A graphic designer turns ideas into visuals, such as logos, layouts, packaging, web graphics and publications, that help clients and brands communicate.
It is a creative job found in design studios, agencies, manufacturers and freelance work, and it is hired mainly on the strength of your portfolio.
This guide explains what graphic designers do each day, the skills and requirements employers expect, what the work is like, what they earn and how to become one in the United States.
All numbers come from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET unless noted.
The BLS projects a small decline in jobs, so the page also covers how AI tools and specializing may affect the field.
Quick jump: Daily dutiesSkillsRequirementsQualificationsWork environmentSalaryOutlookCareer pathHow to becomeJob facts
Graphic Designer Daily Duties and Responsibilities
Duties change by employer and specialty, but most days follow the same flow: brief, research, design, present and revise.
| Part of the day | Typical duties |
|---|---|
| Start of day | Check email, client feedback and project deadlines |
| Briefing | Confer with clients, art directors or supervisors to determine the layout and scope |
| Research | Research the target audience and look at illustrations, photographs and competitors’ work |
| Design | Create layouts, logos, graphics and concepts, choosing colors, images and typefaces |
| Review | Present concepts, make changes and review layouts for errors |
| Production | Prepare digital files for print or web and organize and archive images and work |
| End of day | Save and back up files, update the project tracker and plan the next day |
Here is the full list of graphic designer duties and responsibilities, based on O*NET and the BLS:
| Duty | What it means on the job |
|---|---|
| Meet with clients | Confer with clients or art directors to determine project scope and layout |
| Research the audience | Research the target audience and study illustrations and photographs to plan how to present products or services |
| Create concepts | Create designs, concepts and sample layouts based on layout principles and design concepts |
| Design layouts | Determine the size and arrangement of illustrations and copy, and select colors, images and typefaces |
| Develop graphics | Develop graphics and layouts for product illustrations, company logos and websites |
| Use design software | Use computer software to generate new images, charts, graphs and illustrations |
| Present and revise | Prepare rough sketches, present them to clients or supervisors and make changes |
| Review final layouts | Review final layouts for errors and suggest improvements |
| Prepare files | Prepare digital files for printing and notes for workers who assemble final layouts |
| Write or edit copy | Write or edit copy for clients |
| Keep an archive | Maintain an archive of images, photos and previous work |
| Learn new tools | Research new software and design concepts |
| Specialize | Many designers specialize, such as in product packaging or book jackets (BLS) |
Graphic Designer Skills
Employers look for design and software skills you can show in a portfolio and communication skills that keep clients happy.
Hard skills
| Skill | How you use it |
|---|---|
| Layout and typography | Arranging text and images and choosing typefaces for clear communication |
| Design software | Adobe Creative Cloud, Illustrator and InDesign, listed by O*NET as in demand |
| UI and collaboration tools | Figma and Canva, also listed by O*NET as in demand |
| Print and file preparation | Preparing digital files for printing or publishing |
| Web basics | HTML and CSS, listed by O*NET as in demand |
| Portfolio building | Showing your best work and the results it achieved |
Soft skills
| Quality | What the BLS and O*NET say |
|---|---|
| Creativity and artistic ability | Create original images, logos and layouts (BLS) |
| Communication skills | Present ideas and take feedback from clients and art directors (BLS) |
| Analytical skills | Understand the audience and the message (BLS) |
| Computer skills | Keep up with new design software (BLS) |
| Time-management skills | Meet deadlines across several projects (BLS) |
| Innovation and attention to detail | O*NET lists these as the work styles for this job |
O*NET also lists active listening, speaking, writing, critical thinking, time management, negotiation and persuasion as skills.
Graphic Designer Position Requirements
| Requirement | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Education | A bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field is usual; in the O*NET new-hire survey, 65% said a bachelor’s degree, 15% a high school diploma or equivalent and 10% a master’s degree |
| Portfolio | Essential, since employers rely on it for hiring decisions |
| Coursework | Studio art, principles of design, computerized design, commercial graphics production, printing and website design; writing, marketing and business courses also help |
| Experience | Internships, often during a degree program |
| Software skills | You must keep up with new design software through self-study or formal training |
| Certification | Available through software vendors, which can give job seekers a competitive advantage (CareerOneStop) |
Requirements vary by employer, so read each posting closely before you apply.
Graphic Designer Qualifications
Requirements are the minimum to apply. Qualifications are what make a candidate stand out.
| Qualification | What employers look for |
|---|---|
| Minimum qualifications | A strong portfolio, working knowledge of core design software and good communication |
| Preferred education | A bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual communication or a related field |
| Preferred experience | An internship or freelance or in-house work with published results |
| Specialty | Experience in a field such as branding, packaging, print, digital or motion graphics |
| Tool skills | Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma, Canva, and HTML and CSS basics |
| Core abilities | Creativity, time management, receiving feedback and collaboration |
Graphic Designer Work Environment
| Work condition | What graphic designers report (O*NET) |
|---|---|
| 90% use email every day | |
| Time pressure | 70% say they face time pressure every day |
| Sitting | 79% say they sit continually or almost continually |
| Hours | 55% say a typical week is more than 40 hours |
| Competition | 53% say the work is highly competitive |
| Freedom | 40% say they have some freedom to determine tasks, priorities and goals |
| Setting | Usually studios with computers and software, and many collaborate in design teams (BLS) |
| Self-employed designers | May meet clients evenings or weekends and spend time finding projects or competing for contracts (BLS) |
Schedules vary with workloads and deadlines, and self-employed designers may meet clients evenings or weekends.
Where graphic designers work
| Industry | Share of jobs | Median salary (May 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Self-employed workers | 20% | Not reported |
| Manufacturing | 15% | $51,670 |
| Specialized design services | 9% | $63,780 |
| Advertising, public relations and related services | 8% | $61,200 |
| Information | 7% | $62,970 |
Graphic Designer Salary
The BLS reports a May 2025 median salary of $62,960 a year ($30.27 an hour) for graphic designers, compared with $58,240 for all art and design workers and $50,980 for all occupations. By industry, specialized design services has the highest median among the largest employers at $63,780.
| BLS measure (May 2025) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Median annual salary | $62,960 |
| Median hourly salary | $30.27 |
| Lowest 10% earned less than | $39,520 |
| Highest 10% earned more than | $104,910 |
| Art and design workers, median | $58,240 |
| All occupations, median | $50,980 |
Your salary depends on your employer, industry, location, specialty and portfolio. Self-employed designers set their own rates and income varies by client.
Graphic Designer Job Outlook
The BLS projects employment of graphic designers to decline 2% from 2025 to 2035, a loss of about 4,200 jobs, compared with 3% growth for all occupations. About 16,000 openings are still projected each year, all from workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force. The BLS says automated design tools, such as AI, are projected to make designers more productive and reduce the need for them, but that companies expanding their digital presence will still need designers for visually appealing layouts and branding. Strong concept, branding and communication skills help.
Graphic Designer Career Path
The BLS says experienced designers may become chief designers, art directors or supervisors, and some move into teaching at design schools, colleges and universities. O*NET lists related titles such as brand designer, production artist and publications designer.
Graphic design experience also connects to other careers:
| Related job | Typical entry education | Median salary (May 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Art directors | Bachelor’s degree | $114,850 |
| Special effects artists and animators | Bachelor’s degree | $102,030 |
| Web developers and digital designers | Bachelor’s degree | $99,520 |
| Industrial designers | Bachelor’s degree | $83,910 |
| Desktop publishers | Associate’s degree | $55,290 |
How to Become a Graphic Designer
- Study design. A bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field is usual; coursework covers design principles, typography, production and web design.
- Build a portfolio. Employers rely on it for hiring decisions, so show your best work and the results it achieved.
- Learn the tools. Practice Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma, Canva and HTML and CSS basics.
- Get experience. Internships, often during a degree program, build real work for your portfolio.
- Apply and show your strengths. Highlight creativity, communication and finished projects.
Is this job right for you?
- Do you enjoy creating visuals and solving communication problems?
- Are you comfortable taking feedback and making revisions?
- Can you meet deadlines when several projects overlap?
- Will you keep learning new software and design trends?
- Do you want to build a portfolio that shows your style?
Graphic Designer Job Facts at a Glance
| Quick fact | What to know |
|---|---|
| What graphic designers do | Create logos, layouts and images that communicate ideas for clients, brands and publications |
| Median salary (May 2025) | $62,960 a year, or $30.27 an hour (BLS) |
| Jobs in 2025 | About 253,100 |
| Job outlook, 2025 to 2035 | 2% decline; about 16,000 openings a year, all from replacement needs |
| Education | A bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field is usual |
| Portfolio | Essential; employers rely on it for hiring decisions |
| Software | Adobe Creative Cloud, Illustrator, InDesign, Figma and Canva are in demand (O*NET) |
| Top employer type | Self-employed workers, at 20% of jobs |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a graphic designer do?
Graphic designers create logos, layouts and images that communicate ideas for clients, brands and publications. They meet with clients or art directors, design concepts, present them and review final layouts before printing or publishing.
What are the main duties of a graphic designer?
Meeting with clients, researching the audience, creating concepts and layouts, choosing colors and typefaces, developing logos and graphics, presenting and revising, preparing files for print or web and keeping an archive of work.
What skills does a graphic designer need?
The BLS lists analytical skills, artistic ability, communication skills, computer skills, creativity and time-management skills. O*NET adds active listening, critical thinking, innovation and attention to detail.
What education do you need to be a graphic designer?
A bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field is usual, according to the BLS. In the O*NET new-hire survey, 65% said a bachelor’s degree, though a portfolio matters most to employers.
Do you need a portfolio?
Yes. The BLS calls a portfolio essential because employers rely on it for hiring decisions.
What software do graphic designers use?
O*NET lists Adobe Creative Cloud, Illustrator, InDesign, Figma, Canva, Microsoft Office, After Effects, HTML and CSS among the in-demand technologies for graphic designers.
How much do graphic designers make?
The BLS reports a May 2025 median salary of $62,960 a year ($30.27 an hour). The lowest 10% earned less than $39,520 and the highest 10% earned more than $104,910.
Where do graphic designers work?
Self-employed workers account for 20% of jobs, manufacturing 15%, specialized design services 9%, advertising, public relations and related services 8% and information 7%, according to the BLS.
Is graphic design stressful?
It can be. O*NET reports that 70% face time pressure every day and 55% work more than 40 hours in a typical week, and the BLS says schedules vary with workloads and deadlines.
What is the job outlook for graphic designers?
The BLS projects a 2% decline from 2025 to 2035, with about 16,000 openings a year from workers who transfer or leave the labor force. It says AI tools may make designers more productive and reduce the need for them, while companies expanding their digital presence still need visually appealing layouts and branding.
Conclusion
A graphic designer gives ideas a clear, memorable look. With a strong portfolio, up-to-date software skills and good communication, you can build a creative career, even as AI tools change how some work is done. If you are ready to apply, use the resources below to prepare.
Related Reading
- Graphic designer cover letter: 2 samples
- Top 10 graphic designer resume summary examples
- 20 graphic designer resume objective examples
- Entry-level graphic designer cover letter with no experience
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Graphic Designers. O*NET OnLine, 27-1024.00 Graphic Designers. Requirements vary by employer; check the posting before you apply.