Occupations27-1024.00

Graphic Designers

Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos.

Median annual pay
$61,300

BLS, 2024

Employment
265,900

U.S., 2024

Ten-year outlook
+2.1%

2024–34

Annual openings
20,000

Projected average

The work

Core tasks

  1. 01Key information into computer equipment to create layouts for client or supervisor.
  2. 02Review final layouts and suggest improvements, as needed.
  3. 03Determine size and arrangement of illustrative material and copy, and select style and size of type.
  4. 04Develop graphics and layouts for product illustrations, company logos, and Web sites.
  5. 05Create designs, concepts, and sample layouts, based on knowledge of layout principles and esthetic design concepts.
  6. 06Use computer software to generate new images.
  7. 07Prepare digital files for printing.
  8. 08Confer with clients to discuss and determine layout design.
  9. 09Research the target audience of projects.
  10. 10Draw and print charts, graphs, illustrations, and other artwork, using computer.
  11. 11Mark up, paste, and assemble final layouts to prepare layouts for printer.
  12. 12Study illustrations and photographs to plan presentation of materials, products, or services.

Capabilities

Essential skills

Active ListeningSpeakingWritingCritical ThinkingActive LearningReading ComprehensionMonitoringLearning StrategiesMathematicsScience

Employment outlook

Where the role is heading

U.S. employment is projected to move from 265,900 in 2024 to 271,500 in 2034, a +2.1% change.

BLS projects an average of 20,000 openings each year over the period, including openings created by workers leaving the occupation.