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Graphic Designer V Salary in the United States

How much does Graphic Designer V make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for Graphic Designer V in the United States is $123,390 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $59.

However, Graphic Designer V's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $146,315
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $113,890 to $135,390
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $105,241
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Graphic Designer V Salaries

Graphic Designer V'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.

How Experience Level Affects Graphic Designer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of Graphic Designer V'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:

  • Design Services Specialist III (4-7 years): $84,955
  • Design Services Specialist IV (7+ years): $104,910
  • Graphic Designer V (7-10 years): $123,340
  • Graphic Design - Project Lead (10+ years): $100,024
  • Graphic Art Manager (10+ years): $120,323
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Design Services Specialist III4-7 years$84,955
Design Services Specialist IV7+ years$104,910
Graphic Designer V7-10 years$123,340
Graphic Design - Project Lead10+ years$100,024
Graphic Art Manager10+ years$120,323
View as Graph

How Do Graphic Designer V Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Designer Vs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $136,590.
  • California: $136,090.
  • Massachusetts: $134,290.

Top Paying Cities for Graphic Designer Vs

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $155,590
  • San Francisco: $153,890
  • Oakland: $150,690

What Skills Can Increase Graphic Designer V's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Presentation (Mentioned in 3.6% Job Postings): Presentation conveys information from a speaker to an audience. Presentations are typically demonstrations, introduction, lecture, or speech meant to inform, persuade, inspire, motivate, build goodwill, or present a new idea/product.
  • Illustration (Mentioned in 2.26% Job Postings): Using creative artwork to explain or depict a particular meaning to come across the viewer's mind.
  • Digital Marketing (Mentioned in 1.25% Job Postings): Digital marketing is the marketing of products or services using digital technologies, mainly on the Internet, but also including mobile phones, display advertising, and any other digital medium. Digital marketing's development since the 1990s and 2000s has changed the way brands and businesses use technology for marketing. As digital platforms are increasingly incorporated into marketing plans and everyday life, and as people use digital devices instead of visiting physical shops, digital marketing campaigns are becoming more prevalent and efficient. Digital marketing methods such as search engine optimization (SEO), search engine marketing (SEM), content marketing, influencer marketing, content automation, campaign marketing, data-driven marketing, e-commerce marketing, social media marketing, social media optimization, e-mail direct marketing, Display advertising, e–books, and optical disks and games are becoming more common in our advancing technology. In fact, digital marketing now extends to non-Internet channels that provide digital media, such as mobile phones (SMS and MMS), callback, and on-hold mobile ring tones. In essence, this extension to non-Internet channels helps to differentiate digital marketing from online marketing, another catch-all term for the marketing methods mentioned above, which strictly occur online.
Skills Demand Percentage
Presentation 3.6%
Illustration 2.26%
Digital Marketing 1.25%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

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 Graphic Designer V's salary.

  • Teamwork: Can increase your salary by up to 34%.
  • Publishing: Can increase your salary by up to 30%.
  • Leadership: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Teamwork $165,343
34%
Publishing $160,407
30%
Leadership $139,431
13%
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Graphic Designer V Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Graphic Designer V salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $137,893. While startup companies pay approximate $116,644.

Graphic Designer V Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $116,644
Growth Stage 51~500 $123,363
Established 501~5000 $133,154
Enterprise 5000+ $137,893

Graphic Designer V Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Graphic Designer V roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 42% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 15% above the average. In contrast, Graphic Designer positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Graphic Designer V as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for Graphic Designer V

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$141,898$68.015%
Financial Services$141,898$68.015%
Insurance$138,197$66.012%
Energy & Utilities$135,729$65.010%
Aerospace & Defense$133,261$64.08%

Graphic Designer V Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how Graphic Designer V'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 September 01, 2026
$113,890
Average $123,390/year
$135,390
$9,491
Average $10,283/month
$11,283
$2,190
Average $2,373/week
$2,604
$55
Average $59/hour
$65
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $135,390 $11,283 $2,604 $65
Average $123,390 $10,283 $2,373 $59
25th Percentile $113,890 $9,491 $2,190 $55

Graphic Designer V Salary Growth & Career Path

Graphic Designer V

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As Graphic Designer V, 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 Design - Project Lead $100,030 -19%
Packaging Graphics Design Manager $129,800 5%

Most common benefits for Graphic Designer V

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Graphic Designer V

Here are companies hiring for Graphic Designer V and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Graphic Designer V

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Graphic Designer V?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Graphic Designer V roles, with salaries approximately 15% above the market median.

2. Which type of graphic design is most in demand?

Today, we will cover the most in-demand types of graphic design this year. UX/UI Design, Brand Identity and Packaging Design, Motion Graphics and Animation, 3D Design, Social Media Content Design, Illustration and Infographics, and Sustainable and Inclusive Design are key areas. Graphic Designers can expect salaries ranging from $115,690 to $150,090, with a mid-salary of $133,790.

3. How hard is it to get a job in graphic design?

Getting a job as a graphic designer in 2023 is both simple and challenging. While numerous job boards and social platforms offer opportunities, competition is fierce. To enhance your chances, ensure you have a strong portfolio and relevant skills. Salaries for graphic designers range from $115,690 to $150,090, with a median of $133,790, reflecting the demand for talent in this field.

4. How much do beginner Graphic Designers make in the US?

Beginner Graphic Designers in the US can expect to earn between $115,690 and $150,090 annually, with a mid-salary of $133,790. This reflects a more competitive market compared to previous averages, indicating a growing demand for skilled designers in the industry.

5. Can I make a 100k as a Graphic Designer?

If you are skilled and have diverse experience, earning over $100k as a Graphic Designer is achievable. The salary data indicates a minimum of $115,690, a mid-range of $133,790, and a maximum of $150,090. While entry-level positions may start lower, advancing in your career can lead to significantly higher earnings.

6. What state pays the best for graphic designers?

The best-paying states for graphic designers can vary, but based on recent salary data, the average salary ranges from a minimum of $115,690 to a maximum of $150,090, with a mid-salary of $133,790. This indicates that top-paying regions may offer salaries significantly higher than those reported for states like New York and California.

7. What is the highest position in graphic design?

The highest position in graphic design is the Creative Director, typically achieved after 10+ years of experience. This role involves overseeing design projects and leading teams. Salaries for Graphic Designers range from a minimum of $115,690 to a mid-level of $133,790, with top positions earning up to $150,090, reflecting the importance and expertise required in this field.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.)

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