As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Graphic Artist / Designer I in the United States is $56,430 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.
However, a Graphic Artist / Designer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2025 Compensation Trend
AI-Powered Talent
Smart Recruiting
A Graphic Artist / Designer I'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 a Graphic Artist / Designer I'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Graphic Artist / Designer I | $56,154 |
| Intermediate Level Graphic Artist / Designer I | $56,646 |
| Senior Level Graphic Artist / Designer I | $58,262 |
| Specialist Level Graphic Artist / Designer I | $58,585 |
| Expert Level Graphic Artist / Designer I | $58,801 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Graphic Artist / Designer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Presentation | 5.22% |
| Photoshop | 2.43% |
| Sales Systems | 1.74% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Study Design
|
$74,488 |
32%
|
|
Consulting
|
$65,459 |
16%
|
|
Leadership
|
$64,895 |
15%
|
|
Innovation
|
$63,202 |
12%
|
|
Illustration
|
$62,073 |
10%
|
|
Project Management
|
$61,509 |
9%
|
Understanding how a Graphic Artist / Designer I'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.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Graphic Artist / Designer I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Artist / Designer II | $69,600 | 23% |
| Video Web Integrator/Editor | $74,300 | 32% |
| Photo/Video Specialist II | $70,900 | 26% |
Salaries for a Graphic Artist / Designer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $55,350 in 2023 to around $55,260 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Graphic Artist / Designer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $55,350 |
| 2024 | $55,613 |
| 2025 | $55,260 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Graphic Artist / Designer I and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Graphic Artist / Designer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
Graphic designers create visual elements like logos and illustrations to convey messages. They design layouts by selecting colors, images, and typefaces. Additionally, they present design concepts to clients or art directors and incorporate feedback into final designs. The salary for graphic artists ranges from $51,080 to $68,130, with a mid-salary of $56,870.
Mastering graphic design can take a few weeks to several months or even years, depending on your dedication and practice. With a starting salary of $51,080, a mid-range salary of $56,870, and a maximum of $68,130, investing time in learning can lead to a rewarding career. Understanding design principles and seeking feedback can accelerate your progress.
There are several types of graphic design, including Web Design, UI and Interactive Design, Advertising and Marketing Design, Motion Graphics and Animation, Packaging Design, Game Design, and Illustration. Graphic Artists/Designers typically earn between $51,080 and $68,130, with a median salary of $56,870, reflecting the diverse opportunities in this creative field.
Every Graphic Designer has the potential to achieve financial success. With a salary range from $51,080 to $68,130, your skills can lead to lucrative opportunities. By honing your craft and exploring diverse projects, you can transform your passion into a profitable career, paving the way to financial independence and possibly becoming a millionaire.
Graphic design can be a well-paying job, with salaries ranging from approximately $51,080 to $68,130. The median salary is around $56,870, indicating that many graphic designers earn a competitive income. A bachelor's degree is typically the highest level of education for this profession, which can enhance earning potential.
The salary for a Graphic Artist/Designer typically ranges from $51,080 to $68,130 per year, with a mid-salary of $56,870. While some specialized roles like Graphic Engineer or Senior Designer may offer higher salaries, the average for graphic designers falls within this range.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
