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Job outlook for graphic artist/typesetters in the United States
Are graphic artist/typesetter jobs in demand?
Graphic artist/typesetter job and salary trends over time
Graphic artist/typesetter jobs over time
Graphic artist/typesetter job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 124 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 123 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 132 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 133 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 132 | 0.00% |
Average graphic artist/typesetter salary over time
Graphic artist/typesetter salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $56,237 | $27.04 | +2.4% |
| 2024 | $54,899 | $26.39 | +3.5% |
| 2023 | $53,066 | $25.51 | +3.4% |
| 2022 | $51,307 | $24.67 | +2.2% |
| 2021 | $50,190 | $24.13 | +1.6% |
Graphic artist/typesetter jobs by state
Most common states for graphic artist/typesetters
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 20 | 3% |
| 2 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 126 | 2% |
| 3 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 90 | 2% |
| 4 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 12 | 2% |
| 5 | California | 39,536,653 | 567 | 1% |
| 6 | New York | 19,849,399 | 195 | 1% |
| 7 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 105 | 1% |
| 8 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 73 | 1% |
| 9 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 69 | 1% |
| 10 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 62 | 1% |
| 11 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 61 | 1% |
| 12 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 54 | 1% |
| 13 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 45 | 1% |
| 14 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 44 | 1% |
| 15 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 22 | 1% |
| 16 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 17 | 1% |
| 17 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 15 | 1% |
| 18 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 11 | 1% |
| 19 | Delaware | 961,939 | 10 | 1% |
| 20 | Alaska | 739,795 | 8 | 1% |
Graphic Artist/Typesetter job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of graphic artist/typesetter experts
Arkansas State University
Merrimack College
San Francisco State University
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York Institute of Technology
Texas Christian University
Foothill College
Highline College
Texas State University
Bowling Green State University
Belmont University
Eastern Illinois University
Mississippi College
Mississippi College
Emory University
Albion College
Stonehill College
California State University - Stanislaus
Kansas City Art Institute
University of California, Santa Barbara
What Graphic Artist/Typesetter skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Nikki Arnell MFA: Job flexibility is a key reason why Graphic Design is a good profession to enter now. A graphic designer can have various job titles and work in different settings, providing opportunities for freelance work or full-time positions. Having a strong portfolio is more important than a job title for future job prospects.
What will help Graphic Artist/Typesetters increase their earning potential?
Nancy Wynn: There are many different ways to intersect the creative field of graphic design or Design. You can enter utilizing production skills centered on working with an Art Director-you produce their designs with various handwork and software platforms. If you enter as a junior graphic designer-you collaborate with an Art Director and brainstorm concepts / designs for projects. You may intersect working in the service industry where you help customers produce their designs. Day-to-day tasks can be specific if you work at a very large company, or more comprehensive if you work at a smaller agency. They can range from meetings with Art Directors or marketing people; collaboration with fellow designers or other team members based on the project components; brainstorming, research, and ideation for projects; learning new technology by producing designs and client presentations; meetings with focus groups or testing of projects; and finally debrief sessions on projects results.
What general advice would you give to a Graphic Artist/Typesetter?
Nancy Wynn: The foundational knowledge of Design is constant, but the technology changes at a fast-pace-one can love or hate that aspect. Additionally, some people love and hate aspects of working in the business environment. Since Design is interdisciplinary, it is best to approach the profession understanding that one needs to learn many things well, which requires continued learning and research; you need to embrace collaboration; and you need to learn how to articulate your ideas in writing and orally to small and large groups of people.
What general advice would you give to a Graphic Artist/Typesetter?
Saskia Van Kampen: On a day-to-day basis a newly hired graphic designer must engage in any number of stages of the design process (research, ideation, iterating, testing, refinement, and/or finalization) - this is not a linear process. On top of this they may be asked to interact with clients and with colleagues (collaborating and critically engaging with work being produced).
Pilar Newton
Program Director of Electronic Design and Multimedia programColumbia University in the City of New York
Fine And Studio Arts
What general advice would you give to a Graphic Artist/Typesetter?
Pilar Newton: Look into what industry you are interested in pursuing and research what the salary range is for positions that you are interested in, especially entry-level. Research what studios are looking for. Even if a studio is not hiring, reach out to them to set up informational interviews with studios that you are interested in. Often studio art directors will generously spend time on the phone, zoom, or even an in-person meeting to talk to you and tell you what the studio is looking for in potential artists that work for them. Keep sharp! Keep practicing and staying on top of the latest versions of software and keep building your skills.
What will help Graphic Artist/Typesetters increase their earning potential?
Michael Hosenfeld: The ability to actually execute an idea to become a successful product including various digital media formats is highly valued. Design is as much inspired by technology, as it depends on it.
Jan Ballard
Senior InstructorTexas Christian University
Design And Applied Arts
What will help Graphic Artist/Typesetters increase their earning potential?
Jan Ballard: In our BFA program, graduates must fulfill an internship requirement and participate in professional development events and conferences, such as Dialexa EDU, National Student Show, and Circles. Students should also thoughtfully follow industry influencers on social channels to stay informed of current market trends.
Carolyn Brown
ProfessorFoothill College
Graphic Communications
What will help Graphic Artist/Typesetters increase their earning potential?
Carolyn Brown: AI will continue to grow in importance in the next 3-5 years. AI is useful in many ways. Right now, AI is mostly used for writing which is great for brainstorming and writing the messaging that graphic designers create the visuals for. AI is becoming an important tool for generating images, videos, animations, 3D, and AR/VR content. The most important skill is the ability to learn new skills and/or adapt your current skills to new technologies.
What skills will help Graphic Artist/Typesetters earn the most?
Diana Boyd: -Originality/Creativity
-UX/UI design
-Branding
-Marketing and Advertising
-Illustration
What soft skills should all Graphic Artist/Typesetters possess?
Diana Boyd: -Collaboration/Teamwork
-Interpersonal
-Reliability
-Ethical behavior
-Self-starter
What hard/technical skills are most important for Graphic Artist/Typesetters?
Diana Boyd: -Adobe Illustrator - Vector drawing skills
-Adobe Photoshop - Working with raster images
-Adobe InDesign - Layout skills
-Adobe Animate - Animation
-Adobe XD - UX/UI prototyping
-Wordpress/Adobe Portfolio/Adobe Dreamweaver - web design/development
-Microsoft Word /PowerPoint
Holly Sterling
Associate Professor of Communication Design, Internship CoordinatorTexas State University
School of Art and Design
What soft skills should all Graphic Artist/Typesetters possess?
Holly Sterling: - Strong communication and problem-solving skills - not only in your design work but in your day-to-day job.
- Being able to work collaboratively and be a responsible team member (i.e., productive, organized, respond positively to feedback, adaptable).
What hard/technical skills are most important for Graphic Artist/Typesetters?
Holly Sterling: - Literacy in relevant software, written communications, design research, iterative design processes, presentation skills
What skills will help Graphic Artist/Typesetters earn the most?
Holly Sterling: - If you're talking about hard skills, there's a run on "all things UX," and there are more positions to fill than designers to fill them. Also, strong visual designers who can do also do some illustration and motion graphics are in high demand.
- If you're talking soft skills, hiring managers frequently tell me that "who" the designer is every bit as important as what they can do, so be a good human that people will want to work with. This will serve you well throughout your entire career.
Jenn Stucker
Associate Professor, Chair of The Graphic Design DivisionBowling Green State University
School of Art
What skills will help Graphic Artist/Typesetters earn the most?
Jenn Stucker: Along with good visual design skills, creative thinking, problem-solving, and strategy will set a designer apart from others. These kinds of designers can understand the big picture of design in relation to context, culture, and meaning.
Doug Regen
Professor of PracticeBelmont University
Graphic Design Department
What soft skills should all Graphic Artist/Typesetters possess?
Doug Regen: Team player. Enthusiasm. Hark worker...willing to put in the time. Strong communicator. Openminded.
Samantha Osborne
Assistant Professor of Graphic Design, Owner, Samantha Osborne DesignEastern Illinois University
Art + Design
What skills stand out on Graphic Artist/Typesetter resumes?
Samantha Osborne: Soft skills are equally important to hard skills. Graphic designers are visual communicators. Visual communication is a universal learned skill, vs. a linguistic capability. This means that graphic designers must learn to recognize and effectively utilize mood and tone in their own visual compositions in regard to color theory and psychology, gestalt principles, and font or lettering design. Essentially a well-skilled graphic designer becomes part psychologist in working through design problems and deciphering client direction, part problem-solver in developing an effective solution to the design problem, and part artist in bringing astonishing and original visual communication and graphics to reach a solution.
What soft skills should all Graphic Artist/Typesetters possess?
Samantha Osborne: Three soft skills stand out most: an ability to see the big picture, an ability to "read" people, and an ability to make a convincing argument for your design solution(s).
i. An ability to see big picture: there are an infinite number of details in graphic design, whether you work in website design on the front or back end, or in print media with physical outputs. It's easy to get caught up on the details, especially when clients are making specific demands about things such as paper type. A skilled designer must be able to see beyond the details and look at the big picture for an effective design solution. For example, a client may be asking for an invitation design for an up-coming event. A skilled designer will ask questions and dig in, eventually uncovering that perhaps for a successful event, the client also needs a splash page and social media, either in place of or in addition to an invitation. A skilled designer addresses design problems holistically, rather than minutely.
ii. An ability to "read" people: designers are trained in art-specific vocabulary. Hue, saturation, pixels, gestalt...most non-art folks don't use or speak that language. When clients are describing their goals, they aren't using art-vocabulary. It's a designer's job to translate what the client is saying into an advanced and effective creative solution. They must be able to speak and understand the language of non-creative folks, as well as the language of the broader creative industry.
iii. An ability to make a convincing argument for your design solution(s): many young and inexperienced designer tend to get their hearts broken when a client smashes one of their [very well thought-out] ideas. Rather than rolling over, a designer must learn to navigate how best to build support for their idea(s). That might mean in some instances you work more fluidly with the client throughout the design process, so that they feel they have ownership in the development of the solution. In other instances it might mean that the designer is presenting options, rather than a single solution, so that the client feels empowered to make choices throughout the design process. And in some instances, it might be a matter of better explaining and presenting your idea to a client; perhaps the designer needs to push back more, perhaps they need to provide more research as to why their solution is best, or maybe they simply need to present it with more excitement and enthusiasm.
What general advice would you give to a Graphic Artist/Typesetter?
Benjamin Ivey: Artificial intelligence is becoming a key player in every industry. Knowing how to use it as a wise tool can set you apart from others who are just using it to be lazy. Skills that showcase your creativity and ingenuity at problem solving will always be critical.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Graphic Artist/Typesetters?
Benjamin Ivey: The enduring impact the pandemic will have on recent graduates will be a reliance on teleconferencing and online visual communication. Before coronavirus, we were accustomed to meeting "in person" for classes, interviews, and conferences. We only needed to be online for email, social media, and the occasional video. Now, it's the new norm for all classes and group meetings to have an online component. Employers are expecting to see portfolios and resumes online. Meeting in-person for your first job interview will be outmoded in favor of meeting via FaceTime or Zoom. Since many recent graduates are savvy with this technology, I don't foresee the trend changing anytime soon. People have quickly and readily embraced it.
What type of skills will young Graphic Artist/Typesetters need?
Benjamin Ivey: Employers want to know that you are a good problem solver. New software, social media platforms, and computers are always coming down the pipe, so younger generations are expected to understand those needs and trends. If you are the kind of employee who can suggest better/faster/cheaper ways of working, then you are a golden investment for any company.
What experience really stands out on Graphic Artist/Typesetter resumes?
Benjamin Ivey: The best experiences that stand out to me are when students put projects or hobbies to teach themselves a skill. School can only give you so much education. But when students take the initiative to learn something outside of class, they are taking their education. This shows me they are trainable and motivated. If a student says, "I taught myself how to 3D print", "I designed this web app for fun," or even "I like to fix old cars on the weekend, "... these are things that show you are a life-long learner and it often separates you from the crowd. I've heard many success stories from my former students who go for job offers simply because they put one or two personal projects like this into their portfolio and resume.
Ariel Fristoe
Instructor, Artistic Director of Out of Hand TheaterEmory University
Theater Studies
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Graphic Artist/Typesetter job market given the pandemic?
Ariel Fristoe: Visual and performing arts organizations are suffering, and after the pandemic, they will need to re-think many of the old ways of doing things, and innovate quickly. They will need to hire new talent to develop socially-relevant programs, and invent new ways to connect to donors and audiences. The arts play a vital role in bringing communities together, in creating empathy for each other and promoting social change, but only if they're catalyzed for these purposes. Otherwise arts organizations risk losing relevance, and by extension, audiences and funding.
David Abbott
ChairAlbion College
Department of Music
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Graphic Artist/Typesetters?
David Abbott: Clearly academic challenges of not getting either enough material and/or not being able to receive it as effectively as traditional in class experiencial learning has potentially negative consequences not unlike that of pre-college students although generally to a lesser degree of negative impact. Much virtual teaching can be effective and Albion has utilized this to a great deal as have many other colleges and R1 institutions. We offer combined virtual/ in person "hybrid", as well as all virtual only and all in person teaching both in classes and applied music lessons.
It remains to be seen in the coming post-pandemic years how much of a deleterious effect this pandemic will ultimately have on learning. My personal view is that the effects will vary but overall there will be negative implications across many colleges and universities. Much will depend on the success of testing/tracing which in the case of Albion College where we were very diligent and effective including use of an Aura tracking app required of all students, we were able to isolate and quarantine students suspected of illness, or with positive test results of COVID, safely isolate them for the required time and then they returned to lasses as before. During quarantine/isolation, all Albion students had virtual access to all classes after making arrangements with their individual instructors.
In comparison, I know Hillsdale College not more than 40 miles away, while an outstanding academic institution with enviably high standards, was decimated by the pandemic, simply because the administration chose not to follow science and they had at one point no less 175 positive covid cases, in early November while Albion had an average of only 3-5 on campus. I understood that the virus ravaged their music department and shut down most if not all live instruction. These numbers continued to rise in the next two weeks (Albion had only 11 total cases, all safely in isolation while Hillsdale's numbers exceeded 200 and more), it became difficult for many schools who ultimately chose to send their students home as a precaution to avoiding massive infection. Albion did this with 11 positive cases simply to follow recommended state guidelines. My understanding was Hillsdale hung on for much longer and continued to keep students on campus in spite of these dangerously high numbers of life threatening infections.
I pray their students/faculty ultimately left safe and mostly out of danger by the end of Fall semester and perhaps this was their way of maintaining academic integrity by keeping students on campus. At Albion, we ultimately sent students home only 7 school days earlier than our planned close of classes. We employed a controversial "module" system that essentially compressed 14 week classes into 7 weeks and classes met avg 5 days a week compared to the traditional 2-3x per week. Ultimately faculty/students hated this model and accepted it simply in an effort to keep students on campus for learning rather than keep everyone home in virtual only as many colleges and universities chose to do. We are continuing this module system now in the current Spring semester. We intend to return to traditional classes if at all possible by Fall '21.
What's a day at work look like for a Graphic Artist/Typesetter?
David Abbott: In music, if they are educators in K-12, it will likely impact somewhat on their teaching. Already my former students in K-12 music education report current massive drops in music ensemble enrollments band/choir/orchestra simply because 1) the health risk factors and 2) the need for greater physical distancing doesn't allow for the traditional numbers sitting closer together and blowing on wind instruments, or singing in choirs, etc. Undoubtedly, many music programs will have to work hard to rebuild their enrollments back to pre-pandemic levels hopefully sooner than later.
What experience really stands out on Graphic Artist/Typesetter resumes?
Matthew Greene: Young theatre artists need to focus on building their post-college credits, and not be overly concerned with unions, agents, etc. I've run an auditioning class for the better part of the past decade, and questions regarding unions and agents are the ones I field the most. Instead, they should pound the pavement and find any and all work they can find to network and bolster their resumes. To see that they are actively pursuing their chosen profession is something I look for when casting a show. This can be demonstrated by credits or by continued training. Show employers that you are serious, motivated and a team-player, and you will receive much more attention. Also, be sure to include names on your resume. In a field such as theatre, WHO you've worked with or studied under can mean the difference between a callback or not.
What type of skills will young Graphic Artist/Typesetters need?
Matthew Greene: Theatre graduates, in order to work, must be disciplined self-starters first and artists second. They need to get out there (in person or virtually) and be persistent. This fact hasn't changed in the past 100 years, but the means in which to engage, find and create work is transforming in front of our eyes. It is now essential to have an online presence and the ability and resources to produce "self-tapes", the new standard for auditioning. While many aspects of theatre will return as we have known them, I imagine a lot of the job-seeking efforts, primarily auditioning, will continue virtually. This alone makes more opportunities available to more people, and levels the playing field a good deal.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Graphic Artist/Typesetters?
John Ferry: I believe so - how can we have something this significant happen and not have it affect our lives in a noticeable way. I actually think there are advantages to having this happen . . . If you look for the positives you'll find them . . . if you look for the negatives you'll find them . . . I can't speculate on what that impact will be - but, we'll all be impacted, Professors and Students. At the very least we are all a lot more familiar with how to navigate virtual meetings.
What type of skills will young Graphic Artist/Typesetters need?
John Ferry: The most important skill is in my opinion, age old - a solid work ethic. . . I recommend reading Steven Pressfild's "Turning Pro", It really provides a lot of insight on how to think like a professional - it even defines professionals in other ways than just collecting payment for your work. Setting a routine is also important - making sure your work gets done and you are continuing to practice and grow your skills. Research publications and art directors that you'd like to work for. . . Also, our graduates won't enter just one cookie cutter workforce. In the past we've had students work at Hallmark Cards Inc. At local advertising agencies like C3 and Sprint. We've had students apprentice and go into tattooing. . . others have gone the gallery/fine art approach. . . a few go on to graduate school. . . as you can see the students will have to tailor their skills towards what interests them creatively.
It's not necessarily experience, but I think it's important to set up a website and be sure they are utilizing social media. . . One frustration I have is that too many students use crazy names on their Instagram media, not their own name. . . it makes them look unprofessional, and makes it harder on them not only to be taken seriously - but confusing on what to call them and where to see their website.
What experience really stands out on Graphic Artist/Typesetter resumes?
John Ferry: I think for a student that internships really stand out. Showing you've worked for an agency or freelance artist and received payment for this experience. It shows you can work with other people and demonstrate some professional experience. At Kansas City Art Institute, where I teach in the Illustration Department, we require all students to take either an internship or mentorship.
I also think showing published work is important. One internship that used to be available in the past was at The Kansas City Star Newspaper. The students were able to do weekly illustrations featured in their publication. It gave them an excellent opportunity to work with art directors, illustrate a concept and work on their portfolio.
Risa Brainin
Professor, Artistic Director, LAUNCH PADUniversity of California, Santa Barbara
Department of Theater and Dance
What type of skills will young Graphic Artist/Typesetters need?
Risa Brainin: Flexibility! We don't know how long it will take before audiences and artists can safely join together in a theater again. So, we must think outside the box and adapt.
What experience really stands out on Graphic Artist/Typesetter resumes?
Risa Brainin: Especially in the pandemic, any and ALL experience will stand out on a resume. The fact that we kept creating through this impossibly difficult time speaks well of each and every artist. That kind of commitment and tenacity builds strength of character and skill.