Graphic Designer Salary in 2026
Graphic designers create visual concepts using software to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They develop layouts for print and digital media.
Median Salary
$56,000
$4,667/mo
Entry Level
$38,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$81,000
experienced
Job Growth
+3%
10-yr outlook
Graphic Designer Overview
Graphic designers create visual concepts using software to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They develop layouts for print and digital media.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
1-3 years
Industry
Creative
Total Jobs (US)
260K
5-Year Growth
+13%
Category
Creative
Hourly Rate
$26.92/hr
Monthly Pay
$4,667
Graphic Designer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Graphic Designer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Graphic Designer Salary
$66,000
$5,500/month · $2,538/biweekly · $31.73/hr
Graphic Designer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Graphic Designer field.
Entry-level Graphic Designers earn around $38,000, while the top 10% earn $91,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Graphic Designers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $66,000 | +$10,000 |
| New York | $64,000 | +$8,000 |
| Illinois | $58,000 | +$2,000 |
| Texas | $55,000 | $-1,000 |
| Florida | $55,000 | $-1,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Graphic Designers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $66,000 | +$10,000 |
| Los Angeles | $63,000 | +$7,000 |
| Chicago | $59,000 | +$3,000 |
| Austin | $58,000 | +$2,000 |
| Miami | $57,000 | +$1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Graphic Designer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Graphic Designer from entry level to expert.
$38,000
0-2 years
$60,000
3-7 years
$81,000
8-14 years
$101,000
15+ years
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Graphic Designer Salary FAQ
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