Graphic Designer
Graphic designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers.
What the job is
- The work
- Graphic designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers.
BLS
Graphic Designers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- Work environment
- Many of these workers are employed in specialized design services, publishing, or advertising, public relations, and related services industries.
BLS
Graphic Designers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- Good fit for
- Creative people who like solving visual problems for clients and can juggle several deadlines.
- Career cluster
- Arts, Entertainment, & Design
Key numbers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, pay for May 2025 (graphic designers).
- Median pay
- $62,960 a year ($30.27 an hour)
BLS
Graphic Designers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- Jobs in 2025
- 253,100
- Typical entry
- Bachelor's degree
- Training after hire
- None
Job outlook, 2025–35
- Projected growth
- −2%, which BLS calls "decline"
BLS
Graphic Designers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- Jobs added
- −4,200 over 2025–35
- All U.S. jobs
- 3.5% over the same period, for comparison
How to become one
- The usual route
- Graphic designers usually need a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field. Candidates for graphic design positions should have a portfolio that demonstrates their creativity and originality.
BLS
Graphic Designers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- In short
- Graphic designers usually need a bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related field, and a portfolio that shows their creativity and originality. Many degree programs ask for a year of basic art and design courses first, and some schools ask applicants for sketches or other examples of their work.
- License
- Not required. There is no national rule for art school portfolios: each school sets its own. One school's published rule, as an example; check every school you apply to.
- By state
- State rules on the roadmap
- Paying for it
- File the FAFSA (opens by October 1) for grants, work-study and federal loans; a Pell Grant pays up to $7,395 a year (2026–27). Average public four-year tuition and fees: $11,950 in-state vs $31,880 out-of-state (2025–26). Residency rules and regional discounts · Save with 2+2 transfer
- Your state
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- WyomingState guide
Step-by-step roadmap
The routes step by step, the exam gates and the state license step are on one page.
Graphic designer: bachelor's in graphic design (or training after another degree) and a portfolio
See the roadmap
Route 1: Bachelor's in graphic design + portfolio · Route 2: Degree in another field + graphic design training · Route 3: Registered Apprenticeship
More careers in Arts, Entertainment, & Design
Open the cluster hubEvery career page in this cluster, with entry, license, pay and outlook side by side.
Every number links to the BLS page it came from, checked 21 Oct 2026. Education Margdarshan does not recommend paid courses.