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What is a junior graphic designer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted experts
Dr. Sarah Satterfield Ph.D.,
David Abbott

A Junior Graphic Designer plays a part in crafting a design, usually by creating images and graphics, under the influence of a senior designer's instructions. They also fix and adjust any details of the project needed. That is not to say that a person in this role is not also given space for creativity and the suggestion of ideas and concepts, as those are both important skills to have within this career.

The world needs more and more Graphic Designers each year, as they are key for marketing. People say 'don't judge a book by its cover,' but that's all we do, especially with products, services, and actual books.

Generally, a person applying for this position does not need to meet any academic requirements such as a college degree, as their experience and artistic merit usually measure candidates. In today's day and age, an online portfolio and proven knowledge of design software are everything for most artists.

What general advice would you give to a junior graphic designer?

Dr. Sarah Satterfield Ph.D.

Department Chair Visual and Performing Arts, Professor of Music and Humanities, College of Central Florida

I was once told, if you do what you love, you will never "work" a day in your life. I have found this true in my own career and hope our VPA graduates will find it true in theirs as well. The arts offer such a unique means of engaging and we, as arts educators, have an ability to "reach" those we have contact with, in a unique way.
ScoreJunior Graphic DesignerUS Average
Salary
3.5

Avg. Salary $44,518

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 54.28%

male 45.72%

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

Junior graphic designer career paths

Key steps to become a junior graphic designer

  1. Explore junior graphic designer education requirements

    Most common junior graphic designer degrees

    Bachelor's

    77.1 %

    Associate

    16.1 %

    Master's

    2.8 %
  2. Start to develop specific junior graphic designer skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Graphic Design15.55%
    Adobe Creative Suite8.47%
    PowerPoint4.69%
    HTML3.85%
    Digital Marketing3.69%
  3. Complete relevant junior graphic designer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New junior graphic designers 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 junior graphic designer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real junior graphic designer resumes.
  4. Research junior graphic designer duties and responsibilities

    • Manage website redesign including copywriting and updating all website content.
    • Assist in creation and launch of Google banners, newspaper advertisements, and the design of client PowerPoint presentations.
    • Help in the development of their marketing and advertising collateral, mainly coupons, flyers, posters, etc.
    • Design advertisement campaign for newspapers, magazines, grocery shoppers, flyers, banners and a wide range of print media.
  5. Prepare your junior graphic designer resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your junior graphic designer 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 junior graphic designer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable junior graphic designer resume templates

    Build a professional junior graphic designer 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 junior graphic designer resume.
    Junior Graphic Designer Resume
    Junior Graphic Designer Resume
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    Junior Graphic Designer Resume
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    Junior Graphic Designer Resume
    Junior Graphic Designer Resume
  6. Apply for junior graphic designer jobs

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

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

How did you land your first junior graphic designer job

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Average junior graphic designer salary

The average junior graphic designer salary in the United States is $44,518 per year or $21 per hour. Junior graphic designer salaries range between $31,000 and $62,000 per year.

Average junior graphic designer salary
$44,518 Yearly
$21.40 hourly

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How do junior graphic designers rate their job?

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Junior graphic designer reviews

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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".


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2020
Pros

Creativity, Innovation, Intact Brand Integrity through Brand Guidelines

Cons

Interference in mid of work.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2019
Pros

The ability to communicate with letters and images for to me its the loudess means of communication.

Cons

I dislike being un-informed or not being informed on time, For information and time is a essential to me. My time is precious.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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