Graphic Designers: What is your annual salary?

Graphic Designers: What is your annual salary?

Computer graphic designers work with clients to bring their visual concepts to life by incorporating content, images or logos that effectively communicate a brand or idea message. Once the template is created using design software, various types of products can be produced according to customer specifications, such as print ads, Internet banners or billboards. The average salary of a computer graphic designer varies depending on factors such as location and employment industry.

National average

According to the May 2011 information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a computer graphic designer earns an average annual salary of $ 48,690. The average salary is $ 44,010 per year or $ 21.16 per hour. The lowest 10 percent of recipients earn over $ 26,210 per year, while the highest 10 percent earn $ 77,370 on average.

Industry

Computer graphic designers employed by the federal executive branch earn an average annual salary of $ 75,570, according to the BLS. That makes it the industry that pays the most. Other industries that offer high salaries for this field include amusement parks and game rooms, at $ 65,980 per year; with the monetary authorities, $ 65,650; aerospace products and parts manufacturing, $ 64,800; and the film and video industries, $ 64,350.

Location

Geographical location is another factor to consider in the search for high-paying graphic design opportunities. The District of Colombia offers the highest average salary for this occupation at $ 66,030 per year. Other places that offer higher salaries than the average are New York, at $ 59,580 per year; California, $ 57,140; Connecticut, $ 54,530; and Virginia, $ 53,950.

Job prospects

Computer graphic designers will be in great demand amid an increase in the use of portable electronic devices, communication devices and electronic media. The BLS expects the number of jobs to grow by 61 percent from 2010 to 2020, which is much higher than the average for all occupations. Jobs for computer systems design companies will see the highest growth rate, while jobs for computer graphic designers in the advertising industry will be at the lower end of the scale.