Occupation · SOC 27-1024
Graphic Designers
Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.
Median wage
$61,300
$37,600–$103,030
Projected growth
+2.1%
Slower than average
Annual openings
570
per year
Employed (US)
214,260
Job Zone 4
Typical preparation
Considerable preparation
Stackable credential programs
995 mapped
Core skills
Active ListeningSpeakingWritingCritical ThinkingActive LearningComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision MakingTime Management
Knowledge areas
DesignFine ArtsComputers and ElectronicsCommunications and MediaEnglish Language
Technology & tools
Document management softwareDevelopment environment softwareVideo creation and editing softwareWeb platform development softwareGraphics or photo imaging software
Representative tasks
Key information into computer equipment to create layouts for client or supervisor.Review final layouts and suggest improvements, as needed.Determine size and arrangement of illustrative material and copy, and select style and size of type.Develop graphics and layouts for product illustrations, company logos, and Web sites.Create designs, concepts, and sample layouts, based on knowledge of layout principles and esthetic design concepts.Use computer software to generate new images.Prepare digital files for printing.Confer with clients to discuss and determine layout design.Research the target audience of projects.Draw and print charts, graphs, illustrations, and other artwork, using computer.Mark up, paste, and assemble final layouts to prepare layouts for printer.Maintain archive of images, photos, or previous work products.Study illustrations and photographs to plan presentation of materials, products, or services.Prepare illustrations or rough sketches of material, discussing them with clients or supervisors and making necessary changes.Prepare notes and instructions for workers who assemble and prepare final layouts for printing.Research new software or design concepts.Produce still and animated graphics for on-air and taped portions of television news broadcasts, using electronic video equipment.Photograph layouts, using camera, to make layout prints for supervisors or clients.Write or edit copy for clients.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) — produce assets to brief under a senior designer's review.Brand-style guides — apply consistently across asset production for routine projects.File-prep for print and digital deliverables — execute correctly per output specifications.Iteration and revision rounds — incorporate feedback efficiently within a project timeline.Stock-image sourcing and rights tracking — perform per brand and legal standards.Typography fundamentals (kerning, leading, hierarchy) — apply correctly on routine layout work.Project files and version control — maintain to team conventions for handoff and archival.Production-art prep (color, bleed, trim, packaging dielines) — produce reliably for routine print work.Time tracking and project hours — log accurately to brief, design, revisions, and production phases.Design-review presentations — present own work clearly in junior critique sessions.
developing
Concept development from creative brief — produce 3–5 directions for review on routine projects.Brand-system applications across multiple touchpoints — execute consistently in a defined system.Multi-channel asset packages (web, social, email, print) — deliver as a cohesive system.Client and stakeholder revisions — manage diplomatically and translate vague feedback into specific changes.Photo art-direction and retouching — direct or execute to a senior's vision on shoot days.Layout systems and grids — design and apply across publication-scale projects.Junior designers and interns — mentor on technical and conceptual fundamentals.Project timelines and dependencies — plan and meet on a personally owned project.Cross-functional review with copy, account, and production — collaborate substantively in meetings.New software and platform features — learn and incorporate from Creative Cloud releases.
proficient
Brand-identity systems from scratch — design and document for clients or in-house brands.Multi-month project ownership — manage end-to-end from brief through final-art delivery.Creative leadership in client meetings — present and defend concepts with stakeholders.Junior and mid-level designers — mentor across the team on craft and process.Award-quality work — produce on selected projects across the year.Cross-discipline collaboration (UX, copywriting, motion, illustration) — partner substantively.Production oversight across complex deliverables — own quality on large packaging or campaign rollouts.Vendor relationships (printers, photographers, illustrators) — manage on behalf of the team.Design-system documentation — author for organization-wide use.Internal critique culture — set the bar through senior-level participation and feedback.
advanced
Creative direction across a brand or agency portfolio — set and uphold across multi-quarter cycles.Hiring, leveling, and team development — own the design-talent pipeline at organization scale.Major brand launches and re-brands — lead end-to-end with executive stakeholders.Industry presence and thought leadership — speak, write, and represent the practice externally.Strategic creative planning multi-quarter — align with marketing, product, and business strategy.Design-budget and capacity planning — own with the head of marketing or agency lead.Design-system governance at scale — set standards across multi-team or multi-brand organizations.Senior designer mentorship and career development — sponsor across the design organization.Cross-functional executive partnerships (product, engineering, marketing) — represent the design point of view.Creative practice and culture — shape through rituals, standards, and aesthetic direction across the team.
Also known as
53 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Creative DesignerLayout ArtistInterface DesignerGraphics CoordinatorForms DesignerGraphic Art DesignerPublic Affairs (Air Force 3N0X6)Graphic DesignerCombat Graphics Specialist (Marine Corps 4512)Technical IllustratorPresentation SpecialistPublic Affairs Journeyman (Air Force 3N056)Marketing Graphic DesignerCombat Artist (Officer) (Marine Corps 4606)Graphics SpecialistArtistMass Communications Specialist (Navy MC)Public Affairs Helper (Air Force 3N016)Visual Information Specialist (Army 46V)Public Affairs Manager (Air Force 3N000)DesignerOnline ProducerGraphic Design CoordinatorPublic Affairs Specialist (Coast Guard PA)Production Graphic DesignerProduction ArtistConcept ArtistPublic Affairs Apprentice (Air Force 3N036)Design ConsultantMultimedia DesignerPublic Affairs Craftsman (Air Force 3N076)Production Manager (Navy 002761)Graphic Illustrator Apprentice (Navy A26A)Multimedia SpecialistCatalogue IllustratorBrand DesignerPublications DesignerLabel MakerCommercial ArtistVisual Graphic Designer