How to become graphic designerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Design Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$62,960

25th–75th pct. $49,040–$81,830

Top pay (est.)

$136,400

Top 10% $104,910

Pay in 5 years

$70,600est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$79,200est.

$68,100–$92,000

Outlook score

40/100

★★☆☆☆ Below average

AI replacement risk

63%

High

Job growth (10 yr)

−1.7%

16K openings / yr

How to become graphic designers

Typical education

Bachelor's degree

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Graphic Designers

Key skills

Critical Thinking

3.9

Reading Comprehension

3.8

Speaking

3.8

Active Learning

3.2

Active Listening

3.2

Coordination

3.1

Negotiation

3.1

Persuasion

3.1

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Design

5.8

Fine Arts

5.7

Computers and Electronics

5.0

Communications and Media

4.4

Sales and Marketing

4.2

English Language

4.0

Administrative

3.9

Customer and Personal Service

3.9

What the work involves

Thinking CreativelyOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesGetting Information

Important abilities

Near VisionOriginalityFluency of IdeasOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionVisual Color Discrimination

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree

65%

High school diploma

15%

Master's degree

10%

Associate's degree

Some college

Training before entry

None / short demo

21%

Up to 1 month

21%

1–2 years

16%

2–4 years

16%

6–12 months

11%

3–6 months

11%

1–3 months

Related work experience

2–4 years

30%

Over 10 years

15%

1–2 years

15%

4–6 years

10%

3–6 months

10%

Up to 1 month

6–12 months

6–8 years

8–10 years

Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as graphic designers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers Plan and erect commercial displays, such as those in windows and interiors of retail stores and at trade exhibitions.	$39,390	51/100	23%
2	Interior Designers Plan, design, and furnish the internal space of rooms or buildings.	$67,190	52/100	66%
3	Art Directors Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual productions and media, such as print, broadcasting, video, and film.	$114,850	69/100	60%
4	Floral Designers Design, cut, and arrange live, dried, or artificial flowers and foliage.	$37,360	36/100	42%
5	Commercial and Industrial Designers Design and develop manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys.	$83,910	49/100	66%
6	Special Effects Artists and Animators Create special effects or animations using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.	$102,030	55/100	59%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.