The median annual wage for graphic designers was $46,900 in May 2015.
The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $27,560, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $81,320.
In May 2015, the median annual wages for graphic designers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
Specialized design services
$49,430
Advertising, public relations, and related services
47,070
Wholesale trade
45,360
Newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers
40,790
Printing and related support activities
37,990
Most graphic designers work full time, but schedules can vary depending on workload and deadlines.
In 2014, about 1 in 5 graphic designers were self-employed. Graphic designers who are self-employed may need to adjust their workday to meet with clients in the evenings or on weekends. In addition, they may spend some of their time looking for new projects or competing with other designers for contracts.
Graphic Designers
Median annual wages, May 2015
Graphic designers
$46,900
Art and design workers
$43,950
Total, all occupations
$36,200
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics