How To Become A Computer Graphic Artist: What It Is and Career Path

What is a computer graphic artist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Kimberly Weast

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a computer graphic artist. For example, did you know that they make an average of $32.13 an hour? That's $66,828 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 3% and produce 6,800 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to a computer graphic artist?

Kimberly Weast

Fine Arts Department Chair Director of Theatre Arts Professor of Theatre, Northwestern Oklahoma State University

At this time, work on creating your work and presenting it - however you can. This is a prime opportunity to break molds that have been in place for many years. Work on building your webpage, Instagram, and improve your other social media presence. Still, practice your craft. Professionals are professionals because they practice and stay equipped.

ScoreComputer Graphic ArtistUS Average

Salary

5.2

Avg. Salary $66,828

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

4.2

Growth rate 3%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.5

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.37%

Asian 10.42%

Black or African American 3.42%

Hispanic or Latino 10.63%

Unknown 4.99%

White 70.17%

Gender

female 38.48%

male 61.52%

Age - 37

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 37

Stress level

4.2

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.5

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

3.9

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a computer graphic artist

Explore computer graphic artist education requirements

Most common computer graphic artist degrees

Bachelor's

61.3 %

Associate

20.7 %

Master's

7.2 %

Start to develop specific computer graphic artist skills

Skills	Percentages
Adobe Photoshop	12.80%
Adobe Illustrator	11.97%
Concept Art	10.36%
Mac	6.30%
Brochures	5.15%

Complete relevant computer graphic artist training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New computer graphic artists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a computer graphic artist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real computer graphic artist resumes.

Research computer graphic artist duties and responsibilities

Manage online product catalog using Dreamweaver.
Design logos, poster/t-shirt artwork, brochures, letterheads and business cards, charts and illustration and signage.
g code for CNC router cutting.
Maintain and troubleshoot computers and network.

Prepare your computer graphic artist resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your computer graphic artist resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a computer graphic artist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable computer graphic artist resume templates

Build a professional computer graphic artist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your computer graphic artist resume.

Apply for computer graphic artist jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a computer graphic artist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do computer graphic artists rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Computer graphic artist reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2022

Pros

There is so much to like about working as Graphic Designer ... the seeing how all the elements of words, space, colors, visuals (photos, graphics, charts,...) come together on a page...sharing info with others to learn and use

Cons

When working with others who can not make up their minds as deadline approaches nor take responsibility and blames others for their own "misdoings".