According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for graphic designers will grow about as fast as the average occupation through 2014. Graphic designers will continue to be in demand by publishers, advertisers, and computer design firms. At the same time, graphic designers face competition with many other graphic designers. Therefore, earning a graphic design degree will be particularly important in order for a graphic designer to set himself or herself apart from the competition.
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual salary for graphic designers in May 2004 was $38,030. Those working in the architectural and engineering field earned the most, with an average median salary of $42,740. Those earning the least worked in the periodical, newspaper, book, and directory field and earned a median annual salary of $32,390. The total earnings for graphic designers, however, varies according to the graphic designer’s level of responsibility.
