Highest-Paying Graphic Designer Jobs [2023]

Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of graphic designers that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.

Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of graphic designers:

• Lead Designer is the highest-paid type of graphic designer with an average salary of $110,001 and an average hourly rate of $52.89.

• The second highest-paying type of graphic designer is interactive designer, with an average salary of $97,929.

• The average graphic designer salary is $49,450 per year, and the average hourly pay is $23.77.

Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs

Background

Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as a graphic designer, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of graphic designers are so that you can plan your career progression.

Here are the top salaries for different types of graphic designers:

1. Lead Designer

   Average Salary: $110,001

   A lead designer is responsible for addressing the clients’ needs of digital content and coordinating with the design team for the planning and innovation of the visual design and concept. Lead designers conduct the initial layout of frameworks and collaborate with the art staff for the specifications and outputs using various software applications and digital boards. They regularly update the client of the project’s status, including adjustment and design recommendations, ensuring that the plan meets the client’s budget goals. A lead designer must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially on running diagnostic tests to improve optimal performance.

2. Interactive Designer

   Average Salary: $97,929

3. User Experience Designer

   Average Salary: $91,159

   A User Experience (UX) designer is an individual who measures and optimizes applications to improve the experience of end-users. His or her duties and responsibilities include considering a design’s human-computer interaction element, defining interaction models, and working with creative directors and designers. The key skills for UX designers include strong mathematical and problem-solving skills and excellent information technology and programming skills. Having a bachelor’s degree in a design or computing-related subject is an advantage to qualify for the UX designer position.

4. Visual Designer

   Average Salary: $86,495

   A visual designer is someone who creates designs for a variety of platforms such as Internet and intranet sites, games, and wearables. The duties of visual designers depend on the specific project or industry in which they are working. Duties include creating user-centered interaction models, working with information technology and business teams to resolve complex issues, and designing logos, icons, and infographics. The qualifications to become a visual designer include possessing strong problem-solving, communication, and negotiation skills and obtaining a bachelor’s degree in design.

5. Lead Graphic Designer

   Average Salary: $76,009

   A lead graphic designer is responsible for creating, designing, and updating the company’s visual aspects. The lead graphic designer works closely with the branding department alongside the advertising and marketing team. It is essential for the lead graphic designer must be creative, willing to think outside the box, and brave to dare novel ideas. The lead graphic designer is also responsible for leading the creative department in accomplishing assigned tasks from management.

Below is a full table of the average pay for various graphic designer that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Graphic Designers

Methodology

Zippia uses publicly published information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.

Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for graphic designers.

Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Graphic Designer Jobs FAQs

1. What is the highest-paid graphic designer job?

   The highest-paid graphic designer job is a lead designer. Lead Designers earn an average salary of $110,001, which is $ 52.89 hourly.

   A lead designer is responsible for addressing the clients’ needs of digital content and coordinating with the design team for the planning and innovation of the visual design and concept. Lead designers conduct the initial layout of frameworks and collaborate with the art staff for the specifications and outputs using various software applications and digital boards. They regularly update the client of the project’s status, including adjustment and design recommendations, ensuring that the plan meets the client’s budget goals. A lead designer must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially on running diagnostic tests to improve optimal performance.

2. What is a good salary for a graphic designer?

   A good salary for a graphic designer is $49,450 or more. The average graphic designer salary is $49,450, so those making at least $49,450 are earning above-average paychecks.

   Keep in mind, however, that the average graphic designer salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.

   In addition, if you’re just starting your career as a graphic designer, the average entry level salary is $30,897, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $49,450 average, as this includes all graphic designers of all skill and experience levels.

3. Do Graphic Designer jobs pay well?

   Yes, graphic designer jobs pay well. As in any industry, some graphic designer jobs pay better than others, but the average graphic designer salary of $49,450 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.

   In addition to this, many graphic designer jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of graphic designers earning $67,530 a year on average.

   Graphic Designers’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as a graphic designer. Do your research on the going rate for a graphic designer in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.

4. Where do graphic designers get paid the most?

   Graphic Designers get paid the most in District of Columbia. In District of Columbia, graphic designers earn an average annual salary of $62,988 and an average hourly wage of $30.28.

   Following DC, the states with the highest-paid graphic designers are Massachusetts, Washington, and New York, with average annual salaries of $58,553, $57,422, and $57,176 respectively.

   The cities with the highest-paid graphic designer salaries are:

   1. Washington, DC – $63,052

   2. Boston, MA – $58,402

   3. Seattle, WA – $57,758

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.