First-Year Salaries for Graphic Designers
Graphic designers communicate simple or complex messages using a visual approach. Creativity, and solid communication and problem-solving skills are essential to success. Graphic designers can obtain work as illustrators or teachers and in advertising or animation. The varying number of job opportunities, their location and a candidate's level of education have a significant effect on the first-year salary.
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Average First-Year Salary
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Graphic designers earn approximately $26,200 to $31,900 during their first year, according to data collected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the University of Minnesota. The Azusa Pacific University reports that graphic designers earn about $28,000 annually when they start out.
Average National Earnings
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Data collected by the BLS reveals that graphic designers typically earn an average wage of $48,140 per year. Employees earning the lowest salary reported earnings of $26,200 and those earning the highest wage were compensated $76,910 annually. The middle earnings range for graphic designers was between $33,200 and $58,600 per year.
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Top-Paying Regions and Industries
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In the graphic design field, as with most other occupations, location and industry play a significant role in compensation. The regions paying the highest wages included the District of Columbia, New York and California. Earnings in these states ranged between $57,240 and $66,020 per year in 2010, according to the BLS. Metropolitan areas typically pay higher wages and the San Francisco and San Jose, California, and Bridgeport, Connecticut, areas paid between $69,430 and $76,740 annually. The federal branch of the government, amusement parks and computer manufacturing industries paid higher wages. Employees in these industries reported earnings of $64,080 and $75,810 in 2010.
Education and Experience
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Most employers require a bachelor's degree in graphic design. Candidates who pursue an associate's degree typically qualify for positions as assistants, according to the BLS. Graphic designers can advance to a higher professional level once they complete at least one to three years of experience. Graphic designers with years of experience advance to positions, such as project manager or creative design director.
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