight into what salary to expect. This method is more accurate than just the average salary and gives more insights on how salaries are actually distributed. Around 65% of all reported figures are in the range 35,200 USD to 51,100 USD. Approximatly 20% fall under the 35,200 USD cap. Ten percent of wages are from 51,100 USD to 58,300 USD. Only 5% of people grossed 58,300 USD or more.
Graphic Designer Salary Comparison by Years of Experience
How does experience and age affect your pay?
Graphic Designer average salary change by experience in United States
| 0 - 2 Years | 32,100 USD | |
| 2 - 5 Years | +34% | 42,800 USD |
| 5 - 10 Years | +48% | 63,300 USD |
| 10 - 15 Years | +22% | 77,200 USD |
| 15 - 20 Years | +9% | 84,200 USD |
| 20+ Years | +8% | 91,100 USD |
The experience level is the most important factor in determining the salary. Naturally the more years of experience the higher your wage. We broke down Graphic Designer salaries by experience level and this is what we found.
Employees with less than two years of experience makes approximately 32,100 USD per year.
While someone with an experience level between two and five years is expected to earn 42,800 USD per year, 34% more than someone with less than two year's experience.
Moving forward, an experience level between five and ten years lands a salary of 63,300 USD per year, 48% more than someone with two to five years of experience.
Additionally, Graphic Designer whose expertise span anywhere between ten and fifteen years get a salary equivalent to 77,200 USD per year, 22% more than someone with five to ten years of experience.
If the experience level is between fifteen and twenty years, then the expected wage is 84,200 USD per year, 9% more than someone with ten to fifteen years of experience.
Lastly, employees with more than twenty years of professional experience get a salary of 91,100 USD per year, 8% more than people with fifteen to twenty years of experience.
Typical Salary Progress for Most Careers
Graphic Designer Salary Comparison By Education
How do education levels affect salaries?
Displayed below is the average salary difference between different Graphic Designer(s) who have the same experience but different education levels.
Graphic Designer average salary difference by education level in United States
| High School | 39,400 USD | |
| Certificate or Diploma | +18% | 46,300 USD |
| Bachelor's Degree | +45% | 67,200 USD |
| Master's Degree | +31% | 88,000 USD |
We all know that higher education equals a bigger salary, but how much more money can a degree add to your income? We broke down Graphic Designer salaries by education level in order to make a comparison.
When the education level is High School, the average salary is 39,400 USD per year.
While someone with a Certificate or Diploma gets a salary of 46,300 USD per year, 18% more than someone having a High School degree.
People with Bachelor's Degree have an average salary of 67,200 USD per year, 45% more than someone with a Certificate or Diploma.
Professionals who hold a Master's Degree are rewarded with an average salary of 88,000 USD per year, 31% more than someone with Bachelor's Degree.
Is a Master's degree or an MBA worth it? Should you pursue higher education?
A Master's degree program or any post-graduate program in United States costs anywhere from 39,500 US Dollar(s) to 118,000 US Dollar(s) and lasts approximately two years. That is quite an investment.
You can't really expect any salary increases during the study period, assuming you already have a job. In most cases, a salary review is conducted once education is completed and the degree has been attained.
Many people pursue higher education as a tactic to switch into a higher paying job. The numbers seem to support the thoery. The average increase in compensation while changing jobs is approximately 10% more than the customary salary increment.
If you can afford the costs of higher education, the return on investment is definitely worth it. You should be able to recover the costs in roughly a year or so.
Typical Salary Difference by Education for Most Careers
Salary and Compensation Comparison By Gender - Graphic Designer
Though gender should not have an effect on pay, in reality, it does. So who gets paid more: men or women? Male Graphic Designer employees in United States earn 6% more than their female counterparts on average.
| Male | 63,300 USD | |
| Female | -6% | 59,600 USD |
Salary Comparison By Gender in United States for all Careers
Graphic Designer Average Annual Salary Increment Percentage in United States
How much are annual salary increments in United States for Graphic Designer(s)? How often do employees get salary raises?
Graphic Designer
Graphic Designer(s) in United States are likely to observe a salary increase of approximately 10% every 16 months. The national average annual increment for all professions combined is 8% granted to employees every 16 months.
United States / All Professions
The term 'Annual Salary Increase' usually refers to the increase in 12 calendar month period, but because it is rarely that people get their salaries reviewed exactly on the one year mark, it is more meaningful to know the frequency and the rate at the time of the increase.
How to calculate the salary increment percentage?
The annual salary Increase in a calendar year (12 months) can be easily calculated as follows: Annual Salary Increase = Increase Rate x 12 ÷ Increase Frequency
Annual Increment Rate By Industry 2022
| Banking | 4% | |
| Energy | 8% | |
| Information Technology | 3% | |
| Healthcare | 7% | |
| Travel | 2% | |
| Construction | 6% | |
| Education | 1% |
Listed above are the average annual increase rates for each industry in United States for the year 2022. Companies within thriving industries tend to provide higher and more frequent raises. Exceptions do exist, but generally speaking, the situation of any company is closely related to the economic situation in the country or region. These figures tend to change frequently.
Worldwide Salary Raises: All Countries and All Jobs
Salary Packages and Schemes
Not all compensation increases are reflected directly in the salary. Some companies offer upgraded packages to their staff instead of cash money. The figures displayed here account only for direct increments to the base salary.
Graphic Designer Bonus and Incentive Rates in United States
How much and how often are bonuses being awarded?
Share This Chart Tweet Get Chart Linkhttp://www.salaryexplorer.com/charts/united-states/advertising-grapic-design-events/graphic-designer/annual-salary-bonus-rate-united-states-graphic-designer.jpg
"Graphic Designer" is considered to be a low bonus-based job. The people who get the highest bonuses are usually somehow involved in the revenue generation cycle.
66% of surveyed staff reported that they haven't received any bonuses or incentives in the previous year while 34% said that they received at least one form of monetary bonus.
Those who got bonuses reported rates ranging from 0% to 4% of their annual salary.
| Received Bonus | 34% | |
| No Bonus | 66% |
Types of Bonuses Considered
Individual Performance-Based BonusesThe most standard form of bonus where the employee is awarded based on their exceptional performance.
Company Performance BonusesOccasionally, some companies like to celebrate excess earnings and profits with their staff collectively in the form of bonuses that are granted to everyone. The amount of the bonus will probably be different from person to person depending on their role within the organization.
Goal-Based BonusesGranted upon achieving an important goal or milestone.
Holiday / End of Year BonusesThese types of bonuses are given without a reason and usually resemble an appreciation token.
Bonuses Are Not Commissions!
People tend to confuse bonuses with commissions. A commission is a prefixed rate at which someone gets paid for items sold or deals completed while a bonus is in most cases arbitrary and unplanned.
What makes a position worthy of good bonuses and a high salary?
The main two types of jobs | |
| Revenue Generators | Supporting Cast |
Employees that are directly involved in generating revenue or profit for the organization. Their field of expertise usually matches the type of business. | Employees that support and facilitate the work of revenue generators. Their expertise is usually different from that of the core business operations. |
Example: | Example: |
Revenue generators usually get more and higher bonuses, higher salaries, and more frequent salary increments. The reason is quite simple: it is easier to quantify your value to the company in monetary terms when you participate in revenue generation.
Bonus Comparison by Seniority Level
Top management personnel and senior employees naturally exhibit higher bonus rates and frequencies than juniors. This is very predictable due to the inherent responsibilities of being higher in the hierarchy. People in top positions can easily get double or triple bonus rates than employees down the pyramid.
Graphic Designer Salary Trend and Forecast in United States
How are Graphic Designer salaries changing over time? Listed below is a chart that shows the average salary in recent years.
| Average Salary 2019 | 53,100 USD | |
| Average Salary 2020 | +4% | 55,100 USD |
| Average Salary 2021 | +4% | 57,100 USD |
| Average Salary 2022 | +4% | 59,300 USD |
Graphic Designer salaries in United States are on the rise in the year 2023 based on recent submitted salaries and reports. As displayed in the chart, salaries in 2022 are 4% higher than those of 2021. The trend suggests a slow yet continuous increase in pay in 2024 and future years. These numbers may vary from industry to another.
Graphic Designer Average Hourly Wage in United States
30 USD per hourThe average hourly wage (pay per hour) in United States is 30 USD. This means that the average Graphic Designer in United States earns approximately 30 USD for every worked hour.
About The Hourly Pay Rate
The hourly wage is the salary paid in one worked hour. Usually jobs are classified into two categories: salaried jobs and hourly jobs. Salaried jobs pay a fix amount regardless of the hours worked. Hourly jobs pay per worked hour. To convert salary into hourly wage the above formula is used (assuming 5 working days in a week and 8 working hours per day which is the standard for most jobs). The hourly wage calculation may differ slightly depending on the worked hours per week and the annual vacation allowance. The figures mentioned above are good approximations and are considered to be the standard. One major difference between salaried employees and hourly paid employees is overtime eligibility. Salaried employees are usually exempt from overtime as opposed to hourly paid staff.
What is the minimum hourly rate of pay?
The minimum pay rate per hour for 'Graphic Designer' in United States is 14 USD. This is the minimum as per the gathered data in the salary survey not the minimum hourly rate mandated by law.
Graphic Designer VS Other Jobs
The average salary for Graphic Designer is 31% less than that of Advertising / Grapic Design / Events. Also, Advertising / Grapic Design / Events salaries are 6% less than those of All Jobs.
Salary comparison with similar jobs
| Job Title | Average Salary |
| Advertising Account Executive | 103,000 USD |  +68% |
| Advertising Account Manager | 115,000 USD | +87% |
| Advertising Account Planner | 58,700 USD |  -4% |
| Advertising Coordinator | 72,700 USD | +18% |
| Advertising Manager | 151,000 USD | +150% |
| Advertising Operations Manager | 160,000 USD | +160% |
| Advertising Strategic Planner | 103,000 USD | +68% |
| Advertising Team Leader | 91,400 USD | +49% |
| Animator | 71,800 USD | +17% |
| Art Director | 92,000 USD | +50% |
| Artist | 75,600 USD | +23% |
| Artworker | 56,600 USD | -8% |
| Assistant Art Director | 74,700 USD | +22% |
| Audiosual Technician | 55,300 USD | -10% |
| Broadcast Administrator | 102,000 USD | +66% |
| Catering Sales | 64,300 USD | +5% |
| Catering Trainer | 69,700 USD | +13% |
| Commercial and Industrial Designer | 59,300 USD | -3% |
| Conference Organiser | 71,100 USD | +16% |
| Content and Media Production Lead | 109,000 USD | +77% |
| CopyWriter | 67,500 USD | +10% |
| Creative Designer | 73,700 USD | +20% |
| Creative Director | 92,300 USD | +50% |
| Designer | 53,200 USD | -13% |
| Desktop Publisher | 48,300 USD | -21% |
| Director of Graphic Design | 90,700 USD | +48% |
| Events and Promotions Manager | 160,000 USD | +160% |
| Exhibit Display Coordinator | 70,400 USD | +15% |
| Exhibit Display Manager | 96,600 USD | +57% |
| Finisher | 47,700 USD | -22% |
| Graphic Artist | 59,500 USD | -3% |
| Graphic Designer | 61,400 USD | -0% |
| Graphics Design Supervisor | 85,200 USD | +39% |
| Imagery Analyst | 58,000 USD | -6% |
| Imaging Technologist | 54,000 USD | -12% |
| Interaction Designer | 46,700 USD | -24% |
| Media Planner | 82,800 USD | +35% |
| Media Production Coordinator | 69,200 USD | +13% |
| Media Production Manager | 128,000 USD | +110% |
| Media Project Manager | 132,000 USD | +110% |
| Media Relations Representative | 106,000 USD | +73% |
| Media Sales Executive | 126,000 USD | +110% |
| Multimedia Specialist | 54,000 USD | -12% |
| Photographer | 51,900 USD | -16% |
| PPC Campaign Manager | 94,800 USD | +54% |
| Print Production Manager | 105,000 USD | +71% |
| Product and Brand Manager | 156,000 USD | +150% |
| Sales Promotion Manager | 153,000 USD | +150% |
| Sketch Artist | 64,400 USD | +5% |
| Social Media Executive | 118,000 USD | +92% |
| Technical Typist | 42,300 USD | -31% |
| User Experience UX Designer | 67,800 USD | +10% |
| UX Designer | 59,900 USD | -3% |
Salary Comparison By City
| City | Average Salary |
| Atlanta | 58,000 USD |
| Austin | 64,700 USD |
| Baltimore | 62,000 USD |
| Boston | 65,300 USD |
| Bristol | 51,200 USD |
| Chicago | 70,700 USD |
| Cincinnati | 54,400 USD |
| Cleveland | 53,400 USD |
| Dallas | 69,000 USD |
| Denver | 65,300 USD |
| Detroit | 60,900 USD |
| Honolulu | 50,000 USD |
| Houston | 71,500 USD |
| Indianapolis | 66,700 USD |
| Iowa City | 49,300 USD |
| Jacksonville | 63,900 USD |
| Kansas City | 59,600 USD |
| Kent | 52,200 USD |
| Las Vegas | 58,800 USD |
| Long Beach | 54,500 USD |
| Los Angeles | 74,400 USD |
| Memphis | 62,600 USD |
| Miami | 57,600 USD |
| Minneapolis | 56,600 USD |
| New Orleans | 54,300 USD |
| New York | 71,100 USD |
| Oakland | 56,300 USD |
| Oklahoma City | 59,100 USD |
| Orlando | 50,700 USD |
| Philadelphia | 66,600 USD |
| Phoenix | 67,500 USD |
| Sacramento | 58,900 USD |
| San Antonio | 66,500 USD |
| San Diego | 67,500 USD |
| San Francisco | 65,100 USD |
| San Jose | 70,000 USD |
| Seattle | 61,200 USD |
| Tampa | 52,100 USD |
| Vancouver | 51,600 USD |
| Washington D.C. | 63,900 USD |
Salary Comparison By State
| State | Average Salary |
| Alabama | 60,300 USD |
| Alaska | 55,600 USD |
| Arizona | 63,200 USD |
| Arkansas | 61,700 USD |
| California | 67,200 USD |
| Colorado | 64,000 USD |
| Connecticut | 59,400 USD |
| Delaware | 58,200 USD |
| District of Columbia | 54,400 USD |
| Florida | 64,600 USD |
| Georgia | 67,100 USD |
| Hawaii | 54,700 USD |
| Idaho | 57,800 USD |
| Illinois | 65,100 USD |
| Indiana | 65,600 USD |
| Iowa | 58,000 USD |
| Kansas | 61,200 USD |
| Kentucky | 60,200 USD |
| Louisiana | 63,500 USD |
| Maine | 55,900 USD |
| Maryland | 66,600 USD |
| Massachusetts | 63,600 USD |
| Michigan | 63,000 USD |
| Minnesota | 62,900 USD |
| Mississippi | 56,600 USD |
| Missouri | 64,000 USD |
| Montana | 54,100 USD |
| Nebraska | 58,900 USD |
| Nevada | 57,500 USD |
| New Hampshire | 58,200 USD |
| New Jersey | 64,500 USD |
| New Mexico | 60,500 USD |
| New York | 67,500 USD |
| North Carolina | 62,600 USD |
| North Dakota | 54,000 USD |
| Ohio | 63,700 USD |
| Oklahoma | 61,200 USD |
| Oregon | 58,400 USD |
| Pennsylvania | 68,500 USD |
| Rhode Island | 53,600 USD |
| South Carolina | 63,400 USD |
| South Dakota | 54,000 USD |
| Tennessee | 66,400 USD |
| Texas | 67,700 USD |
| Utah | 60,600 USD |
| Vermont | 53,700 USD |
| Virginia | 62,200 USD |
| Washington | 65,100 USD |
| West Virginia | 55,200 USD |
| Wisconsin | 63,800 USD |
| Wyoming | 51,500 USD |
Government vs Private Sector Salary Comparison
Where can you get paid more, working for a private company or for the government? Public sector employees in United States earn 5% more than their private sector counterparts on average across all sectors.
| Private Sector | 92,400 USD | |
| Public Sector | +5% | 97,100 USD |
Salary Statistics and Calculation Guide
What is considered to be a good and competitive salary for Graphic Designer in United States?
A good and competitive compensation would range anywhere between 58,700 USD and 67,700 USD. This is a very rough estimate and your experience and education will play a very huge part into your final earnings.
Gross Salary (before tax) and Net Salary (after tax)
All salary and compensation figures displayed here are gross salary figures, that is the salary before tax deductions. Because taxes may differ across sectors and locations, it is difficult to accurately calculate the net salart after tax for every career.
Base / Basic Salary
The base salary for Graphic Designer in United States is ranges from 47,300 USD to 67,700 USD. The base salary depends on many factors including experience and education. It is not easy to provide a figure with very little information, so take this range in a grain of salt.
What is the difference between the median and the average salary?
Both are indicators. If your salary is higher than both of the average and the median then you are doing very well. If your salary is lower than both, then many people are earning more than you and there is plenty of room for improvement. If your wage is between the average and the median, then things can be a bit complicated. We wrote a guide to explain all about the different scenarios. How to compare your salary
