Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links marked with (Ad). If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Graphic Designers: Entry-Level vs Senior Salary (2025)

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How does Graphic Designers salary grow from entry-level to senior? National salary progression based on 51 states with BLS data.

145% career growth potential

Data: BLS OEWS 2025 • National averages across 51 states • Updated 2026-05-19

Entry-Level (P10)
$39,539
$3,295/mo
Mid-Career (Median)
$60,609
$5,051/mo
Senior (P90)
$96,776
$8,065/mo

Salary Progression: Entry-Level to Senior

The salary range for Graphic Designers spans from $39,539 at entry-level to $96,776 at senior level — a difference of $57,237 per year.

P10
$39K
P25
$48K
Median
$60K
P75
$77K
P90
$96K

Career Growth Premium: +145%

Senior Graphic Designerss earn $57,237 more per year than entry-level professionals.

Annual Difference
+$57,237
Monthly Difference
+$4,770
Hourly Difference
+$27.52
Growth Multiple
2.4x

Detailed Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

Complete percentile breakdown showing how Graphic Designers salary increases with experience, from entry-level (10th percentile) to senior (90th percentile).

Experience Level Percentile Annual Salary Monthly Hourly
Entry-Level P10 $39,539 $3,295 $19.01
Early Career P25 $48,455 $4,038 $23.30
Mid-Career Median $60,609 $5,051 $29.14
Experienced P75 $77,006 $6,417 $37.02
Senior / Expert P90 $96,776 $8,065 $46.53
Key Insight

Graphic Designers shows strong salary progression over a career. Entry-level professionals start around $39,539, while senior-level professionals earn $96,776 — a 145% increase. The biggest salary jump typically occurs between mid-career ($60,609) and experienced level ($77,006), suggesting that specialization and leadership responsibilities are the key drivers of higher pay.

Top States for Senior Graphic Designers Pay

Which states pay the highest senior-level salaries for Graphic Designers? Top 10 states ranked by 90th percentile (senior) pay.

1
$170,680
Entry: $45K
+277%
2
$136,660
Entry: $62K
+120%
3
$131,250
Entry: $43K
+200%
4
$129,560
Entry: $46K
+180%
5
$123,500
Entry: $42K
+190%
6
$122,940
Entry: $47K
+159%
7
$121,680
Entry: $39K
+212%
8
$118,560
Entry: $47K
+152%
9
$115,210
Entry: $47K
+141%
10
$109,630
Entry: $44K
+145%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the entry-level salary for a Graphic Designers?

Entry-level Graphic Designerss (10th percentile) earn approximately $39,539 per year, or $3,294 per month. Early-career professionals (25th percentile) earn around $48,455. Based on 2025 BLS OEWS data across all U.S. states.

How much does a senior Graphic Designers make?

Senior Graphic Designerss (90th percentile) earn approximately $96,776 per year. Experienced professionals (75th percentile) earn around $77,006. This represents a career premium of 145% over entry-level pay.

What is the salary growth potential for a Graphic Designers?

The career salary growth potential for Graphic Designerss is 145%. Entry-level professionals start at $39,539, while senior-level can earn up to $96,776 — a difference of $57,237 per year.

Which state pays the highest salary for senior Graphic Designerss?

The highest-paying state for senior Graphic Designerss is Oregon, where 90th-percentile salaries reach $170,680 per year. See the full state-by-state comparison above.

How are entry-level and senior Graphic Designers salaries determined?

We use BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) 2025 data. The 10th percentile (P10) approximates entry-level pay — the salary that 90% of workers earn more than. The 90th percentile (P90) approximates senior/expert-level pay — only 10% of workers earn above this threshold. National averages are computed across all reporting U.S. states.

Ready to Advance Your Graphic Designers Career?

Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

Related Salary Pages

About This Data

Salary percentile data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. National averages are computed across 51 states and the District of Columbia. P10 approximates entry-level compensation; P90 approximates senior/expert-level compensation. Actual salaries vary based on location, employer, experience, education, and certifications.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

Get Monthly Salary Insights & Career Data

Free data-driven career updates — no spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Join career-minded Americans who use data to make smarter decisions. Privacy Policy