As of September 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for an Entry Level Graphic Designer in the United States is $29, which translates to an annual salary of about $59,801.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
Entry Level Graphic Designer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $65,501 | $5,458 | $1,260 | $31 |
| Average | $59,801 | $4,983 | $1,150 | $29 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,401 | $4,367 | $1,008 | $25 |
An Entry Level Graphic Designer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Entry Level Graphic Designer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level Graphic Designer | 0-2 years | $59,724 |
| Design Services Specialist II | 2-4 years | $69,978 |
| Design Services Specialist III | 4-7 years | $84,955 |
| Design Services Specialist IV | 7+ years | $104,910 |
| Design Services Specialist V | 7-10 years | $123,340 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Presentation | 4.45% |
| Typography | 2.77% |
| Animation | 2.01% |
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an Entry Level Graphic Designer's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| UI | $65,781 | |
| Collaboration | $63,389 | |
| Storytelling | $62,193 |
Entry Level Graphic Designer salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $66,830. While startup companies pay approximate $56,531.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $56,531 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $59,788 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $64,533 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $66,830 |
Understanding how an Entry Level Graphic Designer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $65,501 | $5,458 | $1,260 | $31 |
| Average | $59,801 | $4,983 | $1,150 | $29 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,401 | $4,367 | $1,008 | $25 |
Salaries for an Entry Level Graphic Designer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $57,992 in 2023 to around $57,323 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Entry Level Graphic Designer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $57,992 |
| 2024 | $57,777 |
| 2025 | $57,323 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Entry Level Graphic Designer roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Graphic design salaries can vary widely based on experience, location, and industry. For entry-level positions, the salary ranges from approximately $55,101 to $69,001, with a median around $61,301. Factors such as market demand, competition, and the perceived value of design work can contribute to lower pay in some areas, despite the skills required.
While reaching a six-figure salary as a graphic designer is challenging, it is achievable with the right combination of skills, experience, and a strong portfolio. Entry-level positions typically offer salaries ranging from $55,101 to $69,001, but those who specialize and excel can surpass $100,000 over time. Top designers in the field can achieve this level of income.
A degree in graphic design typically takes four years to complete with a full-time commitment. However, some students may take five or more years to finish their studies. Entry-level graphic designers can expect salaries ranging from $55,101 to $69,001, with a median salary of $61,301, reflecting the investment in their education.
The beginner rate for graphic design typically ranges from $55,101 to $69,001 annually. This translates to an hourly rate of approximately $26.45 to $33.17, depending on experience and location. As designers gain experience, salaries can increase significantly, reflecting their growing skills and expertise in the field.
Graphic design is indeed in demand in the USA, with approximately 270,900 graphic designers currently employed. The job market for graphic designers is projected to grow by 3.3% from 2022 to 2032. Entry-level graphic designers can expect salaries ranging from $55,101 to $69,001, with a median salary of $61,301, reflecting the profession's value and growth potential.
The lowest salary for an Entry Level Graphic Designer is approximately $55,101 per year. This role typically requires minimal experience, and the average starting salary can vary based on location and company. In general, entry-level positions in this field offer a range from $55,101 to $69,001 annually.
Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers: