The Complete Guide to Graphic Design Salaries in 2026

Let’s consider these in more detail.

1. How does experience level impact a graphic design professional’s salary?

Understandably, senior designers with several years of experience in the field can expect to earn a higher salary than junior designers who are just starting out. Here is a table that sheds light on the kind of salary growth one can expect when moving from junior to mid-level to senior positions in their career.

As we can see from this table, barring Canada, where salaries for graphic designers and UI designers seem to stagnate after a professional reaches a mid-level position, in nearly all other cases and countries, there is double-digit salary growth from a junior to a mid-level position, and from a mid-level to a senior level position. This suggests that there is sound career growth in these three roles in all the countries mentioned.

In particular, there is strong growth in the early stage of a career as a graphic designer—in Australia, where salaries nearly doubled from approx. A$55,000 to approx. A$1,00,000+, and in India, where salaries increase 74% during this part of the career journey. Of the three roles listed in the table, visual designers have the strongest salary growth from junior through to senior positions, with salaries more than doubling in Canada, India, and the UK.

2. How does location impact a graphic design professional’s salary?

Your salary will also depend on where you’re based, as employers will be benchmarking against what’s typical for your location.

For example, the average salary for a graphic design professional in the United States is higher than the average salary for such a designer in South Africa, which might be reflective of the fact that the cost of living in South Africa is, on average, 52.9% lower than in the United States.

At the same time, salaries may be higher in big cities. For example, the average salary for a graphic design professional in Los Angeles is $62,509 per year (Indeed), slightly higher than the average salary across the United States ($55,516 per year, Indeed).

3. How do graphic design salaries vary by sector and company?

As already mentioned, certain companies and sectors tend to pay better than others. That is why, when benchmarking your salary, consider the type of company you’re working for (or applying to) and whether it falls into one of the higher-paying sectors. Of course, there is no hard and fast rule for such benchmarking, and it’s worth using sites like AmbitionBox and Indeed to conduct more specific research.

4. How can upskilling and industry-related qualifications impact a graphic design professional’s salary?

Even if you don’t have much (or any) graphic design experience, a credible industry qualification may positively impact your earnings.

A degree may give you more leverage when it comes to negotiating a higher salary. Indeed reports that graphic designers in the United States with a Fine Arts degree earn 12.15% more than the average base salary.

Equally, if you’ve completed a practical graphic design course or boot camp with a reputable provider, employers will value the fact that you’re bringing some hands-on experience, and will likely reflect this in the kind of role and, by extension, the salary they’re prepared to offer.

If you’re already an experienced graphic design professional, upskilling can help you acquire specialised skills and further boost your earning potential. Here’s how additional skills and proficiency in certain graphic design tools can impact your salary as a graphic design professional (based on data from Indeed, in the United States):

• User research: +89% more than the average base salary

• SharePoint: +31% more than the average base salary

• Sketch: +28% more than the average base salary

• Cinema 4D: +27% more than the average base salary

• InVision: +27% more than the average base salary

• Sketchup: +25% more than the average base salary

For a more in-depth look at the most important skills, refer to this guide: What Skills Does a Graphic Designer Need in 2026? A Complete Guide

Salary negotiation tips for graphic design professionals

Whether you’re interviewing for a new job or going for a raise at your current company, mastering the art of salary negotiation is key. Here are some tips to help you.

1. Start with salary research

You’re currently reading our guide to graphic design salaries, so it seems like you’ve already started your research. This step is essential for knowing what your skills are worth.

Consult multiple salary databases (we’ve cited several throughout this post, including AmbitionBox, Indeed, Payscale, and Glassdoor) and factor in all the main variables that will impact your salary: your experience level, your location, your qualifications, and the type of company/industry) you’re in (or applying for).

Note down these factors and calculate your own average salary based on what you find.

2. Ask for an exact figure

Based on your research, define a salary range that you’d be comfortable with. For example, if you came up with an average salary figure of $45,000, you might set your range at $43,000 – $48,000.

Keep your range in mind, but ask for an exact figure. Stating a precise number shows that you’re well-informed and, as per research, increases the likelihood of getting an offer close to what you’re asking for.

And, when stating your exact figure, stick to the top end of your salary range. That way, if the employer negotiates you down, you should still fall within your desired ballpark.

3. Don’t be afraid to counter offer

A salary offer is just that: an offer. Don’t feel obliged to take the first figure you’re presented with, especially if you feel strongly that it doesn’t reflect what your skills are worth (or align with your industry benchmarking).

Don’t be afraid to make a counteroffer. Aim somewhere in the middle of what you’ve been offered and what you were hoping for; this would generally land in the realm of what’s feasible from the employer’s side while meeting your salary expectations.

And, if there’s no room for negotiation on the salary, find out what other benefits and perks are included in the offer. Compensation can take many different forms besides money/pay, so it’s important to factor that in when deciding whether to accept or reject an employer’s final offer.

Learn More: How To Create a Graphic Design Portfolio That Will Get You Hired (With Examples)

Becoming a graphic design professional: Next steps

You now have a good indication of what kind of salary you could earn as a graphic design professional. So what does it take to actually become one?

If you’re starting from scratch, consider taking a graphic design course that is specifically dedicated to teaching practical skills and helping you land a graphic design role afterward.

AND Academy offers four different course formats for anybody looking to study graphic design:

• Graphic Design Bootcamp (3 months) — a fast-track and pocket-friendly course, which comes equipped with a beginner-friendly curriculum and an AI Masterclass.
• Certificate in Graphic Design (5 months) — a part-time course which covers the fundamentals of visual design, design for digital, and design for print.
• Diploma in Graphic Design (9 months) — a course which you can continue on to after completing the Certificate program, for another 16 weeks. The Diploma covers form and type, brand identity design, brand promotion and communication, and portfolio development.
• PG Diploma in Graphic Design (14 months part-time) — a course that can be added on after completing the Diploma and will enable you to master graphic design. It also offers a job or money-back guarantee.

All courses are taught via live, interactive, expert-led lessons (online) and hands-on projects, making sure you’re ready to work as a graphic design professional in the real world. Here are a few student projects by AND learners for reference:

• Print and Publication Design Project by Sai Prasad Chandran
• Brand Identity Design Project by Dushyant Singh

You can learn more about AND Academy’s graphic design courses, and check out this round-up of the 9 best graphic design courses and certifications to see what other options are available.

Here are some additional resources that might prove useful:

1. Watch this session by design veteran and AND’s Academic Head, Prachi Mittal, and our Course Lead, Soumya Tiwari.
2. Talk to a course advisor to discuss how you can transform your career with one of our courses.
3. Pursue our Graphic Design courses – all courses are taught through live, interactive classes by industry experts, and some even offer a Job Guarantee.
4. Take advantage of the scholarship and funding options that come with our courses to overcome any financial hurdle on the path of your career transformation.

Note: All information and/or data from external sources is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication.