12 Highest Paying Graphic Design Jobs (2023)

With a major in graphic design, you’re going to be in demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there will be a whopping 198% increase in employment for graphic designers, with many openings going unfilled from employers unable to find qualified workers. And with an average annual salary of $53,500, you’re set for life.

These are just some of the reasons why you should major in graphic design:

• You’ll never have trouble finding work as a designer because there is always a such high demand for your skills.
• You can design practically anything you want with a major in graphic design.
• You can earn a high salary and have freedom in your career.
• You’ll be able to work in the field you want. What other major offers that?

If you’re thinking about switching from another field to graphic design, think again. Graphic design is a very flexible career, and there are many highest paying graphic design jobs of all different skill levels.

If you’re considering a major in graphic design, we highly recommend that you get your education online. This will ensure that you’ll have access to top-notch instructors and the latest technology in the field.

Plus, being able to take classes online or on your smartphone or tablet will give you even more flexibility when it comes to your schedule. You can design on the weekends and have time during the week for work.

Highest Paying Graphic Design Jobs

These are some of the best highest paying graphic design jobs out there:

1. Graphic Designer

Although the title of “graphic designer” may be pretty broad, it’s a great career to have because of the flexibility and high salary. You’ll be expected to use your creativity and knowledge of design principles to create everything from print ads and book covers to websites and logos.

Like other jobs on this list, you’re going to need a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or visual communications. You’ll also need some practical experience, either through internships or an entry-level job. But employers will generally like your portfolio if you’ve got one.

This profession is also one of the highest-paying freelance jobs in the United States of America. The average salary for a graphic designer is $56,367 per year, with top-paid earners getting as much as $94,426.

2. Studio Artist

You’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in graphic design to work as a studio artist. This is because you’ll need to know how to use different software and tools when creating your designs, and this requires some technical skills that you can’t learn on the job.

However, outside of the job market, there are options for someone with a bachelor’s in graphic design. You can get certified in web design or animation at many colleges and universities.

The average salary for a studio artist is $47,548. Depending on experience, one can earn as much as $74,000 per year.

3. Art Director

The only “business” job on this list is, art directors are critical to any design team because they ensure that the final product is everything it should be.

Your responsibilities will include working in tandem with the creative director to manage the project budget and timeline while making sure that your work meets their standards.

Art director is one of the highest paying graphic design jobs in the United States of America.

The fact that art directors bring in an average salary of $82,182 means that they can live comfortably while working on various projects.

4. Web Developer

This job is like working as a graphic designer on steroids. you’re going to be able to create websites and logos, but because you’ll be creating them for the Internet, they’ll have to work for any browser or platform.

It’s a physically demanding job that requires that you push your creativity as far as it will go and stay current with the latest software so that you can always stay relevant in your market.

The average salary for a web developer is $82,586, making it one of the highest paying graphic design jobs in the United States of America.

5. Illustrator

You’ll need to be able to create your characters and drawings if you’re going to work as an illustrator. Although there will be clients who offer designs that you can use, you’ll reach a higher level of success if you create your original artwork.

And unlike many of the other jobs on this list, illustrators can make a living with just an associate’s degree in graphic design or illustration.

The average salary for an illustrator in the United States of America is $54,067 per year.

6. Technical Writer

Technical writing is one of the highest paying graphic design jobs. They work with designers to ensure that the final product is correct and complete. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in technical communication or professional writing along with some experience in journalism or business writing to get this job.

Additionally, you’ll need to be able to write clearly and correctly while being able to explain processes and procedures so that others can understand them.

The average salary for a technical writer in the United States of America is $75,964, with the highest-paid earning $133,000 per year.

Read Also: 17 Fun Remote Jobs That Pay Well

7. Product Designer

There’s a lot of overlap between product designers and user experience designers. What differentiates one from another is the focus of your work. If you’re a product designer for a company, you’ll need to use your creativity to create new products or improvements on existing ones.

If you’re with an advertising agency, you’ll need to create ideas that will be used in ads or other marketing materials.

Either way, your job will often be to come up with new “design” ideas that appeal to the client and perhaps even make those ideas a reality.

Product design is one of the highest paying graphic design jobs in the United States of America. The average salary for a product designer is $86,272 per year.

8. Digital Designer

Digital designers create websites and Photoshop files for computer screens. They’re often hired by marketing firms and ad agencies, but they can also apply their skills to the advertising industry on their own.

And since the digital design field is expected to grow a lot more in the coming years, you can even get started with just an associate’s degree in graphic design or art (or even education).

The average salary for a digital designer in the United States of America is $92,551. Top-paid earners get as much as $156,609 per year.

9. Creative Director

You’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or art to work as a creative director. What do you do as a creative director?

Decide the direction for all of your company’s work and create blueprints for the designs that will be created by others. As a result, you’ll have to have a strong design sense and excellent leadership skills.

The average salary for a creative director is $134,982, with the highest getting as much as $285,000 per year. This makes it one of the highest paying graphic design jobs in the United States of America.

10. Motion Graphic Designer

Motion graphic designers create any type of visual medium that moves. This can include animations, videos, and presentations. Once again, motion graphic designers will need at least an associate’s degree in graphic design or one of the related fields to get their start.

But after that, the sky is the limit and you can pursue your creative dreams and a nice salary by working for yourself as a freelancer or simply applying your expertise at a company that offers this type of service.

The average salary for a motion graphic designer in the United States of America is $73,898 per year.

11. Design Checker

These individuals are responsible for ensuring that the final products are complete and correct. As a design checker, you’ll need to be able to use all of your artistic skills (eye for design or color, perspective, etc.).

You’ll also have to be sharp when it comes to details since the slightest mistake can make a big difference on a project with thousands of pieces and hundreds of hours put into it.

The average salary for a design checker in the United States of America is $53,586 per year.

12. Interactive Media Designer

Interactive media designers work for web developers or advertising agencies to create visual elements that will be used in online advertisements or presentations.

You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in either interactive design, web design, or media arts with some experience at a company to get your foot in the door.

The average salary for an interactive media designer is $82,578, with top earners getting as much as $138,000 per year.

FAQs on Highest Paying Graphic Design Jobs

There are several questions that graphic design graduates might have about the types of careers they will pursue once they’ve crossed the commencement stage and are preparing to enter the workforce. Since there’s such a variety of jobs and career paths in this field, there may be some confusion about which path to choose or how to get started.

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions that may help you decide what you want to do after graduation and how you want to use your degree:

Q: What should I focus on if I want to freelance?

A: You should focus on illustrating or visual communication (graphic design) as freelancers often do. So you should study computer and graphic design, illustration, visual communication, advertising, or a related field.

Q: What about internships?

A: Internships are often a very important part of the career path for designers in any area (graphic design majors especially). Internships give you a chance to build up some experience and also make contacts with people who can help you get a job after graduation.

You should be prepared to spend at least one semester working as an intern before you graduate. And your school may offer an opportunity for credit in exchange for your work as an intern. If not, make sure you get the experience documented on your resume so it appears that way to future employers.

Q: Can I get a job at an advertising agency or a marketing firm?

A: You can but be prepared to work very hard to get noticed. Advertising and marketing firms have so many clients that they often hire many people at once. So don’t let your degree give you the impression that you’re an instant hire.

In addition, if you do decide to pursue this type of career path, take the time to learn how these firms function, what the management structure is like, and what the client’s needs are.

Q: What if I want to work in a different field?

A: There are positions in graphic design that will allow you to use your skills in the public relations department of a corporation, magazine, or marketing firm. You can also try teaching, marketing, or advertising (researching new trends and developing advertising campaigns). Or you may decide to go into management or start your firm.

There’s no limit as long as you have the interest and perseverance to make it happen. And don’t forget there are always jobs for freelance graphic designers, so if all else fails, that could be an option for you.

Q: What are the salaries for graphic designers?

A: Salaries typically vary depending on the type of job and company but they can pay well. Salaries range from $28,000 to $134,000 per year. If you want a job that pays well, you’ll need at least an associate’s degree or two years of training or experience in your field.

If you have experience and are talented, you can find jobs in advertising and marketing firms for about $50-$100K per year. These jobs always come with bonuses and benefits.

Conclusion

As you can see from these highest paying graphic design jobs, several fields pay well. But if you want to be a salary earner, you’ll need a good understanding of the type of work that you do. If you’re in this field primarily to make money, then there are better options than being in graphic design, at least straight out of school.

And if you want to set a high standard for yourself and not follow the crowd, then pursuing something more unique than just another piece of software may be the way to go.