Graphic Designer Salary in the United States
Based on 198K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$60,609
$29.14/hr
▲ 6.1% vs 2024Salary Range
$40K – $97K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
198K
workers nationwide
The median Graphic Designer salary in the United States is $60,609 annually, or about $29 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint for earnings, with most professionals in the field falling between $39,539 and $96,776 per year. This data provides a helpful benchmark for those entering or advancing within the graphic design profession.
Several factors influence a Graphic Designer salary in the United States. Location plays a significant role, with the District of Columbia offering the highest average pay at $87,920. Experience level, the size and type of employer, and specific skill sets also contribute to variations in compensation. The total number of employed graphic designers in the US is estimated at 197,860.
Salary Distribution — Graphic Designer
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $39,539 |
| 25th percentile | $48,455 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $60,609 |
| 75th percentile | $77,006 |
| 90th percentile | $96,776 |
Graphic Designer Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Graphic Designer
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $87,920 | +45.1% | 1K |
| 2 | Rhode Island | $78,220 | +29.1% | 750 |
| 3 | New York | $77,340 | +27.6% | 15K |
| 4 | Massachusetts | $76,710 | +26.6% | 4K |
| 5 | California | $75,130 | +24.0% | 27K |
| 6 | Maryland | $75,120 | +23.9% | 3K |
| 7 | New Jersey | $73,790 | +21.7% | 6K |
| 8 | Washington | $72,710 | +20.0% | 4K |
| 9 | Connecticut | $72,700 | +19.9% | 2K |
| 10 | Virginia | $72,310 | +19.3% | 5K |
Graphic Designer Salary by Industry
How much Graphic Designers earn across industries nationwide — Utilities pays the most ($100,350 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Utilities | $100,350 | +65.6% | 130 |
| 2 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $78,930 | +30.2% | 5K |
| 3 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $78,530 | +29.6% | 9K |
| 4 | Finance and Insurance | $77,600 | +28.0% | 4K |
| 5 | Administrative and Support Services | $70,920 | +17.0% | 8K |
| 6 | Transportation and Warehousing | $69,240 | +14.2% | 730 |
| 7 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $66,770 | +10.2% | 70K |
| 8 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $65,670 | +8.4% | 2K |
| 9 | Construction | $64,570 | +6.5% | 1K |
| 10 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $63,240 | +4.3% | 2K |
| 11 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $63,120 | +4.1% | 4K |
| 12 | Information | $62,970 | +3.9% | 18K |
| 13 | Accommodation and Food Services | $62,640 | +3.4% | 1K |
| 14 | Wholesale Trade | $62,060 | +2.4% | 15K |
| 15 | Educational Services | $61,900 | +2.1% | 8K |
| 16 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $61,110 | +0.8% | 5K |
| 17 | Retail Trade | $53,910 | -11.1% | 8K |
| 18 | Manufacturing | $51,670 | -14.7% | 37K |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Graphic Designer
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Graphic Designer roles, with their median base salary.
Historical Salary Trend — Graphic Designer
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $53,507 |
| 2023 | $54,331 |
| 2024 | $57,115 |
| 2025 | $60,609 |
| 2026 (projected) | $64,246 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Graphic Designer Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $48,455 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $60,609 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $77,006 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $96,776 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Graphic Designer in the US?
- The median Graphic Designer salary in the United States is $60,609 per year. This means half of all graphic designers earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
What is the salary range for Graphic Designers?
- Graphic Designers in the US can expect to earn anywhere from $39,539 to $96,776 annually. The specific pay within this range depends on various factors.
Which state pays Graphic Designers the most?
- The District of Columbia offers the highest Graphic Designer salary in the United States, with an average of $87,920 per year. This is significantly above the national median.
How many Graphic Designers are employed in the US?
- There are approximately 197,860 Graphic Designers employed across the United States. This indicates a substantial job market for this creative profession.