Explore This Path

Graphic Designer

💰 Earn $57K-$100K

📚 Bachelor Degree

⏱️ 24–48 Month Training

📈 2.1% Job Growth

Transform ideas into visual stories that captivate and engage audiences.
Shape brand identities and influence consumer perceptions through creative design.
Blend art and technology to craft unique, eye-catching visuals for diverse media.

What Graphic Designers DoDesign or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.

Determine size and arrangement of illustrative material and copy, and select style and size of type.
Confer with clients to discuss and determine layout design.
Create designs, concepts, and sample layouts, based on knowledge of layout principles and esthetic design concepts.
Develop graphics and layouts for product illustrations, company logos, and Web sites.
Use computer software to generate new images.

Graphic Designers Education, Salary, and Growth

Minimum EducationBachelor Degree

Career ProspectsGood (Increasing by 1-5%)

Training Time2 to 4 years

Job Openings20,000 Annually

Median Earnings

$76,440 in California

$61,300 Nationally

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Only you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.

Real Talk Reel

We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life of this career.

@niyushii

Is This Career Right For You?

YOU Like

Being creative or artistic
Influencing or leading others
Working with my hands

you value

Accomplishing things
Having freedom
Receiving recognition

you are skilled in

Speaking
Monitoring
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Judgment and Decision Making
Coordination

Go Deeper: Graphic Designers Explained

Graphic DesignerExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Vocational SchoolA vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years

Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years

Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years

Hybrid CollegeA hybrid college combines online learning with the student support typically offered on college campuses, giving students flexibility and accessibility while still providing a comprehensive educational experience.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 2-5 years

Technology BootcampA technology bootcamp typically offers intensive training in specific tech skills, preparing participants for entry-level roles in the tech industry in a relatively short period of time.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in Less than a year

Workforce Development ProgramA workforce development program typically enhances participants' opportunities to succeed in the workforce through employment skill-building, career counseling, connections to employers, and pathways to high-demand and high-wage jobs.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years

ApprenticeshipAn apprenticeship typically offers a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction, leading to practical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and the potential for long-term employment in a specific trade or profession.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ Finish in 2-5 years

Professional UpskillingProfessional upskilling typically results in acquiring new or enhanced skills and knowledge relevant to a participant's current job or desired career path, leading to improved job performance, opportunities for career advancement, and greater employability.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in 1 week - 3 months

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