If you have ever thought about pursuing a career in graphic designer, you have probably wondered what the average graphic designer salary is. This is an important question, as are inquiries pertaining to things such as educational requirements, job outlook, and work environment. By learning more about the process involved in becoming a graphic designer as well as other information pertaining to the field, you can make an informed decision regarding whether this vocational path would be right for you.
Graphic Designers-The Basics
Although broadly defined, graphic design is a creative process that melds the world of art and technology in order to convey meaning to an audience. Graphic designers who work within the field are responsible for creating visual concepts that communicate ideas that inform, inspire, or somehow captivate consumers. Graphic designers can work by hand or through the use of computer software, and they are responsible for developing the overall production design and layout for brochures, advertisements, corporate reports, and magazines. Many graphic designers work in fields such as specialized design services, advertising, publishing, public relations, or various service industries. About 22% of graphic designers are self-employed.
Graphic Design Salaries
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a graphic designer is $52,110 per year or $25.05 per hour. This salary is subject to change based on a variety of factors such as education, experience, and location.
Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for individuals who work as graphic designers is expected to grow at a rate of 3% between the years of 2018 and 2028. This is slower than the national average for all vocations, and graphic designers are expected to experience a great deal of competition for positions within the field.
Educational Requirements
Typically, graphic designers need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a similar subject in order to work. In some cases, an employer may not require that you have a bachelor’s degree in order to work within the field. However, job candidates who hold degrees are oftentimes more likely to be hired as a result of their demonstrated education and experience. In many cases, you can determine which educational program you should enroll in based on the requirements explained by prospective employers. This can save time and money as you will not have to fulfill any educational requirements that are not outlined by the employer.
Other Considerations
If you are thinking about pursuing a career as a graphic designer, you should know that attaining an internship can help you become a more marketable job candidate. Generally, internships give you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in your field of choice while also networking professionally with individuals who have already developed careers in graphic design.
In addition to thinking about whether attaining an internship can help advance your graphic design career, you should think about the advantages that can result from completing your educational requirements online. In this contemporary era, there are a plethora of educational institutions that offer students the opportunity to study from the privacy of their home during times when it is convenient for them. This can be very advantageous for all students, and especially for those who have full-time jobs or familial responsibilities.
Conclusion
If you are thinking about pursuing a career as a graphic designer, you should know that doing so can bring a variety of personal and professional benefits. By considering the information listed above-such as the average graphic designer salary and educational requirements-you can determine whether this vocational path is right for you.