Graphic Designers
Graphic designers create visual content for commercial and promotional purposes, including logos, packaging, displays, and marketing materials. They work in design studios, advertising agencies, in-house corporate departments, or as freelancers. The work involves combining artistic vision with practical design solutions to meet client needs across various mediums.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against graphic designers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week includes meeting with clients to understand project requirements, sketching concepts and creating digital mockups using design software, presenting design options for feedback, and refining work based on revisions. Designers may work on multiple projects simultaneously—one day developing a product package, the next creating website graphics or social media assets. Most work involves computer-based design, though some projects require research into market trends or competitor analysis.
Who this work suits
Holland code ACE. Artistic work is creating and designing, with room for self-expression. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy this work if you're drawn to artistic expression and appreciate structure and practical problem-solving. You probably have strong visual judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to translate abstract ideas into concrete designs while following specific client guidelines and brand standards.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Staff Graphic Designer, Print & Packaging · hims & hers · USA · Remote
- Creative Graphic Designer Intern · Abhyaz · United States · Remote
- Exhibitions Graphic Designer · Smithsonian Institution · Washington, District of Columbia · $70623–$91812
- Graphic Designer · Cata-Kor · Remote · Remote
- Graphic Designer & Video Editor · BlueTuskr · Remote · Remote
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $75,300 | $87,920 | $114,280 | 1,150 |
| Rhode Island | $62,050 | $78,220 | $93,370 | 750 |
| New York | $58,610 | $77,340 | $100,370 | 14,530 |
| Massachusetts | $60,030 | $76,710 | $95,990 | 4,450 |
| California | $55,500 | $75,130 | $99,240 | 27,390 |
| Maryland | $57,600 | $75,120 | $94,930 | 3,050 |
| New Jersey | $59,150 | $73,790 | $92,040 | 5,670 |
| Washington | $57,390 | $72,710 | $93,490 | 3,960 |
| Connecticut | $58,510 | $72,700 | $84,790 | 1,930 |
| Virginia | $52,470 | $72,310 | $95,420 | 4,740 |
| Colorado | $55,000 | $66,330 | $85,810 | 4,200 |
| Oregon | $57,420 | $66,040 | $103,220 | 4,140 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Tosa Certified User for Adobe Graphic Design — Isograd/Tosa
- Digital Imaging - Certified Digital Designer (CDD) — American Design Drafting Association/American Digital Design Association
- Certified in Engineering Graphics (CEG) — Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering
- Certified Senior in Engineering Graphics (CSEG) — Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering
- Tosa Certified User for Adobe Visual Design — Isograd/Tosa
- Visual Effects & Motion Graphics Using Adobe After Effects — Adobe Systems Incorporated
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
and 33 more
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against graphic designers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 27-1024.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.