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How is the pay for a graphic designer
#graphic-design #graphic-designer #graphics #interior #logo-design
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Kelly’s Answer
Hi Steven,
As Mauro said, it really depends on a number of things: geography, industry, type of design. Some states pay higher wages because cost of living is higher. Some industries pay higher wages because they're more lucrative. Some design specialties are niche and harder to find the right candidates. It also depends on if you're looking to be a full-time salaried employee versus a freelancer/contractor. As a full-time salaried employee, you're typically provided with all of the tools you need, and your salary is only one part of your overall pay (consider your health insurance costs, vacation time, and any other benefits as part of your compensation). If you're looking to do the latter, you'll have to do some calculations on hourly rates and also take into consideration any expenses (i.e. buying your own software licenses, getting private health insurance) and setting aside money for taxes (as a freelancer/contractor taxes are usually not taken out for you).
There are a number of websites you can use to find averages, but I find the Bureau of Labor Statistics helpful: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes271024.htm
It breaks down by the three categories I listed above. If you're looking to go into web/digital design, the salaries are likely to be higher.
As Mauro said, it really depends on a number of things: geography, industry, type of design. Some states pay higher wages because cost of living is higher. Some industries pay higher wages because they're more lucrative. Some design specialties are niche and harder to find the right candidates. It also depends on if you're looking to be a full-time salaried employee versus a freelancer/contractor. As a full-time salaried employee, you're typically provided with all of the tools you need, and your salary is only one part of your overall pay (consider your health insurance costs, vacation time, and any other benefits as part of your compensation). If you're looking to do the latter, you'll have to do some calculations on hourly rates and also take into consideration any expenses (i.e. buying your own software licenses, getting private health insurance) and setting aside money for taxes (as a freelancer/contractor taxes are usually not taken out for you).
There are a number of websites you can use to find averages, but I find the Bureau of Labor Statistics helpful: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes271024.htm
It breaks down by the three categories I listed above. If you're looking to go into web/digital design, the salaries are likely to be higher.
Updated
Mauro’s Answer
Hi Steven,
Depending on your level of experience it can vary.
When i was working for Old Navy, an entry level in-house graphic designer for the RETAIL. I have to emphasize the industry because each industry pays more than the other.
They were averaging around 40-50k
Some graphic designers are freelancers so that is a different kind of compensation.
And Agencies do have a different type of compensation as well.
Try to think what kind of designer you want to be and in what industry.
Depending on your level of experience it can vary.
When i was working for Old Navy, an entry level in-house graphic designer for the RETAIL. I have to emphasize the industry because each industry pays more than the other.
They were averaging around 40-50k
Some graphic designers are freelancers so that is a different kind of compensation.
And Agencies do have a different type of compensation as well.
Try to think what kind of designer you want to be and in what industry.
Updated
Kelli’s Answer
I'll add to the great answers already given here. Something to keep in mind is also the type of graphic design you'd like to go into. I was a print designer for many years and I really enjoyed that particular type of design. I have colleagues and friends that are illustrators and video game designers. While we use many of the same tools and speak some of the same design languages, our talents and expertise may lie in different types of design.