What Does a Graphic Designer Do? Duties, Pay & Outlook

What does a graphic designer do?

Graphic designers create visual concepts, by hand or with software, for logos, advertisements, websites, packaging, social media and print materials. The median pay is $62,960 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 4 years or portfolio-based training, and employment is projected to grow -1.7% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$62,960
$30.27/hour · May 2025
Job growth
-1.7%
2025–35, a projected decline
Openings per year
16,000
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
BLS classification
Time to train
4 years or portfolio-based training
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
253,100
Employment, 2025

What graphic designers do

Graphic designers solve communication problems visually. They meet with clients or teams, develop concepts, choose typography, color and images, design layouts for print and digital, prepare files for production and revise based on feedback. They work in agencies, in-house marketing teams, publishing, packaging and as freelancers.

Most designers have a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, but portfolios matter most. Software skills, especially Adobe Creative Cloud and Figma, are essential. Many designers move into UX, motion or art direction.

Typical duties

Meet with clients to understand goals
Develop design concepts
Design logos, layouts and graphics
Select typography, color and images
Prepare files for print and digital
Revise designs based on feedback
Maintain brand guidelines

Work environment and schedule

Designers work in studios, offices or remotely, at computers for most of the day.

Schedule: Most work full-time; deadlines can bring long days. Freelancers set their own schedules.

A day in the life

9:00 AMReview client feedback on a logo concept.
10:00 AMSketch ideas for a new campaign.
11:30 AMDesign social media graphics in Illustrator and Photoshop.
1:30 PMLay out a brochure in InDesign.

See a full day in the life of a graphic designer →

Graphic Designer salary

Half of graphic designers earned more than $62,960 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $39,520 for the lowest 10% to $104,910 for the top 10%.

$39,52010th$62,960Median$104,91090th

Full graphic designer pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a graphic designer

Learn design fundamentals
Master software
Build a portfolio
Get an entry-level or freelance role
Advance

A bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field is typical, though strong portfolios can open doors without one.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a graphic designer →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Typography
Layout and composition
Adobe Creative Cloud
Branding
Print production

People skills

Creativity
Communication
Openness to feedback
Time management

All graphic designer skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Creative work
Remote and freelance options
Every industry needs design
Visible results

Cons

Competitive market
Subjective feedback and revisions
Tight deadlines
Employment growth is slow

Certifications and licenses

Adobe Certified Professional: Certifications in Photoshop, Illustrator or InDesign.
Google UX Design Certificate: For designers moving into UX.
Portfolio: The most important credential for designers.
Branding or typography courses: Specialized training.

Career path

Junior Designer: Produce designs.
Graphic Designer: Lead projects.
Senior Designer: Lead brands and mentor.
Art Director or Creative Director: Lead creative teams.

Learn the job before day one

Our Graphic Designer training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as design a logo and prepare a print-ready file, safety and how to land your first job.

View Graphic Designer training Is this career right for me?

UX/UI Designer

Design apps and websites that are easy, useful and enjoyable to use.

$104,000
4 years or bootcamp plus portfolio

Art Director

Lead the visual style of ads, publications, products and productions.

$114,850
4 years plus 5+ years of experience

Web Developer

Build fast, accessible websites and web applications people love to use.

$92,650
6 months to 4 years

Visual Merchandiser

Design store displays and windows that make shoppers stop and buy.

$39,390
1–6 months

Compare: Graphic Designer vs. UX/UI Designer · Graphic Designer vs. Art Director · Graphic Designer vs. Web Developer · Graphic Designer vs. Visual Merchandiser

Graphic Designer FAQ

Do graphic designers need a degree?

Many do, but portfolios matter most.

Can graphic designers work remotely?

Yes, many do.

Is graphic design growing?

Growth is slow, but skilled designers find work, especially in digital and UX.

How much does a graphic designer make?

The median annual wage for graphic designers was $62,960 ($30.27 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $39,520 and the highest 10% earned more than $104,910.

How long does it take to become a graphic designer?

Most people need about 4 years or portfolio-based training of training. A bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field is typical, though strong portfolios can open doors without one.

Do you need a degree to be a graphic designer?

Not always. BLS lists a bachelor’s degree as typical, but many designers are hired on the strength of their portfolio after certificates, bootcamps or self-study.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 27-1024 (Graphic designers).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Graphic designers (U.S. Department of Labor).
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

Graphic Designer