Graphic Designer Salary.
Across 81 U.S. cities.
$61,000
national median salary
$47,000 to $79,000. Last updated August 2026.
Government benchmark for this occupation
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $62,960 for Graphic Designers (SOC 27-1024) across the United States, based on 197,830 employed workers (May 2025 release).
10th percentile
$39,520
25th percentile
$49,040
Median
$62,960
75th percentile
$81,830
90th percentile
$104,910
Workers surveyed
197,830
What BLS published in each release
May 2024 release
$61,300
May 2025 release
$62,960
These are two separate published estimates, not a time series. The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not encourage the use of OEWS data for time-series analysis. Differences between releases reflect changes in occupational classification, survey methodology, and the three-year pooled sample as well as any change in pay, so the two figures should not be read as a rate of wage growth.
BLS publishes wages by occupation code, not by job title, so this figure covers every role mapped to Graphic Designers (SOC 27-1024) rather than Graphic Designerspecifically. The national range at the top of this page is Orbyt’s role-level estimate, which is a different thing and is labelled as such.
View the BLS source for SOC 27-1024Highest Paying
$88,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$64,000
San Jose, CA
Lowest Paying
$47,000
Jackson, MS
The salary figures on this page are computed estimates, not observed wages. Each one is a national role baseline scaled by a Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parity cost-of-living multiplier (2025 index) and rounded to the nearest $1,000. No published wage percentile is consulted and no wage survey response enters the calculation, so an Orbyt estimate must not be cited as a Bureau of Labor Statistics figure or as measured pay. The published wage data Orbyt holds is Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and Department of Labor H-1B Labor Condition Application filings, which record a filed minimum visa base wage rather than market pay. Where BLS publishes a wage for the occupation a role maps to, it is shown on that role's page as a separate benchmark, labelled with its occupation code, metro area and the number of employed workers it covers. Last updated August 2026. This role maps to BLS occupation code 27-1024. Full methodology.
Orbyt estimates the average Graphic Designer salary in the United States at $61,000 in 2026, within a range of $47,000 to $79,000. These figures are Orbyt estimates, computed rather than measured, and must not be cited as Bureau of Labor Statistics figures; the published BLS wage for the occupation this role maps to is shown separately on this page. San Jose is the highest of the 81 cities at $88,000, while San Jose offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Industry (tech and advertising pay the most), specialization (brand identity, motion graphics, or 3D), and portfolio quality are the primary drivers.
Graphic Designer salary by city.
Skills that increase Graphic Designer pay.
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Graphic Designers based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $6,100 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$6,100 per year
≈ +$4,270 per year
≈ +$3,050 per year
≈ +$3,050 per year
≈ +$2,440 per year
≈ +$2,440 per year
≈ +$2,440 per year
What you should know.
Industry (tech and advertising pay the most), specialization (brand identity, motion graphics, or 3D), and portfolio quality are the primary drivers. Designers who can demonstrate measurable business impact through their work (conversion rates, engagement metrics) earn significantly more. Proficiency in emerging tools like Figma and After Effects also adds value.
Junior graphic designers start at $40,000 to $52,000, reaching mid level at $55,000 to $72,000 in two to three years. Senior designers earn $72,000 to $95,000. Art directors reach $95,000 to $130,000, and creative directors at agencies or large companies can earn $140,000 to $200,000+.
Bonuses of 5 to 10% are common in corporate and agency roles. Freelance graphic designers can earn 30 to 50% more per hour but sacrifice benefits and income stability. Benefits at design firms often include creative software subscriptions, portfolio development time, and conference budgets.
Total compensation breakdown.
Salary by company size
Remote salary adjustment
Remote Graphic Designers typically earn $54,000 (12% less than on-site). This reflects location-adjusted pay policies at companies using geographic salary bands. Some companies pay flat national rates regardless of location.
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Common questions about Graphic Designer pay.
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