Graphic Designer Salaries

Here's what you can expect to earn once you enter the graphic design field.

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If you're just starting to consider graphic design training, and you're curious about how much you can actually make, the following table will give you a basic idea of what your graphic designer salary would be like in a variety of jobs:

Job Title	Average Annual Salary* of Middle 50 Percent
Solo Designer	$55,000
Creative or Design Director	$95,000
Production Manager	$60,000
Designer, Print Medium	$45,000
User Experience Designer	$85,000
Mobile Interface Designer	$70,000
Designer, Web	$52,000
Chief Design Officer	$100,000

_{*2011 AIGA/Aquent Survey of Design Salaries}

Things That Influence Your Graphic Designer Salary

Since your salary relies on a variety of factors, accurately calculating what you'll make as a graphic designer is tricky. Here are some of the biggest influences on your graphic designer salary:

Job Title – When you're starting out in the business, titles such as "manager" may be out of reach, but it's never to early to think about where you'd like to go in your career and make a plan to get there.
Geographic Location – If you work in a city, the odds are good that you'll earn a larger salary than if you live in a small town because the cost of living is much greater. But your location may also affect the number and type of clients you will attract, which can also play a part in your earnings.
Education Level – If you plan to work for yourself, your degree level may not matter much. But education level can play a big part in making you more attractive to employers or putting you in line for a promotion.
Years of Experience – As you work in the field, you'll gain experience and insight that will increase your skill and value to employers.
Where You Work – Will you be self-employed, work for a small business or work at a large design firm? Your choice will affect your graphic designer salary.