Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Developing original ideas, approaches, designs, or solutions.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Using computers, software, digital systems, and technology to complete work and solve problems.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Graphic designers usually need a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field. Candidates for graphic design positions should have a portfolio that demonstrates their creativity and originality. PayThe median annual wage for graphic designers was $62,960 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of graphic designers is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 16,000 openings for graphic designers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for graphic designers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of graphic designers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about graphic designers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for graphic designers was $62,960 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of graphic designers is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 16,000 openings for graphic designers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for graphic designers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of graphic designers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about graphic designers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of graphic designers is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 16,000 openings for graphic designers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for graphic designers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of graphic designers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about graphic designers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Graphic designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers.
Work Environment
Many of these workers are employed in specialized design services, publishing, or advertising, public relations, and related services industries.
How to Become a Graphic Designer
Graphic designers usually need a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field. Candidates for graphic design positions should have a portfolio that demonstrates their creativity and originality.
Pay
The median annual wage for graphic designers was $62,960 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of graphic designers is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 16,000 openings for graphic designers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for graphic designers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of graphic designers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about graphic designers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Many of these workers are employed in specialized design services, publishing, or advertising, public relations, and related services industries.
How to Become a Graphic Designer
Graphic designers usually need a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field. Candidates for graphic design positions should have a portfolio that demonstrates their creativity and originality.
Pay
The median annual wage for graphic designers was $62,960 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of graphic designers is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 16,000 openings for graphic designers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for graphic designers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of graphic designers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about graphic designers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for graphic designers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of graphic designers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about graphic designers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about graphic designers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Find Education Programs
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.