The salary of a Graphic Designer I in the United States varies depending on several factors, including experience, location, education level, marketing trend and company sizes.
As of May 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Graphic Designer I in the United States is $59,092. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $50,905 to $64,890, with most professionals earning between $43,451 and $70,169.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $64,890 | $5,408 | $1,248 | $31 |
| Average | $59,092 | $4,924 | $1,136 | $28 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,905 | $4,242 | $979 | $24 |
An entry-level Graphic Designer I with less than 1 year of experience earns about $58,471. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $59,255. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $60,553. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $60,813, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $60,986.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Graphic Designer I | $58,471 |
| Intermediate Level Graphic Designer I | $59,255 |
| Senior Level Graphic Designer I | $60,553 |
| Specialist Level Graphic Designer I | $60,813 |
| Expert Level Graphic Designer I | $60,986 |
| Entry Level | 1% |
| Mid Level | 0% |
| Senior Level | 2% |
| Top Level | 3% |
| Experienced | 3% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of May 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Graphic Designer I compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $57,992 in 2023 to approximately $57,777 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Graphic Designer I salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
Salary.com job board provides millions of Graphic Designer I information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Graphic Designer I job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for Graphic Designer I and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $59,092 | 65.4% | ||
| Bonus | $3,264 | 3.6% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $4,770 | 5.3% | ||
| 401K/403B | $2,619 | 2.9% | ||
| Disability | $1,247 | 1.4% | ||
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 9.2% | ||
| Pension | $3,367 | 3.7% | ||
| Time Off | $7,675 | 8.5% | ||
| Total Compensation | $90,386 | 100% | ||
Graphic design can be a rewarding career in the USA, with salaries ranging from approximately $55,089 to $68,980. As a junior Graphic Designer, you can expect to earn around $61,288 on average. This field allows you to collaborate in teams and create impactful work, making it a promising choice for those passionate about design.
While the average salary for graphic designers ranges from $55,089 to $68,980, reaching a $100,000 salary is rare. However, those with exceptional skills and extensive experience may achieve this level of income over time. It typically requires dedication, a strong portfolio, and possibly specialization in high-demand areas.
It's never too late to learn graphic design. Many designers have started later in life and made significant impacts in the field. With dedication and a passion for design, you can succeed. Additionally, graphic designers earn between $55,089 and $68,980, with a median salary of $61,288, making it a viable career choice at any age.
The best-paying states for graphic designers vary, but the average salary range is between $55,089 and $68,980. While specific states like the District of Columbia and New York offer higher salaries, graphic designers can expect to earn a mid-salary of around $61,288, depending on their experience and location.
Graphic design can be a well-paying skill, with salaries ranging from a minimum of $55,089 to a mid-level of $61,288, and a maximum of $68,980. Freelancers often charge between $25 and $50 per hour for entry-level work, while experienced designers can command rates exceeding $100 per hour, especially in high-paying cities like New York, Atlanta, and Los Angeles.
Learning graphic design can be challenging, but with expert guidance and practical experience, it becomes much more manageable. As you develop your skills, you can expect to earn a salary ranging from $55,089 to $68,980, with a median salary of $61,288. The right support can make all the difference in your journey to becoming a successful graphic designer.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
