Graphic Designer Salary – What’s the Scoop on This?

Careers in Graphic Design provide unlimited and diverse opportunities. Careers abound in print and technology media. Careers in Graphic Design continue to be in high demand; however, salary ranges in are fluid depending on employment. Print media tends to be on the lower end of the pay spectrum while technology offers higher salary potential. Graphic Design provides the added benefit of allowing the artist to earn income while doing what they love. Factors such as education, experience, employment, and skills, affect salaries.

Education is essential. Obtaining a certificate or Associate Degree will land a job; however, opportunities for advancement and higher pay are limited. A Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts or Graphic Design will pave the way to a higher base salary. Because technology continues to evolve, staying current with industry trends, and continuing education will insure yearly increases.

Graphic Design careers in print include working for magazines and newspapers designing layouts or creating illustrations. Average pay is $36,000 a year, with those who progress to staff or management positions increasing their salaries to $45,000 per year. Careers in advertising provide a higher pay scale, with an average yearly income of $44,000. Computer System Design is the highest paid career option; these salaries begin around $48,000 a year. On average, employees need 1-3 years of experience before receiving increases in income.

Free lancing is prevalent in Graphic Design. Firms often contract free lancers when highly specialized skills are required for a project, or when they have an abundance of projects and are under pressure to meet deadlines. Full or part time, free lancing can prove quite profitable with earnings upwards to $57,000 a year.

Firm size and location further influences a designer’s opportunity for higher income. Larger advertising and design firms are located in metropolitan areas. Graphic Designers seeking more competitive wages will need to look for job opportunities in larger cities. In addition, the most competitive and sought after firms are on the West Coast. Senior designers and supervisors employed by these companies make on average $ 60,000 a year, while directors and department heads, increase their pay to $95,000 per annum. The highest paid jobs in the industry go to the owners and partners, who bring home in excess of $100,000 per year.

Smaller advertising firms and jobs in print media, such as working for a local newspaper, have significantly lower pay scales. Salaries range from $26,000 to $57,000 per annum. Although salaries are not as competitive, working for a small firm, or local newspaper office, does have its benefits. Designers work under less pressure and do not have to uproot families to move to a bigger city.

Graphic Design provides a variety of career choices and a wide range of income opportunities. Those who are creative, skilled in problem solving and can communicate well, choosing a career in Graphic Design can prove rewarding and profitable.