Graphic Designer Salaries

Name: David Grey
Job Title: Graphic Designer
Where: Troy, NY
Employer: Self-Employed  
Years of Experience: 8
Education: BA - Psychology, Tufts University, MFA - Graphic Design, California Institute of Art
Salary: See PayScale's Research Center for median graphic designer salaries.

Graphic Designer Salaries

What is a graphic designer? What is the average yearly income of a graphic designer? These are questions we hear quite a bit at Salary Stories. Thus, we turned to graphic designer David Grey to give us a clear picture on what is required to become a graphic designer, factors that affect graphic designer salaries, the life of a freelance graphic designer and more!

He filled us in on the education needed to become a graphic designer, how he built his graphic designer resume, typical graphic designer salaries and the differences in the average yearly income of a graphic designer per location, (i.e. a small town vs. senior graphic design jobs in New York State).

David explained that working as a graphic designer allows him to be creative on a daily basis. When asked what he likes best about his job, exercising his creativity and working for a variety of clients were at the top of his list. For readers interested in learning more about this creative position, plus graphic designer salaries and benefits, this interview is a must-read!

Graphic Designer Job Description:

As a freelance graphic designer, I have the wonderful opportunity to work with a range of clients and industries. Although most of my commissions are for the art/music/fashion arena, I design a variety of projects for local businesses and non-profits as well. Previous projects include album covers, posters, event invites, ads, booklets, catalogs, logos, identity design, t-shirts, and even skateboards. My clients range from people who are starting a new business and have $50 to spend on design to large international companies with very deep pockets.

Some are non-profit and information-based while others are artists who need a visual component to represent their own work. I enjoy working for friends. The majority of my time is spent working with repeat clients, who, more often than not, are close friends. By developing a close relationship with my clients I am able to earn their trust. This presents the opportunity to both meet their needs and create fulfilling artistic design work.

What kind of experience is on your graphic designer resume?

My career in graphic design began after college while working in a marketing firm. I was asked to make a 1 page flyer for a new corporate product. It was the most fun I had at that job. My first thought after finishing the project was, "I think there are people who do this everyday as a living." So I bought a Mac and began taking local evening classes at Mass. Art in Boston. I soon quit my job for a position in a print house doing very simple design work for clients who needed business cards and banners. Growing bored of this, I found a new job designing websites.

But after 2 years, I realized that my knowledge of design was very surface. I knew nothing about the history or theory or contemporary discourse. So I moved cross country to California and spent 2 years in an MFA program. This cultivated a very strong foundation for the present version of my career. Since graduating in 2001, I have art-directed a sneaker company, worked on numerous freelance projects for small start-ups to medium sized non-profits such as LA Freewaves to larger corporations like Nike, and become a full-time professor of graphic design in upstate NY.

Aside from the responsibilities of a graphic designer, what do you enjoy most about your job?

Without a doubt, I love being creative. And if I can get paid to do this then I can do it more often. As a designer, I am given the opportunity to use my own voice to visualize a client's needs. I can play the role of "supporting cast.” It's a place where I can weave my own visual agenda into someone else's message. As a graphic designer, I enjoy making visual spaces that engage a viewer. I attempt to craft worlds and landscapes and environments that are a hybrid of the space we live in and my own imagination. I hope the subtle surprises in my design work wake others up to the beauty of our planet.

As one of the top computer graphic designers, have you experienced any funny or memorable moments?

I remember getting the opportunity to work with Warner Brothers on a CD cover and thought, "Now I've made it to the big leagues.” But the project was not only one of the least creative projects I've had the opportunity to work on, it never lead to any other gigs with them. Oh well.

What can you tell us about graphic designer salaries?

If you are working with an hourly wage rate, a junior designer might make $25 per hour and a more senior designer might make $50 per hour. But this hourly wage rate varies depending on where you are located (i.e. you'll get paid more in NYC than Small Town, USA).

How does your salary compare to graphic designer salaries?  Find out with our salary calculator.

• Graphic Designer Salaries by Years of Experience
• Learn how to boost your Graphic Designer Resume - AIGA.org
• Average Yearly Income of a Graphic Designer by Employer Name

Comments

[Nipun Gosain]

I graphic designers job is not of the regular 9 to 5 jobs, one needs to keep reinventing things, come up with new designs and do a lot of out of the box thinking with each new project. Thats why its a really challenging and exciting vertical to work in. We at Essence not only strive to be creative, but have also regularly keep upgrading our skill sets to be able to meet client every growing hunger for new concepts and designs.

[r4 ds]

Hi,

I believe companies have finally learned that a designer is more than someone who knows how to operate Photoshop. In the late 1990’s good designers were paid very well and terrible so-called designers made good money as well. In 2000 and 2001, designers began being laid off in droves and pay cuts were the norm. Recently the industry has begun to stabilize. Many of my designer friends are now working full time. Demand for creative imagery never seems to cease. Clients and employers need graphic designers and they work them to the bone. The dollars per hour are nowhere near the late 90’s days and profits are thin but money is coming in.
r4 ds

[sandeep sahoo]

Hi,
I would like to know about graphic design also know about graphic design school.which is a good institute for all?

[Graphic Design Orange County]

Not bad, im an inspiring graphic designer and can't wait to see how my payout would be like!

[anton sulistyo]

i'm an indonesian ,now i study in school of design,but i hope can work as graphic designer in USA,i want to know how i can make it come true..

[Krish Nair]

Hi, since most graphic design projects are outsources to India nowdays for cheaper pricing, it is worth to note the graphic design pricing here (http://www.krishnadasan.com) in India - Krish

[Krisztina]

Hello,
Any advice on how to charge for freelance graphic design jobs? What is the going rate?

Thank you
Kriszitna

[Karen Hilmy]

My son, 20, from Endicott, New York is going into graphic design and is looking into the Art Institute of California in Orange County. Have you heard anything about the place? Is it reputable? Is this where you went? Please email me KarenHilmy@aol.com.
From a "confused" mother

[Alexa Moore]

Hello, my name is Alexa Moore. I am doing a high school english research paper. I was wondering if you would be willing to do an online interview? If so then you can contact me at lexi_987654312@yahoo.com.
Thank you. This would be very much appreciated.

-Alexa

[Aaron F.]

Hey, my name is Aaron and since i was 7 years old i have wanted to have a career in being a skateboard graphic artist and i am now 15 years old> this is my dream, my passion, and my life.. and i was just wonderin if you could anwser a few questions so i can persue my career...

(1)is it worth working for?(is it fun)

(2)how do i start?(how did you start)

(3)how do i get my word out to people so they will see and hopefully buy my boards?(other than making a website)

Please respond to these questions i have asked because this means more to me than anything in the world...i will greatly appreciate it***

[Cassie]

I am looking at different schools for graphic design. I wondered if you believe an online program is sufficient. The program I am interested in will get me an associate's degree, but I have read that in order to start out at entry level I will need a bachelor's. I intend to move on and get my bachelor's, but is it necessary to even start out in the field? Any answers would be extremely helpful.

[Mark C]

Thank you so much. I am doing a senior project and it would be amazing if I could do a online interview with you. It would really help and I would really appreciate it. It would just be a few questions. If you can, please contact me at markcas1990@yahoo.com

[anya]

i'd like to know more about graphic designer salaries. how long does it take to earn a decent salary? are freelance graphic designer salaries comparable to having a permanent position?

[Mike Rohde]

Thanks for the mention! :-)