How to hire a graphic design specialist

How to hire a graphic design specialist, step by step

Here's a step-by-step graphic design specialist hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a graphic design specialist job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new graphic design specialist
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a graphic design specialist do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The graphic design specialist hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A graphic design specialist's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, graphic design specialists from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of graphic design specialists and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Graphic Design Specialist	Description	Hourly rate
   Graphic Design Specialist	Graphic designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They develop the overall layout and production design for various applications such as advertisements, brochures, magazines, and corporate reports.	$18-38
   Production Artist	A production artist is responsible for managing digital content, meeting clients' standard specifications and requests for successful project completion. Production artists must have computer proficiency, especially on utilizing various software tools and applications to create illustrations and layouts... Show more	$19-45
   Designer	A designer is someone who creates a master plan of the look or workings of something before it will be made. It could be tangible or intangible objects, products, procedures, laws, events, games, graphics, services, and even experiences... Show more	$21-46

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Graphic Design
   • Adobe Creative Suite
   • Visualization
   • PowerPoint
   • HTML
   • Brochures
   • Adobe Photoshop
   • CSS
   • Adobe Illustrator
   • Animation
   • Adobe Indesign
   • Project Management
   • WordPress
   • Flyers

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Launch and manage the acquistion, design and catalog for the animation line of liscens products.
   • Lead the development and execution of several overhead presentations, advertising design, brochure marketing, and desktop publishing initiatives.
   • Create presentations from customer direction, including graphics, charts, and animation.
   • Build email campaigns, database selection, HTML presentation and quality assurance of all outbound campaigns.
   • Create PowerPoint presentations for pharmaceutical companies through the process of drug approval in front of the FDA regulatory committee.
   • Assist with the launch of several services, including an HTML newsletter, district YouTube channel and emergency notification system.

   More graphic design specialist duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your graphic design specialist job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A graphic design specialist salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, graphic design specialists' average salary in florida is 50% less than in washington.
   • Seniority. Entry-level graphic design specialists earn 53% less than senior-level graphic design specialists.
   • Certifications. A graphic design specialist with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a graphic design specialist's salary.

   Average graphic design specialist salary

   $55,925yearly

   $26.89 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level graphic design specialist salary

   $38,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 13, 2025

   Average graphic design specialist salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$74,114	$36
   2	District of Columbia	$70,404	$34
   3	Massachusetts	$69,387	$33
   4	New York	$66,717	$32
   5	New Jersey	$66,012	$32
   6	Alaska	$64,097	$31
   7	Maryland	$59,134	$28
   8	Virginia	$59,025	$28
   9	Colorado	$58,492	$28
   10	North Carolina	$57,865	$28
   11	Texas	$55,312	$27
   12	Arizona	$54,631	$26
   13	Illinois	$52,739	$25
   14	Indiana	$50,675	$24
   15	Nebraska	$48,908	$24
   16	Michigan	$47,979	$23
   17	Nevada	$46,956	$23
   18	Iowa	$46,775	$22
   19	Arkansas	$46,530	$22
   20	Georgia	$45,471	$22

   Average graphic design specialist salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Berkshire Hathaway	$89,687	$43.12
   2	Activision Blizzard	$81,509	$39.19
   3	Tufts Health Plan	$76,675	$36.86
   4	Neustar	$76,073	$36.57
   5	Sandy Spring Bank	$75,684	$36.39
   6	University of California-Berkeley	$74,359	$35.75
   7	Fishbowl	$72,566	$34.89
   8	HOK	$72,033	$34.63
   9	The Bonadio Group	$71,325	$34.29
   10	Insurance Incorporated	$70,313	$33.80
   11	AECOM	$69,735	$33.53	151
   12	Open Systems Technologies	$69,361	$33.35
   13	Lenovo	$68,476	$32.92	3
   14	Planned Parenthood	$67,853	$32.62	1
   15	Canon	$67,447	$32.43	2
   16	Kbc	$67,133	$32.28	5
   17	Georgetown University	$66,767	$32.10
   18	Grace Church	$65,923	$31.69
   19	Sedgwick LLP	$65,622	$31.55
   20	Perfection	$65,028	$31.26

4. Writing a graphic design specialist job description

   A good graphic design specialist job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a graphic design specialist job description:

   Graphic design specialist job description example

   Marton Technologies, Inc (A Panum Group, LLC company), is looking for skilled individuals who are looking to be part of a growing company.
   
   Marton Technologies (a subsidiary of Panum) is seeking an experienced Graphic Design Specialist to join an existing contract at Fort Belvoir, VA.
   
   The Graphic Artist works with the courseware production team to design and develop graphic/visual effects used in courseware material. This position requires the use of specialized computer software to develop high quality computer illustrations, technical drawings, and animations supporting various media used within the training curriculum. The Graphic Artist is capable of using specialized hardware and/or software for video/audio capture and editing of multimedia presentations, incorporates principles of layout design throughout the courseware production process, and is responsible for quality control, review and revision of all aspects of graphics development. CAD drawings for construction, electrical, and HVAC requirements is an essential element of this position.
   Roles and Responsibilities
   Design, print and adhere posters using large scale plotter and vacuum press. Design plaques to be engraved for various retirement occasions. Draft, organize and implement CAD drawings for construction, electrical, and HVAC requirements. Preform maintenance on equipment including, but not limited to the laser engraver, large scale plotter and vacuum press. Account for all inventory of materials used for plotter and engraver. Provide quotes to equipment coordinators to purchase materials. Assist carpenters with tasks involving woodworking such as plaque backers. Other duties as assigned.
   
   Minimum Qualifications
   High school diploma or equivalent Vocational or other postsecondary training Strong problem solving skills and demonstrated ability to work under pressure Strong customer service skills Strong knowledge of technical supply management operations Strong communication skills
   
   Panum Group, LLC Established in 1997, Panum Group provides unique expertise and innovative solutions that address federal customers' greatest business and mission challenges. A culture of excellence through innovation and problem-solving has resulted in 100 percent growth in employees and revenue over the last three years. Panum provides program & project management, acquisition & contract management, business & strategy consulting and next generation information and communications technology services for more than 20 federal agencies. For more information, please visit www.panum.com.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find graphic design specialists for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any graphic design specialists they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level graphic design specialists with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   To find graphic design specialist candidates, you can consider the following options:

   • Post your job opening on Zippia or other job search websites.
   • Use niche websites that focus on engineering and technology jobs, such as dribbble, authentic jobs, working not working, coroflot.
   • Post your job on free job posting websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with graphic design specialist candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new graphic design specialist

   Once you've decided on a perfect graphic design specialist candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new graphic design specialist. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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