How much does a Graphic Designer make in 2026?
The national median Graphic Designer salary is $58,910 per year. Graphic designers create visual content for print, web, and brand identity — from logos to social media to marketing materials.
Graphic Designer salary by city
Median pay across 10 major US metros — sorted by highest to lowest. Click any city for a full breakdown.
| City | Median | |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $83,700 | View → |
| Seattle, WA | $76,600 | View → |
| New York, NY | $75,400 | View → |
| Los Angeles, CA | $67,700 | View → |
| Austin, TX | $66,000 | View → |
| Denver, CO | $64,800 | View → |
| Chicago, IL | $62,400 | View → |
| Houston, TX | $61,300 | View → |
| Miami, FL | $58,300 | View → |
| Phoenix, AZ | $57,700 | View → |
What does a Graphic Designer do?
Graphic designers create visual content for print, web, and brand identity — from logos to social media to marketing materials.
- Design layouts and graphics
- Develop brand guidelines
- Collaborate with marketing teams
- Refine designs based on feedback
- Prepare files for print/web
How to become a Graphic Designer
A bachelor's in graphic design or related field is common. A strong portfolio matters more than a degree for many employers.
Related job salaries
FAQ — Graphic Designer salary
What is the average Graphic Designer salary in the United States?+
The national median Graphic Designer salary is $58,910 per year, based on the latest BLS OEWS data (May 2024 BLS OEWS).
Which US city pays Graphic Designers the most?+
San Francisco, CA currently pays the highest at a median of $83,700/yr — roughly 42% above the national average. Adjust for cost of living before deciding to relocate.
How much does an entry-level Graphic Designer make?+
Entry-level Graphic Designers typically earn around $54,400 in top-paying metros and 64% of the median nationally.
How fast is the Graphic Designer job market growing?+
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects about average growth of +3% over the next 10 years.
Do I need a degree to be a Graphic Designer?+
A bachelor's in graphic design or related field is common. A strong portfolio matters more than a degree for many employers.
Are you being paid fairly?
Run a free comparison against 10+ metros and the latest BLS data.
Check my salary →