What does a graphic designer do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Graphic designers create visual concepts, using software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform and captivate consumers. Most hold a bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related fine arts field, and employers rely heavily on a portfolio. BLS projects employment to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| O*NET-SOC code | 27-1024.00 (Graphic Designers) |
| Typical entry-level education | Bachelor's degree |
| Portfolio | Employers rely on portfolios in hiring |
| Median annual wage | $62,960 per year (May 2025, BLS) |
| Projected growth | -2 percent, 2025 to 2035 (decline) |
| Number of jobs | 253,100 (2025) |
| Projected openings | About 16,000 per year, on average, over the decade |
What does a graphic designer do?
The Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) lists these duties:
- Meet with clients or the art director to determine the scope of a project.
- Use digital illustration, photo editing and layout software to create designs.
- Create visual elements such as logos, original images and illustrations to help deliver a message.
- Design layouts, including selection of colors, images and typefaces.
- Present design concepts to clients or art directors.
- Incorporate changes recommended by clients or art directors into final designs.
- Review designs for errors before printing or publishing them.
Work environment
Self-employed workers account for 20 percent of graphic designers, manufacturing 15 percent, specialized design services 9 percent, advertising, public relations and related services 8 percent and information 7 percent. Graphic designers generally work in studios with access to equipment such as drafting tables.
Education, training and licensing
- Education: Graphic designers typically need a bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related fine arts field.
- Portfolio: Many programs let students build a portfolio, a collection showing their styles and abilities, and employers rely on portfolios in hiring.
- Certification: Certification programs are generally available through software product vendors, and certification in design software can give jobseekers a competitive edge.
Skills that matter
The OOH names analytical skills (seeing work from the consumer's point of view), artistic ability, communication skills, computer skills, creativity and time-management skills. Clients and art directors request changes, so accepting feedback and meeting deadlines matter as much as design talent. O*NET lists the skills, knowledge and work activities for this occupation, which is useful when you tailor a resume.
How much do graphic designers make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $62,960 per year (May 2025). The lowest 10 percent earned less than $39,520 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $104,910. By industry, the median was $63,780 in specialized design services, $62,970 in information, $61,200 in advertising, public relations and related services, and $51,670 in manufacturing.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, a loss of 4,200 jobs. About 16,000 openings are still projected each year on average over the decade, so a strong portfolio remains the way to stand out.
How to get hired
- Curate the portfolio. Show a small set of finished projects, with the brief, your role and the result. Quality and range matter more than volume.
- Show process. Include sketches, revisions and how you handled client or art director feedback.
- Tailor your resume. Our ATS resume guide helps you stay readable by screening software without losing design sense.
- Switching in from another field? See career change resume.
- Search steadily. Use our find a job fast routine and search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Art directors; craft and fine artists; desktop publishers; drafters; industrial designers; special effects artists and animators; technical writers; web developers and digital designers.
Frequently asked questions
Do graphic designers need a degree? Graphic designers typically need a bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related fine arts field.
Do I need a portfolio? Yes. Employers rely on portfolios in hiring.
Do graphic designers need certification? No, but certification in design software, offered through software vendors, can give jobseekers a competitive edge.
Is graphic design in demand? BLS projects a 2 percent decline from 2025 to 2035, with about 16,000 openings a year.
Sources
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Graphic Designers: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, Graphic Designers (27-1024.00): https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/27-1024.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
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