How to Become a Graphic Designer
Create visual concepts to communicate ideas that inspire and inform consumers. It typically requires a bachelor's degree, with a median salary of $62,960 per year and slower than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$62,960/yr
Job growth
1%
Openings / yr
20,000
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Typography
- Layout Design
- Color Theory
- UX/UI Design
Helpful certifications
- Adobe Certified Professional
- Google UX Design Certificate
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
82/100
Work-life balance
72/100
Stress level
30/100
Satisfaction
72/100
Related careers
- Film / Video Producer$90,360 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Graphic Designer make?
The median pay for a Graphic Designer is $62,960 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Graphic Designer?
The usual entry point is a bachelor's degree. Common majors are Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Fine Arts, and Digital Media.
Is Graphic Designer a growing field?
The BLS projects slower than average demand for this role, about 1% over the decade, with roughly 20,000 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Graphic Designer use most?
Common skills for this role are Adobe Creative Suite, Typography, Layout Design, Color Theory, and UX/UI Design.
Planning to become a Graphic Designer?
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.