Also called: Visual Designer, Communication Designer
Creates logos, posters, social posts, packaging, ads, and layouts that communicate ideas visually.
A graphic designer might start the day resizing a campaign for Instagram, TikTok, and billboards, then spend the afternoon sketching logo concepts for a new client. They work mostly in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and Figma. Feedback rounds with clients or art directors are constant.
Based on BLS graphic designers (27-1024), May 2024.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in graphic design is typical; a strong portfolio matters more than the degree.
Ways in: 4-year college, 2-year college, Self-taught. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Graphic Design, Communication Design, Visual Communication, Fine Arts.
Growing about average (about 2% over 10 years). BLS projects slower-than-average growth, 2024-34, but about 20,000 openings a year from turnover.
Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. AI already generates and resizes routine graphics, squeezing junior roles; concept, brand thinking and client work stay human.
Classes: Graphic design or media arts CTE, AP Studio Art 2-D Design, Yearbook or school paper.
Official data: O*NET occupation 27-1024.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.